What is the Longest Lasting Type of Asphalt Shingle?

An asphalt shingle roof is a big investment. Because of this, it makes sense that you want to find a shingle that lasts a long time. 

But there are 3 different types of shingles to choose from. So, what is the longest lasting type of asphalt shingle? 

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners find the perfect asphalt shingle fit for their roof replacement. Now we’ll help you determine if the longest lasting asphalt shingle is right for you. 

First, we’ll quickly break down which asphalt shingle it is and its lifespan. After that, you’ll learn 3 more things about it to truly determine if it’s the best fit for you. 

What is the longest lasting asphalt shingle?

Of the 3 types of asphalt shingles, the longest lasting are luxury (or premium) asphalt shingles. Luxury asphalt shingles are larger and thicker than 3-tab or architectural shingles, which makes them more durable. 

Luxury asphalt shingles should last up to 30 years, and that number can be pushed even further in perfect conditions. For comparison, architectural asphalt shingles will last around 22-25 years. 

While it’s great to put numbers on a roof’s lifespan, just know there are a lot of factors that ultimately impact the life of a roof. So, unfortunately, it’s impossible to put an exact number on the lifespan of any roofing material. 

But as long as luxury asphalt shingles are properly installed and your attic has adequate ventilation, they’ll get as close as possible to their maximum lifespan.

3 things to know about luxury asphalt shingles

Now you know that luxury asphalt shingles are the longest lasting type of asphalt shingle. But before deciding if it’s the right type of asphalt shingle for you, there’s more you need to know about it. 

Let’s get to 3 more things to know about luxury asphalt shingles. 

1. Luxury asphalt shingles have high curb appeal

A new roof will always boost your home’s curb appeal, no matter what type of asphalt shingle you choose. However, luxury asphalt shingles offer the biggest boost to your home’s curb appeal. 

Luxury shingles are designed to look like slate tiles to give your roof a look that stands out. Now, it won’t look exactly like a real slate roof. 

But it still makes a luxury asphalt shingle roof one of the best-looking roofs on the market. Just know that this luxury look comes at an expensive price point, which brings us to the next point. 

2. The cost of luxury asphalt shingles

For most homeowners, the biggest factor in their decision-making process is pricing. But the truth is, your roof will be an investment no matter what type of roofing material you choose.

With that in mind, luxury asphalt shingles literally have “luxury” in the name. So, they come at a premium price point. 

Unfortunately, I can’t give you an exact price for a luxury asphalt shingle roof due to all the factors that go into a new roof’s cost. But I can give you a general idea of the budget you’ll need if you determine luxury asphalt shingles are right for you. 

For a two-story house with a cut-up, complex roof, a steep pitch, and not easily accessible, you can expect a new luxury asphalt shingle roof to cost around $7.50 per square foot. This includes using all of the manufacturer’s roofing components and upgrading to copper flashing.

Like I said, luxury asphalt shingles are a luxury roofing material. So, it’s understandable for the price to be a little intimidating.  

If the price is too high for you, architectural asphalt shingles are a great material at a more affordable price point. 

3. The material warranty you get on luxury asphalt shingles 

You’ll have two types of warranties on a luxury asphalt shingle roof. The first one is on the roofing contractor’s workmanship, but it varies from company to company. 

The second one is the material warranty you get from the manufacturer that covers any problem or defect with the luxury asphalt shingles themselves. Luxury asphalt shingles automatically come out of the package with a 30-year prorated warranty. 

However, by using one single manufacturer’s roofing components and materials, you’ll be able to qualify for a 50-year non-prorated warranty on your luxury asphalt shingle roof system. This enhanced warranty means the manufacturer covers your entire roof system for the life of the luxury shingles and other roofing materials.

Just know improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation voids an enhanced warranty. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a high-quality roofing contractor to install your luxury asphalt shingles. 

Are luxury asphalt shingles right for you?

There you have it, the 3 things you need to know about luxury asphalt shingles. Now you should have a good idea if luxury shingles are the right roofing material for you. 

If you decide they are, great. If this is the case, you’re ready to reach out to a local roofing contractor. 

But what if luxury asphalt shingles are too expensive or not what you’re looking for? Or what if you just want to know the other roofing material options available?

No matter which one of the above you fall under, we have just the guide you need. The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof has all the advantages and disadvantages of the most common residential roofing materials and their cost, lifespan, and warranty options. 

But that’s not all the buyer’s guide does for you. It also helps you learn how to find a great roofing contractor, the different roofing components you’ll pay for, how to pay for a new roof, and so much more. 

Don’t experience buyer’s remorse when it comes to your roof investment. Keep going to get Your Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof. 

Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has replaced thousands of roofs for homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. No matter what type of roofing material you choose, you can count on us and our workmanship backed by a lifetime warranty to take care of your roof for decades to come. 

If you’re local to Nashville or another Middle Tennessee area, don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your roofing needs. 

Here’s The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof so that you can make the right purchasing decisions for your upcoming roof replacement.