There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding how long a 50-year roofing shingle could last. Fifty year roof shingles actually worth the cost?
Sure, the product label says it will last you for 50 years, but the reality is these shingles in roof systems would last you between 20 to 40 years at best under ideal perfect conditions. None of which consider weather, sun and wind exposure and workmanship quality. The 50-year label really refers to the manufacturer’s commitment to possible defects in their products for that given time.
Of course, this is possible, provided that your roof is given the proper maintenance and care regularly.
Similarly, 30-year shingles would last you for 25 years and only 15 -20 years if not cared for.
The largest factor that contributes to your shingle roof life span is weather.
Although 50-year roof shingles can withstand hail, strong winds, and heavy rain. Asphalt architectural shingles aren’t built to withstand hurricane-prone areas or areas where the weather fluctuates regularly.
Installing 50-year shingles for roof systems in Florida, for example, would last a lot less than if you lived in North Carolina.
Texas has mostly fair, humid weather, allowing your 50-year shingles to be more ideally suited to the area’s conditions. However, they do experience BIG Texas storms which plays a huge factor.
Some manufacturers will tell you that a certain shingle will have a lifetime guarantee and warranty for 20 to 30 years.
It’s important to note that shingles don’t have a lifetime guarantee and will break down mostly before its advertised life span expectancy.
Warranties for your roof may also only cover the cost of roofing materials and leaving you to pay for costly installation and labor costs.
Rather than have this happen to you, it’s crucial to set all the necessary details at the start of the roofing project. Asking for both material and workmanship warranties will help you save more.
This factor is also directly related to the guarantee of your shingle. We already know that 30, 40, and 50-year shingles won’t necessarily last you at the expected life span advertised.
Even so, these could last you between 25 to 40 years at most until you’ll need a roof replacement.
If your plan is to live in your home for the next 5 to 6 decades, 50-year shingles are worth the investment. If not, you might want to consider cheaper, alternative options.
This may sound like an easy job; however, many homeowners still get this part wrong, specifically by using bleach to clean fungus or algae.
Some roofing contractors will also use a pressure washer to remove the fungus. This is just as bad as using bleach because it damages your home and roof structure.
Using environmentally friendly products and regular maintenance can significantly enhance a shingle’s life span and even more so for a 50-year shingle.
Finally, don’t forget to maintain your roof. Pipe boots, flashings, missing or damaged shingles can result in serious damage to the interior part of your home. It will not last forever but having a licensed roofer come out to inspect from time to time to help prevent any possible problems is always a good idea.
