young couple smiling about the roofing tips for new homeowners
A variety of variables make up the typical life expectancy of any roofing system – let alone the Life Expectancy for Asphalt Roofs.

Roof durability relies a lot on the environment of the area in which you live and whether one maintains their roof regularly. In most cases, homeowners procrastinate with routine roof maintenance . Unfortunately, this can shorten the life-span of a roof. Especially a rooftop made of asphalt shingles. 

Average Life Span of Roof Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most typical types of shingles for roofs. They have been around since the 1920s, so they are a long-lasting and trusted roof covering product.

The majority of homeowners use them because they are affordable. The average life expectancy of asphalt roof shingles varies from around 20 to 40 years, depending upon the supplier. 

Listed below, you’ll discover the average life-span of commonly used roofing materials. 

  • 3-Tab Asphalt Roofing Shingles last approximately 15 to 20 years.
  •  Architectural Asphalt Shingles typically last anywhere from 24 to 30-years.  
  •  Metal Roofs have a life-span of 30 to 45 years.
  • Concrete Tile Roofs last up to 50-years.

Life Expectancy for Asphalt Shingles Depends on A Variety of Factors  

The durability of asphalt roof shingles relies on proper installment and the typical climate of where you live. Roofing shingles located in cooler locations of the USA last longer than those in warmer environments.

The overall Asphalt roof life expectancy is:

  • 14-years for continuously warmer climates.
  • Two-Decades for continuously colder climates.

Temperature & Climate

Bottom Line: Extremes in weather conditions are what influences the life of roof shingles and materials.

Clearly, warmer climates are most likely to limit the life expectancy of asphalt shingles. Roof shingles that experience unusual climate patterns within brief durations of time are unable to “breathe” as they need to when a vast array of temperature level variants occur. For example, highs of 100-degree temperatures during the day and lows of 40-50 degrees at night can make it hard for the shingle to adapt to such intensity.

The Best Life Expectancy for Asphalt Roofs
Depend on Regular Maintenance

Roof shingles of any kind can be affected by weather, trees near your home, the direction your home is situated, algae, poor ventilation, and fungus. If you are not on a maintenance plan with your professional roofer, consider getting on one now.

Otherwise, problems can (and will) take place due to:  

Continual Water Buildup
resulting from ice freezing and thawing throughout the winter. This causes damage to the openings of the shingle.  

Poor Ventilation in the Attic
Poor ventilation always decreases the life expectancy of a roof. Schedule a maintenance visit to ensure proper attic ventilation.  

Dark Colors
Dark colors soak up a lot more heat, which reduces life expectancy.  

The More Slope
The more slope you have will increase your roof’s longevity. 

South Facing Roofs
South facing roofs catch more extended periods of sunlight, thus decreasing longevity.

Roofs with Multiple Layers
Multiple layers of roofing will decrease the life-span of your roof.  

Quality Over “Economy”
High quality roofing versus “cheap” roofing improves the life-span of a roof.

Sloppy Installation
Doing it yourself or hiring someone who is not a professional will cost you in the long run, and obviously, will shorten the longevity of your roof.  

Tree Branches
The branches from trees almost always causes acidity and accumulation of leafy debris that could shorten the span of your roof’s life.

The life expectancy of Asphalt Roofs can be prolonged, given that you are taking appropriate action of caring for your roof. If you are concerned with the life of your shingles, contact us now, and we will be happy to schedule a free consultation.

Author: M&Y Pittsburgh Roofing Team