Bill West Blog: How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last? Exploring the Lifespan of Your Home's Protection

How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last? Exploring the Lifespan of Your Home’s Protection

Across America, asphalt shingle roofing has remained the “go-to” staple roofing material for several decades. Almost four in five homeowners own an asphalt shingle roof. While the percentage of commercial buildings with asphalt shingle roofing is not nearly as high as residential homes, many commercial property owners elect to use asphalt shingles if the option makes sense for their respective situations. In particular, retail establishments and office complexes routinely rely upon asphalt shingles as their roofing option of choice.

Read more: How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last? Exploring the Lifespan of Your Home’s Protection

If you own a home or manage a commercial property, perhaps you’re considering what roofing material to use next time when the time arrives for you to replace your current roof. Or maybe that decision has already been made, and you intend to stick with asphalt shingles. Regardless, if you aim to replace your roof in the not-too-distant future, ask yourself the essential question: “How long does a shingle roof last?” Knowing the answer to this question will assist you in planning, especially if you’re undecided regarding what roofing material to choose.

How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last?

graph showing life expectancy of different shingle types

Asphalt shingle roofing comes in several different attractive but diverse options. For example, three-tab shingles provide an affordable alternative to more expensive asphalt roofing materials. The challenge is that three-tab shingles are thinner than the other choices. On average, three-tab shingles last for between 12 and 20 years. Some manufacturers will provide warranties of up to 25 years.

A newer development in shingles has unfolded in the 21st century. By offering twice the thickness and durability compared to three-tab shingles, architectural shingles provide a “designer” look of high-end materials like cedar shakes without the “expensive” price tag. Typically, architectural shingles last between 20 and 30 years. Some are known to survive up to 50 years if well maintained.

Forged from a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass, luxury asphalt shingles (3D shingles) represent the newest wave in roofing. While they have an average lifespan of 30 years, they frequently last up to 50 years. Environmentally friendly organic asphalt shingles offer 20 to 25 years of longevity. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are covered with a waterproof coating that lasts up to 50 years, or more.

roof peak with high quality asphalt shingles

Working With The Top Shingle Roofing Contractor

Replacing an existing roof is a significant undertaking. In fact, this decision requires thoughtful consideration. The Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area has more than its fair share of less-than-ideal roofing contractors. Many of them are fly-by-night operations. Here today. Gone tomorrow.

To avoid a regrettable experience, go with a proven professional. Choose Bill West Roofing. We are Kansas City’s leading roofing company. How come? For nearly 50 years, we’ve been meeting the needs of residential homeowners and commercial building managers with unsurpassed craftsmanship, roofing products, and customer service.

Who is the roofing contractor you can trust? We are! If you have roofing questions, need a free estimate, or would like to schedule a no-obligation consultation, contact Bill West Roofing today.

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