How Long do Asphalt Roof Shingles Actually Last?

What it means to have a 30 year shingle

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options for homeowners across America. In fact, they’re used on more than 80% of roofing and re-roofing projects across the U.S. Their versatility allows them to be used in just about every part of the country, from the hot and humid southeast to the cold and snowy northwest.

In general, there are two types of asphalt shingles that are used: architectural (or laminated) shingles and 3-tab shingles. 3-tab shingles are composed of a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules. They can typically withstand wind speeds of up to 60mph. Architectural shingles are also composed of a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules. However, these shingles are composed of multiple layers bonded together. Shingles with multiple layers bonded together are usually more durable than shingles composed of a single layer. They can typically withstand wind speeds greater than 60mph.

So how long do asphalt shingles last?

We often hear the term “30-40-50 year shingles,” but how long do they actually last? The truth is, in Florida, the actual life expectancy of these shingles is a lot less. The 30-40-50 year designation actually refers to the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties, especially longer ones, often prorate to zero at the end of the warranty period. This would mean that, if, in the 20th year of its life, a roof with shingles warranted for 30 years failed, the warranty may cover only 30% of the roof’s total replacement cost, since the shingles were already 70% of the way through their warranty period. Even less than that time period might be covered if that’s how the warranty was written, so it’s a good idea to read the manufacturer’s warranty carefully before choosing your product.

Typical life expectancy (in Florida) of a 3-tab shingle is anywhere from 10-15 years. An architectural shingle will typically last 15-20 years. With proper maintenance and the right environment the shingles can last longer. On the other hand, with no maintenance and a harsh environment, the shingles will likely not last as long as the numbers above.

12 year old architectural shingles

Several factors affect shingle lifespan. These factors include:

• Roofing material quality
• Quality of maintenance
• Proper installation
• Number of layers
• Structure orientation: south-facing roofs will have shorter lifespans
• Degree of roof slope: flatter roofs will have shorter lifespans
• Climate and exposure: (wind, hail, snow & rain); harsh climates shorten roof lifespans
• Homesite location: coastal climates promote corrosion of all metal exposed to weather
• Temperature swings: climates with large daily temperature differentials will shorten roof lifespans
• Elevation: homes at higher elevations are exposed to more ultra violet (UV) light, which shortens roof lifespan
• Roof color: darker roofs absorb more heat which may shorten roofing material lifespan
• Roof structure ventilation: poor ventilation shortens roof lifespans

All shingle roofs will have to be replaced at some point, and there’s really no such thing as a 50 year asphalt shingle roof (at least in Florida). The best thing you can do to prolong the life of your asphalt shingles is to properly maintain them. Inspect the roof routinely, remove any debris that has accumulated and make necessary repairs in a timely manner. These simple steps will help you get the most out of your roof and save you money in the long-run.