How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last in Massachusetts?

Shingle Roof Lifespan Depending on the Type

New England, MA, homeowners want the most durable roof on their homes. And there are different types of shingle roofs to meet these demands. Asphalt is the most common type of shingle roof. However, they are more vulnerable to water damage and other weather threats.

Here are the common types of shingles:

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs are exceptionally durable. A properly installed roof will take 40 to 80 years to show signs of damage. But you need to let a reputable company install your new roof. And when the time comes to replace your roof, we recommend finding the most durable material with the help of your installer.

Composite roof shingles

Composite shingles are another extremely popular material. Find professional roofing contractors to work on your house, and it will be 12 to 20 years before you need a roof replacement. They are more affordable than asphalt roofs but create an extensive roofing system.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingle is a roofing material sold today. It has been used for many years due to its affordability and easy installation. Depending on the type, an asphalt roof replacement is required after 15 to 20 years. 

The main types include:

Standard asphalt shingles

A standard asphalt shingle will stand strong for at least 10 years before you start noticing missing shingles and similar issues. You will have to replace it then. 

Architectural Shingle Roofs

 Architectural shingles are the most durable option for asphalt shingles. They are not as durable as slate roofs, but they can give you up to 30 years before you think of a complete replacement.

Three tab asphalt shingles

Three-tab asphalt roofs are known to last for up to 20 years. So, call a roofing company to check it once it has been up for 15 years. You don't want it to stay on for too long, as it can cause structural issues. 

Wood shingles

Wood shingles create an incredibly resilient roof. It can last for 20 to 30 years with the roof installed properly. Wood shakes are quite vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like cold and UV rays, which is why proper maintenance is required.

Factors Affecting Shingle Roof Durability

Systems like slate tile roofs are extremely long-lasting. We have seen building with clay tile roofs that have stood for over 100 years. Shingle roofs are designed to have a short lifespan. But there are certain factors that will give you the maximum period or reduce it even further.

These include the following.

Local Weather

Weather conditions affect roofing shingles more than any other materials. Compared to metal roofing systems, these roofs will only give you a roof life when the conditions are more favorable. But you can increase their life by choosing top-quality materials.

Installation Quality

The installer you choose to install a new or replace your existing roof will determine how much it lasts. While certain conditions, like sudden storm damage, cannot be avoided, proper installation contributes to the general endurance and durability. Don't expect shingle roofs to last as much as slate tiles, but you will get the best performance.

Roof Design

Sometimes you can only get a good performance from a well-designed roof. Some structures are more durable than others. For instance, flat roofs are not very good in terms of drainage, which could make them less durable. It's no wonder shingles are not a very popular material for such roofs.

 Material Quality

Choosing the right material quality is vital. You may have noticed that material warranties vary based on their quality and the manufacturers. Also, all shingles come with a watertight seal to create a durable layer at the top. All of these contribute to the material's quality and durability.

Maintenance

Organic materials like clay tile roofs don't require a lot of maintenance. But when it comes to an asphalt shingle roof, you want to keep a close eye on it to get the maximum lifespan. Otherwise, you will be replacing it much sooner than you thought.

Warning Signs That You Need a New Roof

How do you know it is time to replace the shingle roof on your house? Consider the following signs:

Old Age

Is the roof showing signs of old age, like dark spots? Consider replacing it. At this time, the installer will check the roof deck and other parts of the system to ensure they are all in good condition.

Damage from Falling Tree Branches

Hail damage or high winds can easily lead to serious damage when it causes broken branches and other falling debris. Even the most durable materials may not withstand such impact. The best roofing companies in Massachusetts offer emergency roof repair companies for such reasons.

Double Roofs

Some homeowners add a second layer on top of their existing roofs to reduce replacement costs. While this may seem economical, the two layers can trap heat between them, significantly reducing the shingles' life expectancy. Besides, your roof structure may not be strong enough to hold the weight. This is common with asphalt shingles.

Best Roofing Services in Massachusetts

One of the best roofs about asphalt roofs is that they are easy to install. Some homeowners even choose to DIY. Unfortunately, you may not get a very long life from such a roof.

And that is why we recommend hiring the most experienced roofers. You get professional services from a highly qualified team with a guarantee of longevity.

Nova Home Improvements has been offering these services for a very long time. We use strict methods and work in the same manner with all our projects to ensure consistency and reliability.

So you can rely on us for your next roofing needs. We have the right team and gear to perform the most remarkable job.

Call us now for an obligation-free quote.