Wrong! 30 - year shingles also known as laminated, dimensional or architectural shingles typically do not last 30 years. 20, 40, or 50 - year shingle will not last their designated years either. It is a common misconception and a point of confusion for many homeowners. Thus, trying to make a responsible decision in a roofing system can become difficult. Let’s look at a few areas to inform you and answer your question - how long does a roof last?

What is a 30 year shingle?

Up until the 1980s the most prevalent asphalt shingle used was the strip shingle otherwise called the 3-tab or the 20 – year shingle. These are the flat shingles with, of course, 3 tabs that most people remember being the standard shingle for decades and continue to be common for an economical choice. However, shingle manufactures wanted to bring more style and function to the table.

The 30-year shingle was introduced. It has more 3-D texture and color contrast than the old basic 3-tab could offer. In addition, it is also a thicker shingle than the 20 – year 3 tabs of the past, therefore, providing more protection than a 20-year shingle.

How long does a roof last?

Typically, a 30 – year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 – year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average. But, how can this be, you say. To understand this we need to first look at how the manufactures define their shingle levels and warranties now versus how they defined them in the past.

30 – year shingle warranty

Warranties are misleading these days. More often than not, a shingle warranty will be a Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against manufacturer defects. However, this warranty does not guarantee that the shingle will last the 20, 25 or 30 – years. This switch happened in the early 2000s when most manufacturers switched from 20 and 30-year warranties to the Limited Lifetime Warranty. At the same time, 3 tabs shingles that had been referred to as 20 – year shingles began being marketed as 25 – year shingle with no improvements to the product. This was an obvious marketing ploy, while successful for the manufactures, it is just added confusion and less actual protection for the consumer.

Why do roofs not last 30 years?

There are several factors that determine the lifetime of a roof. UV rays, debris, excessive temperature shifts, storm damage, and other physical hazards will all tick away at the longevity of the shingle.

UV Damage

While all these factors affect the lifetime, no more do greater damage alone than the harmful UV rays. Asphalt is made of petroleum compounds which are heavily degraded by UV rays. The shingles top coat of granules, made of ceramic minerals, help to protect the asphalt from the UV rays. However, when these granules begin to fall off the shingle, known as granule loss, the UV damage is increased, thereby allowing for an increased rate of granule loss. Essentially, it’s this synergistic effect that causes a 30 - year roof to fail after only 12 years.

Granule Loss

And granule loss? Well, that is all affected by the debris, excessive temperature shifts and small storm damage that happens every year. While some physical hazards can’t be avoided, like small hail damage and severe winds, others can be prevented. For example, when a tree limb is allowed to grow too close to the roof it becomes a potential cause for increased granule loss.

If Your 30 Year Roof Is Over 12 Years Old It's Time For An Inspection!

Baker Roofing & Construction provides a wide range of services including free roof inspections, free roof installation quotes, insurance claim consultation, and supplement writing. Contact us today for more information!

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Now, I’m not sure if that’s true but everything is bigger in Texas. So, when those big Texas-sized raindrops hit your roof and find a way into your home, you better call Baker Roofing & Construction. We offer a quick diagnosis and leak repair service. But let’s discuss what to do when your roof leaks before the professionals arrive.

Leaks Happen

Unfortunately, most homeowners will not be aware of a leak until it has become a major problem. This is because most leaks will be small at first and will slowly get worse till a small leak becomes a very large leak. Small leaks can cause damage to your decking, rafters and ceiling joist. They can cause mold to form in the attic or inside your walls. Also, leaks attract insects like ants and termites that may cause even more structural damage if you don't get a quality roof repair.

What Can You Do About A Leaky Roof?

You can inside your attic and look for the source of the leak. If you are able to find the source, then we need to assess how much water is being leaked into the home and if there is any immediate damage that could occur. Consider if the leaking water could interfere with any electrical junctions or other immediate hazards. Try placing buckets to catch any of the dripping water. If the water is running down a surface rather than dripping, try attaching a length of string to the area where the water is running to try and reroute the water down the string and into the bucket like how a rain chain operates.

Tarp Your Roof

If you feel comfortable climbing up onto your roof, then you can apply a tarp as a temporary patch. This is a service Baker Roofing offers but here is a DIY guide if you are feeling so bold.

First, wait until the rain has stopped and the roof has dried. Then you will need a large tarp that is at least 3’ larger, in every direction, than the area that needs repair, enough 1x4” boards to outline the perimeter of the tarp and some long 2” deck screws to fasten it all down. You will need to spread the tarp over the area that needs repair. Then, along the top side, roll your 1x4” up in the tarp three times to make three layers of tarp wrapped around your board. Next, fasten the board to the roof with a screw, going through the tarp and the board, into the roof decking. Apply a screw every 12-16” to the board till you come to the end. Repeat these steps for the other three sides of the tarp and, if done properly, you should have a temporary patch that will hold up for 2-4 months.

Call a Professional Roof Contractor

Leaks can be hard to find since water will take the path of least resistance and can travel a great distance from the source. This is why it is important to call a professional roofing company to inspect your roof in detail so that the leak can be found, and any potential future threats can be curved. Finding these issues can greatly reduce future repair costs. Baker Roofing & Construction will inspect your whole roof system even when called out for a simple repair.

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