Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Generally, an asphalt shingle roof can last 20 years on average, when it is maintained regularly. Severe weather and other damage can impact how long your roof lasts, though. Most roofs can be expected to last 80 to 85% of the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan.

It depends on the size of your home, but the lowest cost asphalt shingle averages between $1.50 and $3 per square foot, with labor costs adding in another $2 per square foot. On average, a new asphalt shingle roof runs between $8,000 and $12,000 for a 2,000 square foot home. Contact us for a free roof replacement estimate for your home.

Although asphalt shingles are cost-effective and do create a durable roof, there are a few drawbacks to using them.

• Wind damage - Asphalt shingles are lightweight and susceptible to damage in very high winds.
• Less Energy Efficient - Although asphalt shingles are economical, they reflect less light and UV rays than some other types of roofing. Without proper ventilation, this could make your home hotter in the summer.
• Shorter lifespan - Although asphalt shingles can last 20 years, they have a shorter lifespan than many other roofing materials.
• Susceptible to mildew and mold - Without regular inspection, shingles can be susceptible to mildew and mold in shaded areas.
• Loss of granules - The protective layer of granules that cover the asphalt shingle can eventually wear down through weather, time, and UV light. This can make your roof susceptible to water leaks.
• Regular inspections - It’s important with an asphalt roof to do regular inspections to check for any of the previous issues. If caught early, the roof can be prepared and the lifetime extended.

Conducting regular inspections is the best way to maintain your asphalt shingle roof. A yearly inspection will check for loose shingles, mold, moss, or mildew, areas where shingles are losing granules, or other damage. It’s also important to keep tree limbs trimmed and away from the roof as well as gutters clear of debris.

Asphalt shingle roofs make up about 80% of the roofs in the United States and solar panels are becoming increasingly common. It’s possible to install panels on asphalt shingles. However, you should consider how old your roof is before adding solar panels. If it’s near the end of its lifespan, you may want to replace it before adding panels. Diversified Roofing does not install solar panels, but we are happy to do a roof inspection to assess the condition of your roof.

The granules on asphalt shingles help protect them from UV damage from the sun. Asphalt shingles will eventually incur some damage though, as granules wear away. This can cause the shingles to get brittle and tear. Although sunlight can be hard on older asphalt roofs, regular inspections will help spot any problems.

Simply contact us either through diversifiedroofing.com or by calling 602-755-6535 for Phoenix residents or 713-766-1162 for Houston residents. We will send a roofing professional to your home for a quick inspection, discuss your needs, and provide you with a free roof replacement estimate.

The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 years, but yours could need replacing sooner, depending on the climate and condition of your roof. That’s why it’s important to have regular inspections, and if your roof is around 15 years old, start planning financially for a potential roof replacement. In addition, if your asphalt roof is damaged in a storm, by a falling tree, or you’re losing shingles, you’ll likely need to replace your roof.