How long will architectural shingles last

Architectural Shingles. Architectural shingles, also famously known as dimensional shingles , are similar to asphalt shingles as they are composed of the same materials. However, during the manufacture of architectural shingles, a heavier mat base typically fiberglass is coated with asphalt and multiple layers overlapped and laminated together to increase the durability and aesthetic appeal of this roof as well as the distinctive texture.

Architectural shingles weigh about lbs more per square than regular shingles. What makes these roofs stand out is the fact that minor imperfections in the roof deck are usually concealed by the texture.

So how long do architectural shingles last? Made of fiberglass and asphalt sealant, asphalt shingles can effectively protect your roof structure from snow, wind, rain, and harsh UV rays. Most asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 30 years. However, this can vary based on the climate and weather conditions of where you live. Curling is a tell-tale sign that an asphalt shingle roof is approaching the end of its lifetime.

Image source: Vertex Roofing Contractors. When your asphalt shingles start to reach between 15 and 20 years in age, or if your roof has experienced storm damage, you should consider a roof inspection to determine if you need a replacement. A metal roof can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years with warranties from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the type of metal and the design of the roof.

Metal roofs made of premium metals like copper and zinc can sometimes last for over years! Metal roofing is extremely durable, especially when premium metals are used. Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 30 years. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.

Wooden shakes can last for decades if properly maintained. Image source: Westshore Roofing. The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes. A gauge of 22 to 24 is considered high-end among metal roofs and offers an anticipated protection of 50 years or more, whereas higher gauge metal roofs 25 to 29 offer protection for 20 to 25 years, as a standard.

Typically the warranty on metal roofs is determined by the type of material used, but starts at 20 years. The natural beauty of these roofs makes them a must-have for many homeowners. This style of roofing is very popular because it is visually appealing particularly on cottages and Tudors , stands the test of time and ages well.

Another attractive element of wood shingle roofing particularly cedar is that it provides protection against insects and rot, but to make sure that protection is in place, experts suggest performing an annual inspection to determine if there is any damage. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your wood roof to last for upwards of 30 years.

Samantha Hunter is a professional copy editor who has worked with Ms. Magazine, Spin and VH1. She has also written for MarthaStewart. Samantha is an avid music lover and lifestyle and wellness enthusiast. When she's not writing or editing, she loves to meditate and make memories with her twin sister and her son.

Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor.

She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Samantha Hunter, Samantha Allen. One popular option for tile roofing is stone coated steel tiles, which are lightweight but also strong enough to withstand wind uplifts of MPH to MPH, making them an excellent option for hurricane prone areas like Florida, the Carolinas, and the Gulf Coast.

Concrete tiles or clay tiles are another favorable roofing option, especially for higher end or luxury homes. Clay tile roofs can last for 50 to years and the more affordable concrete tile roofs can last for around 40 to 75 years, but keep in mind that they are heavier than other types of roofing systems so the underlying structure will need to be able to properly support them.

One thing to be aware of if you are considering installing clay or concrete roofing is that both clay tiles and concrete tiles can break off and become hazardous during a windstorm or tornado.

Clay tiles are particularly popular in the southwestern U. For these sorts of properties, a roofing membrane like EPDM is a common choice due to its low cost and easier flat roof repair.

However, it only lasts for 5 to 15 years and is prone to leakage due to its taped or glued seams. These are single ply roofing membranes with hot welded air seams that allow them to last nearly twice as long as EPDM rubber — but of course these types of membrane roofs are more expensive to install or purchase.

Keep in mind that if your property is situated in an area where hurricanes are likely, then you will want to invest in a fully-adhered membrane roofing system as opposed to a mechanically attached single ply membrane roof since those will be more likely to withstand the winds and water from a hurricane. If you live in a house with a thatched roof, then you probably already know that they need to be built properly by professionals who have specific experience with thatched roofing.

That said, the core or main structure of a thatched roof can last for several decades — up to 40 to 50 years depending on your climate — but the roof ridge will need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years. Thatched roofs are often built by craftsmen who have built these types of roofing for years, so they understand the details and can give you an estimate of how long your roof will last, as well as providing you with regular maintenance and inspections.

No matter what type of roofing material you choose to install or that already exists on your property, you should learn about the way that it is built — it will help you understand how long it can last, how roof inspections work, when and how your roof might need to be repaired, and even what kind of roof you should get if you are building a new house or replacing an existing roof. This base layer also includes an ice and water barrier and a drip edge, which helps water fall off the eaves and away from the roof and the rest of the house.

It is essential that the deck be clean and dry before the rest of the layers are put into place — and that the old shingles or roofing material is completely removed before the new layers are applied, since adding new product on top of the old can lead to a variety of long term problems that will shorten the life of the roof. And then there is the underlayment, which helps keep the deck dry and adds another barrier against extreme weather conditions.

This layer also includes the ventilation and the flashing — the ventilation helps air circulate and the flashing is what keeps things watertight around the chimney, skylight, dormers, or other features. Making an investment in a high end watertight underlayer is always a good idea, especially in wet and cold climates like the northeastern U. The right type of ventilation is equally as important as a quality underlayment when it comes to the durability and overall life expectancy of your roof.

This is because a well-vented attic space allows for air flow that helps to prevent things from getting too moist and therefore prone to rot and snow and ice from damming the roof in the winter.

Ridge vents, eave vents, and power vents may all be necessary depending on the style, shape, and features of your roof. Other elements of building a roof to take into account are the types of nails and fasteners used, since there are different types that are appropriate for different situations and materials.

Your roofing contractor will know what types to use depending on the materials used and structure of the building. The final part of the process is the most visible one — that is when the shingles, tiles, metal sheeting, or membranes are applied on top of everything to give you the final layer and aesthetic that you were looking for in your completed roof. When you are choosing a roofing company or contractor to replace your roof or install one on a new house, understand that the choice of various types of shingles, tiles, metal, or any other roofing material is only one aspect of crafting a roof with a long lifespan.

On the contrary, the shingles work with the flashing, underlayment, deck, and ventilation to help prolong the lifetime of your roof. You should know that most roofing warranties include standards for installation and the types of underlayment, ventilation materials, and more that have to be used — and all of this contributes to lengthening the lifespan of the roofing system.

And sometimes replacing the shingles on your roof is something that you can do yourself if you are comfortable with climbing up on top of your home and have good DIY skills, but we do tend to suggest that you have your roof examined by a professional every few years. In the best case scenario, there will be water damage to your home and property if the roof leaks; worst case, the entire roof collapses and destroys your belongings and may even put you and your family in danger.

You can make your roof last longer by getting regular inspections and performing proper maintenance or getting repairs done by an experienced roofing contractor , but if you have roof leaks that cannot be easily repaired, lots of broken, curled, torn, or missing shingles, or other serious damage, it may be time to get your roof replaced.

At the end of the day, how long does a roof last? No matter what kind of material your roof is made from, the amount that it will last depends on a wide range of factors such as the type of roofing materials used, whether or not it was installed over other layers of roofing material as well as how it was originally built and installed in general, and the climate and region that your home or other property is located in. Knowing when you need a new roof is an important part of being a homeowner, no matter what kind of roof you have.

While various types of roofs have different lifespans, an asphalt or wood shingle roof, a slate roof, a metal roof, a tin roof, a tile roof, a composite roof, thatched roof, or any other kind of roof all need regular inspections and maintenance.

Another reason to consider replacing your roof is the value that it adds to your house if you are planning on selling it in the near future and your roof is nearing 15 to 20 years old, depending on the type of material used, the quality of the build, and any damage that may have occurred.

Getting a roof inspection, fixing any problems before they start, and potentially replacing your roof can make a significant difference in the selling price. Regardless of whether or not you are planning on selling your property any time soon, the condition and the longevity of the roof over your head is of utmost importance.

While the length of time that your particular roof lasts depends on the type of materials used, the installation techniques involved, and any damage that may need to be fixed during its lifespan, all the aforementioned guidelines can help you determine when to replace your roof as well as to understand the potential lifetime value of your investment in a new roof. It is shingles with little stones.