Roofs do not last forever, but some materials are more durable and last longer. Asphalt shingled roofs are one of the most popular options, primarily because of their affordability. These roofs offer superior protection for homes and are available in many colors.

How Long Will Your Shingle Roof Last?

Shingled roofs last around 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Several factors can diminish the life span of shingled roofs and cause them to need premature replacement.

Although shingled roofs were initially brought to the market in 1893, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that people began to adopt them as a trusted roofing material. Asphalt shingles are made from a mat of cellulose fibers coated with asphalt and ceramic-coated granules. The composition of these shingles protects homes against water damage.

What Factors Affect the Life Span of Shingle Roofs?

Multiple factors affect the life span of shingle roofs. Understanding these factors will help you keep your roof protected.

Type of Shingles

There are three main types of shingles, and they each have a slightly different life span. Three-tab shingles will last 20 to 22 years. Dimensional shingle roofs will last 25 to 28 years. Premium shingles have the longest life span, at 20 to 30 years.

Workmanship

The contractor’s workmanship plays a significant role in the life span of your roof. Poor workmanship will cause roof failure rapidly. You must choose the right contractor to protect your shingled roof investment. Selecting an unqualified roofing contractor could lead to more frequent repairs or replacements. At Big Rock KangaROOF, we often receive calls to fix roofs damaged due to improper installations.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can degrade a roof and lessen its life span. Over time, every type of roof will experience damage because of element exposure. Those living in hot climates with intense sunshine may experience undue shingle damage, such as cracking, that leads to premature roof failure.

Roof Color

Dark shingles absorb and retain heat longer than lighter colors. Unless your homeowner’s association objects, installing pastel or light gray shades will help prolong the life of your roof.

Proper Attic Ventilation

Some homeowners may not realize the importance of having an adequately ventilated attic to protect their roof’s life span. The health of a shingled roof is dependent upon air circulation in the attic. A lack of air circulation leads to ice dams in the winter and moisture problems in the summer.

Proper Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance is paramount for protecting the life span of your roof. Preventative maintenance removes leaves and other debris that can trap moisture and cause damage.

At Big Rock KangaROOF, we advise our customers to have their roofs inspected once a year and after severe storms. Maintenance appointments allow our technicians to find minor roof problems before they become significantly expensive to repair.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Shingle Roof

Shingled roofs do not last forever, averaging around 20 years. If your roof is older than this, you may be wondering about the signs that it’s time to seek a replacement. Here are some of the indications:

  • Curled shingle edges
  • Internal leaks
  • Cracked shingles
  • Dark streaks
  • Moss growth

Do not ignore the above signs of roof problems. Roofing problems do not go away and usually worsen over time. Unfortunately, your roof may need an earlier replacement if a powerful storm causes massive damage.

Roofing Services You Can Rely On

Shingled roofs are the most popular because of their affordability and style. Here at Big Rock KangaROOF, we offer the roofing services homeowners need in Little Rock and surrounding areas. We are one of the top roofing companies in Little Rock and offer installation, repair, and maintenance services for shingled and metal roofs. When a storm hits, homeowners rely on us to inspect their roofs for damage, secure the home, and start on repairs immediately.

If your roof is experiencing signs of problems, do not try a DIY approach or wait too long to seek repairs. Our expert technicians have been proudly serving Little Rock residents for over 10 years. Because we live and work here, we know how to design and build roofs that will handle all types of weather in Arkansas. Call Big Rock KangaROOF if you need roof replacement services or repair.

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