If you’re considering shingle roofing for your Florida home, “How long does a shingle roof last?” is probably one of the first questions you’ll ask. You want to know how many years of use you might expect to get from a metal, clay, or asphalt roof and how soon you may need roof replacements.
Your shingle roof’s longevity will depend on the type of shingles, the installation quality, regularity of maintenance, weather conditions, and other factors. Read on as our Eustis Roofing team discusses how to estimate a shingle roof’s lifespan.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in Florida thanks to their affordability, versatility, and ease of installation.
With asphalt shingles, the question of ‘How long does a shingle roof last?’ hinges on the type of shingles. Common 3-tab shingles will wear out sooner than the sturdier and more expensive dimensional asphalt shingles. For those looking for long-lasting options, consider durable roofing shingles like CertainTeed’s SwiftStart.
The warranty will often outlast the shingle roof. With a quality installation and regular maintenance, your asphalt shingle roof will last about 80% to 85% of the manufacturer’s warranty, which is usually 25 years for 3-tab shingles and 30 years for dimensional shingles. In other words, a 3-tab shingle roof should last about 20 years, while a dimensional shingle roof may endure about 25 years of use.
Other Roofing Materials
Clay, slate, and metal roofs may last much longer than standard asphalt shingle roofs. However, these more durable materials usually involve a higher price tag and sometimes require additional structural support and more extensive maintenance.
Here’s a breakdown of projected roof longevity by shingle type:
- Metal, concrete, and clay tile roof: about 50 years
- Modified rubber shingle roof: about 30 years
- Cedar shake roof: from 30 to 50 years
- Composite shingle roof: from 20 to 50 years
- Copper shingle roof: 60 years and longer
- Natural slate roof: 100+ years
Is It Time to Replace Your Old Roof?
While you can estimate how long a roof may last, some factors could shorten your roof’s lifespan. For example, poor attic ventilation can trap heat and damage your roof system, while a south-facing roof will absorb more UV radiation and wear out sooner than roofs that face east and west.
A professional roof inspection can tell you whether your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and help you decide when it’s time to invest in a new roof. An expert roofer can check for shingle deterioration, structural changes, leaks, and other signs of roof damage. We recommend getting your roof checked twice a year.
Eustis Roofing: Top-Tier Roofing Services in Tavares, FL
Understanding how shingle roofs compare to other roof materials will help you answer the question of “How long does a shingle roof last?”
If you aren’t sure which type of roof works best for your Lake County property, contact us at Eustis Roofing, a reliable local roofing service since 1959. As a family-owned, family-operated business, we commit to the highest standards in roof installation, repair, and replacement in the area of Oxford, FL.
Call us at (352) 343-4240 or contact us online for a free roofing quote.
