Do 30 year shingles really last 30 years?

The truth is that a 30-year-old roof tile won't really last 30 years. The expected lifespan of a product of 30 years, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If not properly cared for, that 30-year-old roof tile will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing market.

6 days ago, architectural asphalt tiles have a lifespan of 30 years specified by the manufacturer. So you probably think you'll be spending 30 years away from home. A roofer can assure you that it will last 25 or 30 years, but you may not be convinced. The truth is, you should get pretty close to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan for your roofing materials, but there are several factors that affect the lifespan of an asphalt roof.

That's why you need to know when your roof tells you it's time to replace asphalt shingles. Metal tiles are a different component of a roofing system than roofs with vertical joints: instead of interlocking sheets of metal, they are composed of tiles made of metal. If you live in a region that receives intense sunlight, such as Southern California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico or Arizona, it's important to know that your asphalt tile roof may not survive as long as it would in the Midwest or Northeast. While there are many different styles and colors for 3-tab roof tiles, they aren't as visually appealing as some of the architectural tile options from 30, 40, or 50 years ago.

Trapped hot air literally burns the roof, causes roof adhesives to deteriorate, and causes asphalt shingles to crack or curl. However, if you have room for maneuver in your budget and are concerned about the total cost of the roof material, you will have to consider the fact that you will have to repair and replace a 3-tab roof for 20 years earlier and more often than an architectural tile roof system. Although asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roof tile in the U.S. In the USA, roof tiles can be made of different types of materials.

Finally, roof tiles can also be made from synthetic materials, resulting in extremely durable roof tiles. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, these tiles can mimic the look of historic and natural roofing systems, such as roof tiles from slate or cedar shingles. This historic roofing material can be presented in the form of tiles or slats, the latter being machine-cut and the slats broken by hand. You'll often hear that roofing manufacturers and contractors alike refer to roof tiles as products from 20, 30, 40, or 50 years ago.

It can be a very frustrating experience when you bought a roof 20 years ago and were told that shingles have a lifespan of 30 years (or sometimes 50 years) and are now failing. If asphalt shingles are cracked, bent, or lacking granules, they need to be repaired or replaced. Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural shingles, are made of fiberglass with a thin layer of asphalt that gives them a three-dimensional feel and appearance.

Geneva Bainer
Geneva Bainer

A passionate beer enthusiast and writer with a rich background in construction. She writes about construction topics, sharing her practical knowledge and expertise. Her dual passions allow her to blend technical insights with engaging storytelling, making her work both informative and captivating for readers interested in construction.