How Long Do Dimensional Shingles Last

Asphalt shingles are North America’s most popular roofing material. They are easy to install and affordable. When it is time to replace your roof you should consider how long the roofing material will be able to last. The lifespan of an asphalt roof depends on many factors. How long can roof shingles last?

It is the design and material of the Shingle that makes a difference

Today’s roofing industry offers asphalt shingles in many colors and designs. The most popular designs are the premium shingle and the dimensional or strip shingle. Each design has a different life expectancy.

• Strip shingles are made up of one layer. The most common type of stripe design is the three-tab shingle. They can last between 10 and 25 years.
• Dimensional shingles are made up of two or more layers. These shingles are heavier and can last between 30 to 50 years.
• Premium shingles can often look like natural slate or shake roofs. Premium roofs can last for up to 50 years.

Different materials are used by manufacturers when making asphalt shingles. Most manufacturers use an organic mat or a fiberglass one when making asphalt shingles. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Organic shingle comes with a mat made of paper, cellulose or wood fiber. To provide waterproofing, the mat is saturated with asphalt. An additional layer of asphalt is added to provide protection and an adhesive layer for granules. These granules protect against weather and the sun. An organic shingle has two main benefits: it is more flexible in colder waters and uses renewable resources.

A fiberglass shingle is a mat made of fiberglass fibers. These mats were originally used to replace asbestos in asphalt roofing. The fiberglass mat is embedded with asphalt containing mineral fibres by the manufacturer, making it more resistant to fire and waterproof.

Other factors that influence the life expectancy of an asphalt roof Shingle Roof

Other than design and material, there are many factors that affect the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs. These are the four most important.

Installation quality

How long a roof will last depends on how well it is installed. Poor installation can lead to a poor underlayment, inadequate installation around skylights, and shingles blowing off in high winds. Poor installation can also void your warranty on roofing materials. It is important to choose a quality company from the many Orlando roofing companies.

Sublayment

Some roofers do not see the need to have a well-installed, solid underlayment. The shingles are meant to protect the roof from the elements. The opposite is true. The shingles protect against the sun’s UV radiations, Florida heat and tumultuous weather. They can also be lifted by high winds, which allows moisture to get under them. Your roof is protected by the waterproof underlayment.

Ventilation

Your roof’s worst enemy is an unventilated and hot attic. The heat trapped in an attic can actually cause shingles to become scorched. This reduces the shingle’s lifespan by a significant amount. Ventilated attics keep temperatures low, which reduces the risk of shingles being damaged. It also helps to lower your summer energy costs because it doesn’t transfer heat into your home.

Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance is the most important factor that affects its lifespan. Routine inspections are a good way to catch small problems before they escalate into major problems. If a shingle is damaged by wind, it can be replaced quickly to prevent further damage. This can dramatically increase the life expectancy of your roof.

In the last few decades, asphalt shingle construction and design have advanced significantly. Quality shingles can last for many decades if they are properly maintained and installed. A Old Time Roofing can help you find a roof that suits your needs. You can trust us as the Tampa roofing experts.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which offers roofing in St Petersburg FL. Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978.  Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.