How Long Do Roof Shingles Last?

Nobody wants to buy a new roof. But making sure your shingles are in good shape is an important key to keeping your home safe from the elements and more expensive damage. That’s why it’s so important to keep your roof in good repair and to replace it when the time comes. But how long should roof shingles last?

While it might seem like a straightforward question, the answer is actually a bit complicated.  It really depends on a number of factors, including materials, location, and weather. But despite the different factors, an experienced roofer, like Parish Roofing Solutions, can give you a good idea of how long you can expect your roof shingles to last, and help you find the right roof for your home.

How Long Do 40-Year Shingles Really Last?

If you’re feeling angry because you’re having to replace your 40-year shingles a couple of decades early, you’re not alone.Unfortunately, the reality is that a climate like we have in the Dallas-FortWorth area can be brutal on a roof. So rather than asking how long 40-year shingles last, the question really is: How long do shingle roofs last in Texas?

And the answer to that may not be one you want to hear.  In this area, the average lifespan of a standard roof is between 10 and 16 years.  There are a number of reasons for this, but it really all comes down to weather. Dallas-Fort Worth can be hot, and heat can damage and shorten the lifespan of a roof.  But the main culprits are the storms that can hit the homes in this area.  High winds and hail damage wreak havoc on the shingles.  In the short term, wind damage may be able to be repaired to keep your roof functional, but over the years, it will wear it down and shorten its lifespan.

How To Make Your Roof Last Longer

While it may sound like there’s only bad news about how long shingles last on a house, there are things you can do to help your roof last longer, so you can squeeze out as many years as possible.  Here are 3 ways to increase the lifespan of your roof:

‍

1.  Keep your roof in good repair

In a place like Dallas-Fort Worth, storms can take a pretty heavy toll on your home. It’s important that you address any damage as quickly as you can.  In the short term, this will help prevent leaks and other damage from spreading and getting worse, but it also has along-term benefit as well. By keeping your roof in good repair, you can extend its life and postpone the cost of having to do a full replacement.

2.  Use high-quality shingles

This is one of the key things you can do to make sure your roof lasts a long time. Replacing a roof can be costly, and you may be tempted to buy the cheapest shingles you can get. The problem is, when it comes to roof shingles, you get what you pay for. Cheap shingles may even look good when you first put them up, but they use low-quality asphalt that dries out quickly and leaves your roof vulnerable. You’ll be having to replace it again in just a few years.Ultimately, you’ll be paying a lot more by trying to cut corners with cheap shingles.

3.  Use a roofer you can trust

No matter what else you do to try and extend the life of your roof, no matter how high the quality of the materials, if you don’t have a professional team of roofers, you’ll never get your shingles to last as long as they should.  

Experienced roofers, like the ones at ParishRoofing Solutions, know how to install your shingles right, maximizing their ability to withstand storms, heat, and all the challenges the Dallas-Fort Worth weather can throw at them.  How long they last for is really determined by how well they are installed.  That’s why the team at Parish Roofing is here24/7 to make sure your roof is always in the best shape.

Reach out today for your free quote!

‍