Wonder what could be the best roofing material for American homes? Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America and are made of an asphalt composite and covered with a mineral granule. This gives them the ability to potentially last for up to 30 years depending on the variety used.

The three types of asphalt shingles are:

• 3-tab: 3-tab shingles are the most common type and they are the most affordable.
• Dimensional: Dimensional shingles are thicker and more durable than 3-tab shingles. They also look more like slate or wood shake.
• Luxury: Luxury shingles are the most expensive type but offer the best protection against bad weather.

Benefits of Asphalt Shingles:

There are a few benefits of asphalt shingles that many people may not be aware of. One of the main benefits is that they are very affordable. They are also very easy to install, and they come in a variety of colors to choose from. Asphalt shingles are also known for their durability; they can last 20 years on average.

Important factors that can affect the lifespan of asphalt shingles:

Roof exposure

Exposure can be affected by many factors, including the direction of the house, the type of materials used on the roof, and the climate in which you live. If you live in a cold climate, your roof will be exposed to more snow and ice than a roof in a warm climate.

The more exposed the roof is to the elements, the sooner the shingles will wear out. This means that a roof with more exposure will need to be replaced more quickly than the one with less exposure.

Roof slope

It is important when determining how long your asphalt shingles will last. The minimum slope needed for asphalt shingles is 2:12. Anything less and water from rain and melting snow will sit on the roof and get under the shingles. Asphalt shingles will quickly deteriorate if they are constantly wet.

Age of the roof

The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is around 20 years. However, this lifespan can be shortened if the roof is not properly maintained. The older the roof, the sooner the asphalt shingles will wear out and need to be replaced. This means that homeowners with an older roof should keep a close eye on their roofing material and make necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Attic ventilation

The attic is the most crucial component to maintaining and extending the life of your asphalt roof. If the attic is not properly ventilated, it can cause the roof to overheat from the hot or cold air trapped inside. This might lead to having to replace the roof and losing any manufacturer warranties.

Annual maintenance of the roof

Wet debris can cause moisture to percolate under the shingles and cause major damage. It is important to have an annual maintenance check done to remove debris from the roof and gutter and ensure there are no leaks. If there are any problems with the roof, they can be repaired before they become bigger and more expensive to fix.

Quality of installation

It's therefore important to make sure that any roofing work is carried out properly, by a qualified professional. A poor installation can lead to premature shingle wear, water infiltration, and even structural damage.

Conclusion

Most asphalt shingles last about 15-25 years. However, many factors can affect how long they last, such as the climate, the quality of the shingles, and how well they are installed. So, if you're thinking about installing or replacing your roof, it's important to consult a professional to get an accurate estimate of how long your new roof will last. Contact us now for more details!