“Are you curious about how long an asphalt roof can last? You might be surprised to learn that with proper maintenance, an asphalt roof can last up to 25 years or more. However, many homeowners unknowingly shorten the lifespan of their roofs by neglecting routine maintenance.
In this blog post, we will reveal the truth about the lifespan of an asphalt roof, including the factors that affect it, the signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement, and the maintenance tips you can use to extend its life.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to protect your investment and ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible.”
Average Lifespan of An Asphalt Roof And Its Types
An asphalt roof is a type of roofing system that is made up of asphalt shingles. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is around 15-30 years, but with proper maintenance and regular inspections, you can extend it.
The lifespan of asphalt roofs greatly depends on the types of shingles you have used on your roof. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for residential and commercial roofs due to their affordability, durability, and variety of designs. There are several types of asphalt shingles available on the market. Here are some of the most common types and their lifespans:
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles have a flat, uniform appearance and are typically the most affordable type of asphalt shingle. They are suitable for most standard residential roofs. Among homeowners, 3-tab shingles are a popular choice due to their affordability and durability.
The average lifespan of 3-tab shingles is around 20 years, but this is a general estimate since their lifespan depends on many factors, such as the quality of installation, weather conditions, and proper ventilation. For example, if 3-tab shingles are installed by a professional with proper ventilation and under ideal weather conditions, they could last even longer than 25 years.
Architectural Shingles
When it comes to roofing materials, architectural shingles are a popular choice among homeowners. Often referred to as laminate or dimensional shingles, they offer a more complex and dimensional design than basic 3-tab shingles while also being more durable. As a result, they have a longer lifespan, with an average of 25-30 years.
Unlike 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles are made of multiple layers, which provide added protection and durability to the roof. Their thicker construction and more intricate design also make them more resistant to wind and weather damage, ensuring they can hold up well in areas with severe weather conditions.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles, also known as designer shingles or high-end shingles, are a premium type of asphalt shingle that offers an exceptional aesthetic appeal. Designed to mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials such as slate or cedar shakes, they are created with the highest quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. As a result, they boast a longer lifespan, with an average of 30-40 years.
Despite their cost, investing in luxury shingles is well worth it. In addition to enhancing the overall appearance of your home, they are highly resistant to severe weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures. You can also help extend the lifespan of your luxury shingles further by doing regular maintenance and making sure they’re properly installed by a professional roofing company.
Factors That Affect the Longevity Of An Asphalt Roof
When it comes to the longevity of asphalt roofs, there are several factors that can greatly impact it.
The Quality of Installation
Proper installation means that the roof is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the building code of your area.
First and foremost, if the installation is not done correctly, it may result in leaks or water infiltration into the house, which can cause damage to the roof and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, it can lead to mold and mildew formation, which can affect the health of the inhabitants of the house.
The quality of installation ensures that the roof is able to provide proper protection to the building, thus increasing its lifespan.
The Weather Conditions
When it comes to the longevity of an asphalt roof, weather conditions can significantly impact it. Extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the roof over time, reducing its lifespan.
For example:
- High winds can cause shingles to come loose or even tear off completely, leaving the roof exposed to the elements.
- Heavy rain can cause leaks or water infiltration, which can cause damage to the roof and shorten its lifespan.
- Extreme temperatures, such as hot summers and cold winters, can cause the roof to expand and contract, leading to cracking and other forms of damage.
Additionally, the moisture and pooled water on your roof help mold to form and causes further deterioration.
Level Of Ventilation
Proper ventilation can help to prevent the buildup of moisture and heat, which can cause damage to the roof over time and shorten its lifespan.
As the temperature in the attic increases, the shingles on the roof become more prone to damage. High temperatures cause the shingles to curl up and be less able to withstand the elements, shortening the lifespan of the roof. Adequate ventilation can help to prevent this issue by providing adequate air circulation, which also restricts the formation of mold, mildew, and ice dams.
Roof Slope
The slope of your roof will have an impact on how long your asphalt roof will last. Though asphalt roofs are not common on flat roofs, if you have a roof with a low slope, your home will be more vulnerable to water damage. Water tends to collect on low-sloped roofs, and if this ponded water sits on your roof too long, it will begin to seep under the asphalt material and cause damage to it along with the roof decking.
Ensure that your roof is designed with a steep enough slope with adequate drainage if you intend to install an asphalt roof.
How Can You Extend The Lifespan Of An Asphalt Roof?
Although many factors can severely damage asphalt shingles, the following steps can protect your roof.
Regularly Maintain The Roof
You can protect your roof and extend its lifespan by regularly maintaining it. Roof maintenance includes regularly cleaning the gutter system and exterior of the roof to prevent water damage and scheduling regular inspections to spot any issues before they become worse.
Repair Weather Damage
Severe weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the roof over time, reducing its lifespan.
As a solution, promptly address any weather damage and make repairs to prevent further damage and extend the roof’s lifespan. For example, adding extra reinforcement to the roof can help to prevent damage from high winds, and regular maintenance can help to prevent leaks caused by heavy rain.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how long does an asphalt roof last, the factors that shorten its lifespan, and the maintenance tips you can use, you can make a decision based on the needs and factors of your own asphalt roof.
Well, if you want to replace or install a new roof, we can assist you with that! At Division Kangaroof, we are a team of professional and skilled roofers who aim to help homeowners with our roofing services. We would love to assist you with your roof replacement, installation, inspection, or maintenance needs. Call us today at (706)-778-3516 for a roof inspection and a free estimate.
