If you have a shingle roof or are considering installing one, you may be wondering: how long does a shingle roof last?
Different roofing materials have different expected lifespans, and various factors can impact how long a roof lasts on your home. Read on to learn more about the lifespans of shingle roof materials. Contact our team at Aspect Roofing Co. in Coralville, IA, today to schedule your free roof inspection.
Average Lifespans of Different Shingle Materials
“Shingle roof” is a catchall term for roofing systems that consist of shingles rather than tiles. Roof shingles are flat, rectangular coverings laid in an overlapping pattern.
The shingles on a roof can consist of several different materials. Here are a few of the most common shingle materials and their average lifespans:
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 20 years
- Architectural shingles: 20 to 30 years
- Composite shingles: 20 to 50 years
- Modified runner shingles: 30 years
- Wood shingles: 30 to 40 years
If you’re unsure which shingle material is currently on your home, you can schedule a free roofing inspection with our team. We’ll help you identify your shingle material, inspect your roof, and estimate how long you can expect it to last.
Factors Affecting a Roof’s Lifespan
The average lifespans we listed above each consist of ranges between 10 and 15 years. You may be wondering where your shingle roof falls in that range.
Numerous factors can affect a roof’s lifespan, including the following:
Materials
As we discussed above, the type of roofing material that makes up your shingle roof can affect its lifespan. For example, composite shingles are more durable than asphalt shingles but are also more expensive upfront.
Installation
Installing a roofing system is a task that requires extensive training and expertise. If your previous roofing company installed your shingles incorrectly, the shingles could blow off with a strong wind gust or cause water to seep into the roof decking, creating a leak.
You can trust our team at Aspect Roofing Co. to install shingles professionally and carefully to ensure that they provide adequate protection and last for many decades.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is the layer that lies between your shingles and your roof deck. This material provides extra protection against moisture.
Traditionally, most roofing companies used felt-paper underlayment, which consists of an organic paper saturated with asphalt. While felt paper provides some water resistance, roofers have begun installing higher quality underlayment materials, like self-adhesive polymers and synthetic materials, to maximize protection.
Weather
One of the most significant sources of damage to roofs is harsh weather conditions. If your roof experiences excessive rain, heavy snow, ice dams, strong winds, or other extreme weather conditions, your shingles may not last as long as they could otherwise.
Coralville tends to get slightly more snow than the national average, increasing the risk of roof damage. However, applying a protective ice and water shield under your shingles could reduce the risk of water seeping through your roof.
Maintenance
All roofing materials require at least a small amount of maintenance to stay at their peak performance. However, shingle roofs tend to be less durable than other roofing materials, and upkeep is even more important for these roofs.
Shingle roofs require the following maintenance tasks at least once or twice per year:
- Remove leaves, debris, and organic matter from the gutters
- Inspect the roof for missing granules, cracks, and loose shingles
- Repair any damage as it occurs
Our team would be happy to provide a free roof inspection to help you catch any issues before they worsen.
Shingles vs. Tiles: Which Lasts Longer?
Shingle roofs are some of the most popular roofing systems in Iowa. However, you may be wondering: how long does a shingle roof last compared to a tile roof?
Shingle roofs tend to have shorter lifespans than tile roofs — typically about half as long. However, tile roofs are also more expensive upfront.
If you’re wondering which roofing system is right for your needs, our team can help. We can explain the pros and cons of the different types of roofs we offer, then provide expert guidance to help you make the right decision.
Contact Aspect Roofing Co. today at 319-382-0073 to schedule your Coralville, IA, roofing inspection or estimate.
