Are you wondering how long asphalt roof shingles will last? There are a number of factors that determine how long they will last. The actual weather conditions they are exposed to also play an important role in determining how long they will last. The type of roof you have, the quality of the materials used and even your own DIY efforts can determine the answer. Here are some things you need to know about asphalt roof shingles in order to help you make an informed decision.
How Long Do Asphalt Roof Shingles Last? Asphalt roof shingles usually last between ten and fifteen years, depending on how much use they get. The actual life expectancy of asphalt roof shingles varies greatly depending on the environment they are exposed to. In temperate climates like Toronto, Canada, asphalt roof shingles usually last longer than those on more temperate climates like Florida. Extreme weather conditions can cause asphalt shingles to wear out faster, though.
In cold climates, roof shingles are particularly useful for insulating buildings. In addition, they help keep out the cold by reducing the energy needed to warm air inside a building. For this reason, Toronto condos that are located in colder climates are typically constructed with thicker roof shingles. As a result, Toronto condominium owners are often able to save money on heating bills.
What Type of Roof Is Used? Roofing shingles come in a variety of different types. For example, the most common type is made from asphalt or clay and is known as single ply roof shingles. Although there are a few other varieties of roof shingles, single ply usually performs best in cold climates, like those found in Toronto.
In terms of quality, roofing shingles differ depending on the company you purchase them from. For instance, Owens Corning offers a wide range of roofing products, including roof shingles. The reason why Owens Corning is one of the best companies to buy your shingles from is because they offer a wide selection that includes both single-ply and sloped roofing underlayments. In addition to offering a wide selection of roofing products, they also offer the best value. For example, when purchasing roof shingles, you should consider the cost per square foot versus the cost of buying the actual roofing underlayment.
The biggest difference between single-ply and sloped roof shingles is the thickness. Single-ply shingles are the least expensive. The thickness of single-ply roofing is one fourth of an inch. On the other hand, sloped roof shingles offer the most durable shingles at two eighth inch thickness. As a result of their thicker shapes, sloped roof shingles require longer installation times.
Before you purchase roof shingles, make sure you know the lifespan of the product. Most people mistakenly believe that longer-lasting products have longer lifespans. In reality, the lifespan of any material depends largely on how well it is cared for, but it’s true that longer-lasting roof shingles will tend to outlast lesser-longer ones. Therefore, if you need the longest possible lifespan from your roof, the best roof shingles to buy are those made of asphalt or slate.
One important thing to keep in mind about asphalt shingles, however, is that granules can collect under them and cause damage. If you notice that granules are peaking out from beneath the shingles, the granules should be scraped away before the roofing repair work begins. As a rule of thumb, you should scrape at least half an inch of granules from any shingle you choose. This rule of thumb helps prevent the granules from causing any damage, as well as allowing you to perform roofing repairs quickly and easily.