Looking for a 40 year shingle lifespan so you don’t have to worry about another major roofing project for a lifetime? Asphalt shingles in the United States, which is the most popular roofing material due to its affordability and durability—usually includes 25 years warranties. The warranty length alone can give an idea about how long this material should last.
Asphalt shingle products in the market come in different lifespan categories, in which most of them falls into a 25-, 30-, 40-year, or even lifetime. However, it’s important to note that oftentimes, they don’t really last as long as they are promised to be. A 40 year shingle product, for example, is expected to serve for around 35 years given that it is cared properly.
What type of asphalt shingle used contributes a lot in the length of roof’s service time. Here are different shingle types along with their expected lifespan:
- 3-tab shingles: This is the cheapest option out of asphalt shingle types. They usually have life expectation between 15 and 20 years.
- Dimensional or architectural shingles: Offering a more extensive lifespan compared to the 3-tab type and is available at higher price tag, they typically last for 20 to 30 years.
- Premium shingles: Boasting the lengthiest expected lifetime amongst other shingle product, it is promised as a 40-year shingle roof product with minimal lifespan of 25 years.
Beside the shingle types, various factors can play into the lifespan of your shingle roof, such as the weather and climate conditions of the area. Extreme temperature, rain, storm, and sun can impact the roof. At the end of the day, the main function of a roof is to protect the building from these elements, so it’s understandable that it will bear the brunt of various kinds of weather. Being affected from weather is understandable, but there are ways to lessen it.
Regular maintenance such as cleaning is one of them. Being exposed to wet weather and moisture can cause mold and algae to form. Cleaning the roof can also help to boasts curb appeal and improve the house appearance. In general, it is recommended to use a plain garden hose or a soft wash to clean the area.
Frequent check-ups and minor repairs help immensely to prevent more major and costly damage. It is suggested by professional roofers to have the roofs professionally inspected at least once every 3 years. This way, any signs of wear such as missing granules or cracked shingles can be detected earlier, resulting in higher chance to get your 40 year shingle roof last as long as it supposed to.
