Roofs perform multiple tasks of keeping the house safe from rain, snow, extreme heat and cold weather conditions and enhancing the curb appeal of the exterior space. However, the key concern for most homeowners is to choose a durable, affordable, low-maintenance, and easy-to-install variant of the roofing material. The variety of roofing materials tends to make the selection difficult because each type has a distinct feature. Among so many types of roofing material to choose from, we primarily focus on the architectural shingles lifespan, its maintenance, and other aspects in this article. Architectural shingles are known to have a lifespan of 30 years, but the fact is that they cannot always last for 30 years, even with regular upkeep, because longevity also depends on several other factors, which we discuss further.
How Long Can Architectural Shingles Last?
Architectural shingles, also known as "laminate or dimensional shingles," are known to last upto 30 years, but the real fact is that the maximum duration of their lifespan is 30 years. In reality, these shingles last for 80-85% of their maximum lifespan, i.e., 22-25 years. There could be a situation when architectural shingles won't even last between 22-25 years due to ignorant maintenance and other factors discussed later. Here are some of the factors that affect the longevity of the architectural shingles:
Precision in installation: If skilled professionals install the shingles with accuracy, the chances of wear and tear over the years due to poor workmanship are ruled out, which adds more life to the shingles.
Proper ventilation in the attic area: Ventilation in the attic area is one of the most common causes that affect the lifespan of the shingle. The attic allows the indoor area of the home to breathe properly; however, if hot and cold air gets trapped in the attic due to poor ventilation, the longevity of the shingle will reduce. The reason is that trapped air damages the roof.
The extent of exposure of shingles to weather conditions: The life expectancy of the shingle also depends on the extent of exposure of the shingle to extreme weather conditions. For example, if the area where you live faces the brunt of frequent hail, the protective granules of the roof may get lost.
Direction of the roof: Direction of the roof hugely impacts the lifespan of the roof. If the roof faces direct sunlight, the chances of wear and tear are higher compared to the indirect sunlight on the shingles. For example, if the architectural shingle is directed toward the east and west, it'll get an equal amount of sunlight on both sides, and if the roof faces south, only the southern part of the roof has to bear the direct sunlight.
Maintenance: One of the most important factors in extending the lifespan to its maximum count is proper maintenance. Always keep an eye on the roof for an early sign of the damage to repair it at the earliest before it turns into a big problem.
Quality of the roofing material: The quality of the roof material directly affects the durability of the roof. Better roofing quality, longer lifespan, and vice-versa. There are materials that succumb to the manufacturing defect, so be mindful of your choice of material.
What Are the Signs That Indicate That It's Time to Replace the Architectural Shingles Roof?
The early signs that indicate the time to replace the architectural shingles roof are as follows:
Missing, Curled, or Cracked Shingles
Cracking and curling are some of the early signs of the replacement. In most cases, curling and cracking happen due to hot and cold air trapped in the attic owing to poor ventilation, resulting in deterioration of the adhesives in the decking. All these indicate that you need to replace the shingle.
Leaking Roof
Roofs leak due to missing or cracked shingles, which may not be noticeable from the ground but cause leakage and dirt and debris penetration through the cracks. It calls for shingle replacement.
Faded or Worn-Out Shingles
You may consider replacing the shingle if it is visibly worn out or faded.
Aging Roof
If your architectural shingles roof have lived their life of 20 years or more, don't give a second thought to replacing them. Consider replacing them before other problems crop up related to aging roofs.
The Dent on the Roof Flashed
Storms can also damage the roof, which is visible in the form of dents on the roof flashing or roof vents. The damage caused by storms is to the extent that replacement is unavoidable.
How to Extend the Lifespan of the Architectural Shingles Roof?
The lifespan of the shingles can be extended with careful and timely maintenance. Some of the tips to ensure prolonged life to the architectural shingles are discussed below:
Maintain Cleanliness on the Roof
Regular upkeep of the roof to get rid of dust, debris, and leaves is vital to prevent water accumulation and rotting. This will ensure a prolonged life on the roof.
Repair the Damage as Soon as You Identify It
If there are any noticeable cracks, curling, or missing shingles, repair them at the earliest to avoid bigger problems in the future and extend the life of the roof.
Regularly Trim Tree Branches
When tree branches overgrow, they start to hang over the roof, causing scratches and punctures to the roof. It's advisable to trim the overgrown tree branches at regular intervals to avoid damage to shingles and to enhance the lifespan of the roof.
Keep an Eye on the Signs of Damage
Always keep a check on the early signs of damage either on your own or with the help of a professional. There are signs of damage that you may skip, but an expert will easily identify them, so it's recommended to seek their help for inspection once or twice a year.
Cost for an Architectural Shingles Roof
Let's glance through the approximate cost of an architectural shingles roof to see if it's worth spending or if you should explore other options. The average cost for an architectural shingles roof ranges between $13500 - $ 21500, though it varies depending on the size of the roof, pitch, and slope of the roof. Architectural shingles are undoubtedly pricier than other asphalt shingles, but their longevity and visual appearance outperform all their counterparts in the future with their long life.
Conclusion
When discussing architectural shingles' lifespan, there are multiple factors you should consider, like the factors affecting longevity, ways to extend the lifespan, and cost. If you are in a dilemma to select the shingle, this article may help you conclude in a better way. Architectural shingles are costlier than the other varieties of asphalt shingles, but it's worth the investment because the prolonged lifespan and aesthetic will offset the cost in the future.