Asphalt shingle roof lifespan
How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?
An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts 15 to 30 years: about 15 to 20 years for three-tab shingles and about 20 to 30 years for architectural shingles.
Where your roof lands in that range depends on the shingle, the installation and, in Southern California, the sun.
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How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?
An asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15 to 30 years, with three-tab shingles at roughly 15 to 20 years, architectural shingles at roughly 20 to 30 years, and premium architectural shingles at the top of that range.
Roof life expectancy is a range, not a date. Two roofs installed the same year can age very differently depending on sun exposure, ventilation and upkeep.
| Asphalt Shingle Type | Typical Lifespan | What Ages It Fastest |
|---|---|---|
| Three-tab | 15 to 20 years | Thin profile, sun and wind |
| Architectural (dimensional) | 20 to 30 years | Sun on south and west slopes |
| Premium architectural | 25 to 30 years | Poor attic ventilation |
- Three-tab: 15 to 20 years
- Architectural: 20 to 30 years
- Premium architectural: 25 to 30 years
What Shortens the Life of a Roof in Southern California?
The life of a roof in Southern California is shortened mostly by intense sun and heat, which dry out asphalt shingles, along with Santa Ana winds, poor attic ventilation and neglected flashings.
South and west facing slopes often wear years ahead of the rest of the roof.
- Year-round ultraviolet exposure
- Summer heat, especially inland
- Santa Ana winds lifting brittle shingles
- Hot attics from poor ventilation
- Flashings and skylight seals that dry out
How Can You Tell How Old a Roof Is?
You can tell how old a roof is from the permit record, the home sale disclosures or the original installer, and an inspection shows how old it acts regardless of the date.
- Check the building permit history for a reroof
- Look at inspection and disclosure papers from your purchase
- Ask the previous owner or installer
- Look for curling, granule loss and brittle shingles
Can You Extend the Life of a Roof That Is Already Worn?
You can extend the life of a worn asphalt roof if it is still sound, by repairing its weak points and coating it, which is what a roof tune-up does.
A tune-up comes with a six-year warranty from Dura-Foam, and many roofs last beyond it. See what a roof tune-up includes and how to extend the life of your roof.
At What Age Is a Roof Past Saving?
No single age makes a roof past saving, because condition decides it: a soft deck, rot or shingles failing on every slope mean replacement at any age.
An older roof that has been kept up can still qualify for a tune-up. A younger roof with water damage may not. See signs an asphalt roof is past saving.
Book a free roof inspection to find out how much life your roof has left.
Roof Lifespan FAQs
How long does a roof last?
An asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15 to 30 years depending on shingle type and conditions.
What is the life expectancy of a three-tab roof?
A three-tab asphalt roof has a life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years.
How long do architectural shingles last?
Architectural asphalt shingles last about 20 to 30 years.
Does the Southern California sun shorten roof life?
The Southern California sun shortens roof life by drying out the asphalt in the shingles.
What is roof depreciation life?
Roof depreciation life is an accounting figure. How long your roof actually lasts depends on its condition.
How can I make my roof last longer?
You can make your roof last longer by repairing flashings and damaged shingles early and protecting the shingles with a coating.
Is a 20-year-old roof too old?
A 20-year-old roof is not automatically too old. Condition decides whether it can be tuned up.
Do roofs last longer on the coast?
Roofs near the coast see less extreme heat than inland roofs, though every slope still ages in the sun.
Does attic ventilation affect roof lifespan?
Attic ventilation affects roof lifespan because a hot attic bakes shingles from below.
How long does a tune-up add?
A tune-up is backed by a six-year warranty from Dura-Foam, and many roofs go beyond it.
How do I know how much life my roof has left?
A free inspection shows how much life your roof has left.
Find out how much life your roof has left. The inspection is free.