How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?
Asphalt roofing is a popular choice for Michigan homeowners. The material has been used in residential roofing applications for over a century, providing durable, reliable protection against the elements. Learn what factors affect the average life span of an asphalt roof to help you understand the expected longevity and how you can extend it.
Asphalt Roof Life Span
The average asphalt roof lasts 15 to 30 years. The exact life span depends on the type of shingles used, installation quality, maintenance, local weather conditions, and more.
Factors Affecting the Life Span of an Asphalt Roof
Consider these specific factors that affect your asphalt roof’s life span:
- Installation quality: The roofing contractor’s expertise significantly affects longevity. Workers who rush through the job or use more nails than necessary may reduce the life span of your roof.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to extreme temperatures, high winds, heavy snow, and hailstorms accelerates wear and tear.
- Attic ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is often overlooked, but it’s essential for protecting the underside of your roof from high temperatures and humidity. It’s so impactful that poor ventilation may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Roof orientation: The direction your roof faces affects its exposure to sunlight and weather conditions, influencing how long the shingles last.
- Maintenance: Annual inspections and timely repairs are necessary to maximize a roof’s life span. Occasional once-overs help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
- Material quality: Not all asphalt roofs are created equal. For instance, economical three-tab shingles typically last 15 to 20 years. Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, last 20 to 30 years. Premium shingles offer the most impressive life span of 25 to 40 years.
Maximizing Your Roof’s Life Span
To ensure your asphalt roof lasts as long as possible, consider these tips:
- Invest in quality materials: Choose premium shingles, even if they cost more initially because they’re more likely to withstand harsh weather and wear. The investment should pay for itself by delaying roof replacement for a decade or more.
- Hire a reputable contractor: Ensure your roofer has a strong track record and experience installing asphalt roofs.
- Maintain regularly: Follow a routine roof inspection schedule. Inexpensive repairs can add years to your roof’s overall life span.
- Consider the local climate: Select roofing materials and installation techniques suitable to your area’s weather conditions to enhance durability.
When To Replace Your Asphalt Roof
It’s always better to replace your roof preemptively than to experience the headache and hassle of water damage caused by an old, leaky roof. Watch for these signs that your shingles are damaged and need to be replaced:
- Widespread granule loss
- Cracked or curled shingles
- Fallen shingles littering your yard
- Lifted corners
- Sagging roofline
In addition to these signs, it might be time to consider a replacement if your roof is nearing the end of its expected life span or repairs are becoming frequent and costly.
Why Choose Schoenherr Roofing for Your Asphalt Roof Replacement?
The contractor you choose to replace your asphalt roof makes a big difference. Schoenherr Roofing has served Southeast and Southwest Michigan since 1995. We’re committed to caring for our customers, continuously improving, and providing excellence-driven results. Our team offers custom solutions tailored to your situation, with no-pressure sales tactics that ensure you don’t pay for what you don’t need.
Rest assured that we’re A+ rated with the BBB, an Angi Pro, and a Home Advisor Pro, reflecting our mission to faithfully serve with trust, excellence, and integrity.
If you’re considering an asphalt roof replacement, contact Schoenherr Roofing for a free in-home estimate in Southeast or Southwest Michigan.
