What is the Life Expectancy of an Architectural Shingle Roof?

What are the signs of damage to architectural shingle roofing?

Signs of architectural shingle roofing damage are the same as those of damage to traditional shingle roofing, including: 

• Loose shingles
• Missing shingles
• Granules on the ground
• An abundance of granules in the gutter runs
• Buckled shingles
• Curled shingles

What causes damage to architectural shingles? 

Problems that cause damage to architectural shingles are the same as those that cause damage to other roofing materials such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, hailstones, hard rains, high winds, and constant UV rays beating on the roof. Tree limbs hitting or landing on the roof, usually caused by the high winds, can also lead to a need for architectural shingle roof repairs, as can an aging roof. As rooftops age, they can weaken, which indicates you need a new roof, and if somebody installed your roof poorly, you might need an architectural shingle roof replacement much sooner. 

Can architectural shingles be repaired?

Whether somebody can repair a shingle roof depends on the level of damage and the type of damage incurred. To ensure the job is done correctly, you should have a professional roofing contractor perform any architectural shingle roof repair. Some repair methods include overlapping or resealing the damaged shingles. However, it’s important to note that this is only a temporary repair, and you will need more permanent repairs.

A permanent architectural roof shingle repair involves removing the damaged shingles, checking the decking underneath, and then installing new shingles. If more than 25% of the roof is damaged or if the damage is more severe, such as curled, loose, or missing shingles, you will need your roof replaced instead of repaired. 

How do you replace architectural shingles?

Following these steps will get you through the process of replacing one or more sections of architectural roof shingles instead of having a single architectural roof shingle repair job done: 

• Position the ladder at a safe angle
• Wear the appropriate PPE 
• Remove the damaged shingle(s) using a flat pry bar. Gently lift and break the seal, then remove the nails. 
• Inspect the roof decking under the shingles and patch or replace it as needed. 
• Replace the underlayment.
• Install the new shingle(s). 

However, only a qualified roofing professional should perform roof repair jobs. 

What is the life expectancy of an architectural shingle roof?

Architectural shingles, or dimensional shingles, are middle-of-the-road in pricing. They have a minimum lifespan of 20 years and a maximum of 30 years.  

You can upgrade to premium shingles, the most expensive type of shingle. These have a minimum lifespan of 25 years and a maximum of 40 years.

No matter which shingles you choose, the installation’s quality will impact their lifespan. Proper attic ventilation, cleaning, and having architectural shingle roof repairs done when needed will also significantly affect the roofing material’s lifespan.

How often should architectural shingles be replaced?

While the guarantee on architectural shingles is 20 to 30 years, that doesn’t mean they will last that long. They may have a shorter or longer lifespan based on many factors. A realistic expectation is between 80% and 85% of that 30-year lifespan, which will be around 25 years. The more architectural shingle roof repairs you need over the years, the shorter you can expect the lifespan to be.

Why would architectural shingles leak?

There are several possible reasons an architectural shingle roof may start leaking, which may require architectural shingle roof repairs. This includes: 

• Wear and Tear: The climate, environment, and time are all contributing factors to the wear and tear of a roof, which can lead to leaks. This is particularly true if a roof is exposed to ice and snow in the winter.
• Roof Slope: An architectural shingle roof with a shallow slope is vulnerable to rain infiltration under the shingles and coming inside the home. Also, if the shingles are loose, the wind can lift them off, exposing the roof to the weather. 
• Roof Ventilation: Any penetration in a roof creates a weak area for possible roof leaks. This can be the chimney, dormers, or other vents. A professional architectural roof shingle repair may be needed when these areas are missing flashing or shingles.
• Roof Flashing: When transitions between roof sections occur, professionals can install metal flashing to seal the area around the chimney, skylight, dormers, and roof valleys. If the flashing is loose or if it comes off, the roof is vulnerable to leaking, which leads to the need for architectural roof shingle repairs. 
• Clogged Gutters: If the gutters become filled with debris, such as leaves and bird nests, water can stop flowing to the downspouts. This causes rain to either spill over to the ground and puddle at the foundation or back up under the shingles, which can cause a roof leak. This is why it is essential to have the gutters cleaned and repaired immediately and to have any architectural shingle roof repairs done if needed.

In Closing

Architectural roofing shingles are a great option with their added aesthetic beauty and longer lifespan. However, are there any disadvantages to these shingles that should raise your concern before purchasing them? Only a few. First, the cost is a little higher than that of traditional asphalt shingles, and they are heavier, which can make the installation process take a bit longer. However, they can provide numerous benefits, which makes them an excellent option for your home.