4 Factors That Affect an Asphalt Shingle Roof’s Life Span

Asphalt shingle roofs are expected to last between 20 to 30 years. As a roofer, we often get asked about the large gap in this estimate. There is no short or definitive answer to this, as a roof’s service life is affected by several factors. In today’s post, company Ben’s Construction Inc. takes a look at these factors.

1. Local Climate. Climate varies wildly between locations — an apt description for much of New England. While known for long and cold winters, conditions can swing towards the other extreme during the summer, particularly in the coastal areas. Such conditions expose asphalt shingles to UV damage, as well as cracking and splitting from sub-zero temperatures. Fortunately, roofing manufacturers supply climate-appropriate materials to local contractors, and is the reason why certain products are only available at certain locations.
2. Installation. Residential roofing systems are complex structures, with many variables that could go wrong if improperly installed. This is why we, as roofers, emphasize the importance of quality installation: even the best roofing products can be defeated by a poorly-trained installer. When having your roof replaced, make sure that the roofer offers a workmanship warranty or installation guarantee.
3. Maintenance. Like cars, air conditioners, and any other system that’s exposed to constant wear, roofs need regular maintenance. Homeowners are advised to schedule professional inspections once a year to identify and fix any issues as soon as they’re found. Leaving any such issues unmitigated can take years off the roof’s service life. It can also result in a voided warranty, as roofing manufacturers require proof of maintenance as part of their terms of coverage.
4. Roof Slope. The shape of the roof is not decided arbitrarily, and definitely not just for curb appeal. The steeper the slope, the faster it will shed water, therefore the greater the amount of wear during rainfall. While there is no such thing as wear-proof roofing, many of today’s asphalt shingles have improved wear resistance and, with proper maintenance, usually last as many years as advertised.

Having issues with your roof? Our team at Ben’s Construction Inc. can help you with your roof repair and maintenance needs. Give us a call at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.