40 Year Asphalt Shingles Longevity and Common Issues

If you're considering 40 year asphalt shingles for your roof, you're likely wondering how long they'll really last and what issues to expect. Asphalt shingles can last up to 40 years, but their lifespan can be affected by various factors.

Proper installation is key to extending the life of your shingles. According to the article, a well-installed asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20 years longer than a poorly installed one.

Asphalt shingles are prone to cracking, especially in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. In fact, the article notes that shingles can crack within the first 10 years of installation due to thermal stress.

Regular maintenance is essential to prevent common issues like granule loss and algae growth. By cleaning your roof twice a year, you can prevent granule loss and keep your shingles looking their best.

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Proper roof maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of your roofing system. You can get roughly half the service life out of your roofing system if you don't maintain it.

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Inspecting your roof routinely is a great place to start. This helps identify any potential issues before they become major problems. You should clean your roof periodically as it's needed to keep it in good condition.

Making minor repairs in a timely way can greatly extend the roof's lifespan. Bob Vila sums it up best, saying that inspecting, cleaning, and making minor repairs can make a big difference.

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Roof shingles are a type of roofing material made from a mixture of asphalt, minerals, and fillers.

They come in various colors and styles to suit different architectural designs and personal preferences. The most common types of asphalt shingles are three-tab shingles and architectural shingles.

Asphalt shingles are made from a combination of asphalt, minerals, and fillers, with a layer of fiberglass or organic mat underneath. This construction provides excellent durability and resistance to weather conditions.

The lifespan of asphalt shingles can vary depending on the quality of the material, installation, and environmental factors. According to the article, 40-year asphalt shingles are designed to last for, you guessed it, 40 years.

Proper installation is crucial for the longevity of asphalt shingles. A well-installed roof can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for decades.

Consider reading: Architectural Shingle Installation Instructions

Some manufacturers offer asphalt shingles with 30-year warranties, but if you're looking for a longer warranty, you can consider architectural shingles that come with 40-year warranties.

Architectural shingles are a popular choice because they're heavier and more durable than traditional 3-tab shingles, providing better wind resistance and longer manufacturer warranties.

You can expect architectural shingles to have a three-dimensional appearance similar to wood shakes, which can enhance the look of your home.

CertainTeed, GAF, and IKO are just a few companies that offer 40-year warranties on their asphalt shingles, but it's essential to ask what the warranty covers and whether it includes installation errors.

Some companies, like Owens Corning and Malarkey, may not offer a warranty that covers installation errors, so it's crucial to ask about a personal guarantee from the installer.

If you do need to file a claim on your warranty, be prepared to provide photographs of the damaged shingles, fill out forms, and prove that damage occurred, as some companies may charge a fee to file a claim.

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Blistering can occur when asphalt shingles are exposed to extreme weather conditions, causing the shingle's surface to blister and potentially lead to leaks.

Blisters can be caused by moisture trapped between the shingle and the roof deck, which can happen if the roof is not properly ventilated.

Asphalt shingles can also experience curling, particularly at the edges, due to excessive exposure to sunlight or high winds.

Curling can compromise the shingle's integrity, making it more susceptible to damage from weather and other external factors.

Granule loss is another common issue with asphalt shingles, which can be caused by wear and tear, heavy rainfall, or even improper installation.

Granules can be lost during the manufacturing process, but excessive loss can occur over time, affecting the shingle's appearance and performance.

Asphalt shingles can also experience cracking, which can be caused by thermal shock, heavy foot traffic, or settlement of the roof deck.

Cracking can lead to water infiltration and potentially damage the roof's underlying structure.

Asphalt shingles can be prone to staining, which can be caused by algae growth, mold, or mildew.

Staining can be unsightly and potentially compromise the shingle's integrity.

Asphalt shingles can experience delamination, which occurs when the shingle's surface layer separates from the underlying layer.

Delamination can be caused by improper installation, excessive foot traffic, or settlement of the roof deck.

Asphalt shingles can also experience buckling, particularly in areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall.

Buckling can cause the shingle to lift and potentially lead to water infiltration and damage to the roof's underlying structure.

Asphalt shingles can experience uneven wear, particularly at the edges or in areas with high foot traffic.

Uneven wear can compromise the shingle's integrity and potentially lead to damage from weather and other external factors.

Asphalt shingles can also experience premature aging, which can be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, high winds, or heavy rainfall.

Premature aging can compromise the shingle's performance and potentially lead to costly repairs.

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