When you invest in a new roof, you’ll want to get as many years out of it as possible. Because a new roof isn’t cheap, it’s important to know what you are investing in, and how long it might last. In this article we’ll ask how long do shingle roofs last and provide information that will help you make an informed choice.
What are roof shingles?
Roof shingles are a type of covering for pitched roofs. They are laid in an overlapping style where each row overlaps the next when installed from the bottom of the roof up to the top. Roof shingles are usually flat and rectangular, although square designs are also relatively common. They are generally made of asphalt, but can also be made of wood, plastic, slate or metal. A shingle roof is a very visible part of your home and add a lot to the overall aesthetic. For this reason they are available in a wide variety of colours.
What are the benefits of roof shingles?
Roof shingles are relatively quick and easy to install. All roofing jobs are dependent on the weather, so it can be hard to predict how long it will take, but an average reshingling job should take around three days. Roof shingles are durable, meaning they can stand up to the weather, and the higher quality ones will be resistant to UV rays. They are also affordable, especially when compared to concrete and slate tiles. Because they look great, you don’t have to sacrifice style for affordability.
How long do shingle roofs last?
A typical asphalt roof shingle will last between 15-25 years, but you should bear in mind that roofs in areas that sea significant winds or a lot of storms may not last as long. There are three different types of asphalt roof shingle: three-tab, architectural and premium. Three-tab shingles have a maximum wind-uplift of of 60-70mph. Higher quality shingles have better maximum uplift, which make them more suitable for windy areas. Approximate life spans of asphalt shingles are:
- Three-tab shingles: 10-20 years
- Architectural shingles: 15-25 years
- Premium shingles: 20-30 years
How to look after your roof shingles
It is inevitable that your shingles will get a lot of wear and tear. There is little you can do to prevent this. Instead, the best thing to do is keep a close eye on them and ensure any problems are quickly repaired by experts. Check your roof from the street on a regular basis, looking for holes, cracks, cupping, curling and brittleness. You should also keep an eye out for mineral granules from shingles in your gutters. If you are worried, drop us a line and one of our friendly team will come and inspect your roof, and give you a quote for any necessary repairs. Roof Cleaning also helps.
