How Long Do Shingle Roofs Last In Pennsylvania?

A roof is a considerable investment and one of the most important parts of your home. That is why you want it to last as long as possible. Hiring professional roofing contractors ensures such a roof. They will pick the right material based on the local weather.

In PA, asphalt shingles are among the most popular roof choices. Seeing a metal roof might take a while, but asphalt shingle roofs will be everywhere.

In this guide, we will be handling one of the biggest concerns for homeowners – how long do shingles last?

As a stated table, roofs can be expensive to install. The lowest shingles cost about $70 per square foot. Metal roofs cost even more. That is why you may want to get the most from the material.

Consider the following, and you can estimate the best time:

A high-quality asphalt shingle roof can last for more than 20 years. This depends on the quality of the roofing materials. Always get your materials from a reliable brand and supplier.

There are so many categories of asphalt shingles. So, before you ask how long a roof lasts, you need to consider that material’s standard. One of the best ways to tell a quality roofing material is by checking the price. Highest-end materials often cost more.

Weather is the biggest threat to a roof’s longevity. Pennsylvania is one of the regions in the world that experiences unpredictable changes in the environment. It can get extremely hot during summer and freezing during winter.

Prepare for a roof replacement much sooner if you don’t have a high-quality material on your roof system. Did you know that strong winds can easily blow off an asphalt roof? This can be another reason you want a roof replacement.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in the USA, which is why you will easily find unqualified installers. Many homeowners complain about their roofing systems becoming a problem too soon.

Well, asphalt shingles require extra care during installation, even though they are easier to install than other materials. Always find a reputable roofer if you are installing a new installation or want to replace your roof. A good job assures maximum life from the roof. And you won’t be spending a lot of money on repairs before the time comes for it.

First on the list is asphalt shingles, which are the most popular material. You will see them on more than 80% of PA homes.

Apart from affordability, traditional asphalt roofs come with up to 25 years of warranty. Proper maintenance can have a roof last for close to 30 years. Generally, asphalt roofs last for 15 to 30 years.

So, don’t be surprised if you start seeing roof leaks after 15 years. Unfortunately, the roofs have such a short life expectancy.

Asphalt shingles are made with an asphalt coating covering fiberglass or organic materials like cellulose. The asphalt offers a durable protective layer against environmental elements. The heat from the sun can soften a new roof quite easily, but it also bonds the shingles over time to create a watertight seal.

Each shingle type comes with advantages and limitations. Fiberglass roof shingles last longer than organic ones because they are designed with improved materials. But you will need an experienced contractor to enjoy these features.

The biggest limitation of asphalt shingles is their vulnerability to mold and fungus in humid areas. Even though they are installed on sloped roofs, they still face a huge threat from moisture retention.

In summary, get ready to start dealing with missing shingles and other issues on your shingle roof after 15 years. With such a short roof life expectancy, it’s no wonder asphalt is the most affordable roofing material.

Architectural shingles come with similar features to standard asphalt shingles. However, they are three times thicker, forming a denser and more resilient roof. Since a roof’s lifespan determines its warranty, you can get more than 30 years for these shingles.

Installing an architectural roof may not be as expensive as a tile roof, but it’s still much higher than asphalt and various other roofing materials. But the good news is that you can expect them to last for 25 to 30 years without considering a roof replacement project.

The multiple laminated layers of these roofs enhance their durability. They mimic other, more expensive materials like wood, slate, and tiles. Also, you can re-shape your existing roof to resemble any other material you want. The material promises incredible versatility.

Apart from durability and affordability, one of the most significant advantages of architectural shingles is ease-of installation. Many people have applauded them for allowing easy work across the roofs, including flashing of the roof valleys and when one wants their existing roof replaced.

Wood shingles are quite strong. Cedar is the most popular choice for this material as it can withstand high winds and other weather conditions. If you maintain them well, with proper annual upkeep, wood shingle roofs can last for 15 – 30 years before replacing your roof. A wood shingle roof lasts longer than traditional ones, which is why they are also a trendy option.

Note that over time wood shingle roofs weather into a soft silvery gray and may look a different style altogether. They are best suited for Tudor and cottage-style houses featuring steep slopes.

In terms of installation costs, get ready to spend about $250 to $600 per square foot. From there, you can only be sure of a long-lasting roof if adequately maintained and depending on the specific material.

One of the main advantages of wood shingles is their aesthetics. They can be designed to mimic wood shakes and any other type of roofing material to meet specific needs. However, since they are natural, it’s quite easy to get several breakages during installation.

Also, they are vulnerable to discoloration, just like wood shakes. The roofs turn from their fresh brown appearance to a silvery grey. Some people prefer the new color, while others will want the original look.

Buckling shingles are a common problem on many shingle roofs. Many homeowners have experienced them, and some end up panicking too much. But it’s a common occurrence.

Individual shingles can curl or buckle over time when exposed to sunlight. These are also known as curling shingles. You can notice this effect if the areas where parts of the shingle have lifted.

A regular inspection can help you identify such issues much earlier and handle them before they become bigger problems. Call qualified inspectors and roofers at In The Light Roofing Contracting to get the issue fixed.