Dimensional shingles life expectancy? (2023)

What is the life expectancy of dimensional shingles?

The different asphalt shingle roof types and their expected lifespans are: 3-tab shingles: The cheapest asphalt shingle type lasting between 15-30 years. Architectural shingles: Also called dimensional shingles, these asphalt shingles are mid-range priced and last between 20-30 years.

The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.

Pros of Dimensional Shingles

Because of the double bonded layer, dimensional shingles actually offer more protection from wind and hail — with the heaviest grades able to withstand 130 mph winds. Other benefits include: Longer lifespan - 40-50 year warranties is not uncommon.

These shingles feature a tough fiberglass mat sandwiched between two asphalt layers. Mineral granules are embedded in the top layer to make these impact-resistant shingles less likely to be damaged by hail and punishing ultraviolet rays.

The 3 types of asphalt shingles come in at different price points to fit your budget. 3-tab shingles are the cheapest of the 3 types and are a great option if you're on a tight budget. Dimensional shingles are about 15% more than 3-tab shingles, but give you more life and better warranty options.

Asphalt Shingles

Under normal circumstances, 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last 15-20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt shingle roofs are a bit more resilient to the elements due to their design. These may last up to 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs.

Laminated and architectural shingles tend to be thicker than the basic three-tab shingle, and as a result they tend to last longer. To reflect this, many manufacturers of laminated shingles offer a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

Can solar panels make your roof last longer? Actually, yes! When you install solar panels, , they act as a stellar protectant for your roof, which can actually extend its life.

Fiberglass shingles are a particularly good choice in high wind areas, as they are a strong product which is unlikely to come apart. Not only is it important to pick a good product like a quality fiberglass shingle, but you also need to be sure that those shingles are installed properly.

Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are asphalt shingles with a twist. Laminated shingles, also known as “architectural” or “dimensional” shingles, are layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes.

How Many Times Can shingles be replaced?

Most building codes allow up to two layers of organic or fiberglass asphalt shingles. That limit pertains to roofs with up to a 4:12 pitch. When it's time to replace your roof, there are several factors that might lead your roofing professional to recommend adding shingles on top of your existing layers.

The quick answer is yes you can re-roof architectural shingles over existing architectural shingles (however you must check with the shingle manufacturer as well). Having said that it will be nearly impossible to get a good looking quality installation.

If you're looking for the strongest type of roof, you're looking for a DECRA metal roof. Since 1957, DECRA Metal Roofing has set the industry standard for durability and longevity.

Dimensional shingles were created in the 1970s and are made from fiberglass and other organic materials with asphalt added into the mix. They often have other minerals added to make them durable as well so they can stand up against the elements.

As a result, these types of shingles have two or more layers. Dimensional shingles last an average of 30 to 50 years.

Cons of Architectural Shingles

They are also more expensive than 3-tab shingles. Even though they tend to be higher quality and sturdier, architectural shingles can be damaged by bad weather and debris.

The average cost for an architectural shingle roof will range between $13,500 to $21,500 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. foot or $100 to $150 per square installed on a standard sized single story home.

30-year architectural shingles have a unique three-dimensional texture built into them that makes them much sturdier than other types of asphalt shingles. Despite this extra robustness, they generally do not require any sort of extra roof support or structure.

The typical size of asphalt roofing shingles is as follows:

13 1/4 inches in Width (metric shingles), or 12 inches (imperial) 40 inches in Length (metric shingles), or 36 inches (imperial) The thickness is about 1/8 inch, although fibreglass shingles are thinner by nature than tar paper shingles.

Can architectural shingles last 30 years?

Architectural shingles, a premium type of asphalt shingle, can last 25 to 30 years. While architectural shingles seal in the same manner as standard asphalt shingles, they're up to three times thicker, so they form a denser, more resilient roof. Warranties for architectural shingles reflect this greater durability.

Wear and Tear

Environmental factors, as well as the passage of time, eventually cause roof shingles to deteriorate and become ineffective at keeping water out. This is particularly the case in locations where roofs face very high temperatures for heavy snows and ice.

Cost to Replace Architectural Asphalt Shingles

The cost to install 30 year architectural shingles is usually about $350 to $500 per square. 50 year architectural shingles are even stronger, and are considered premium. The cost of this type of shingle may range from $450 to $700+ per square.

Light shingles fair better in warmer weather, as light colors tend to deflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Dark shingles are the opposite; they absorb heat, which makes them excellent for colder climates. They also tend to make snow melt much more quickly.

Luxury or sometimes called premium shingles, this type of grade is obviously the best. With maximum durability, the premium grade shingles are designed to replicate natural slate and cedar shake roofs without the higher price.

Solar panels are similar to your home's roof. They can slowly develop organic growth like moss, mold, mildew, algae, and lichen. Organic growth on your solar panels can reduce power outputs and create hot spots.

White is the best color for energy efficiency because of the albedo effect. With a white roof, or a roof with a color that has similarly lighter hues, the sun's rays are reflected instead of absorbed.

At what wind speed do roofers stop working?

All laying or handling of slates, tiles, battens and felt at roof level should cease when the (average) mean wind speed reaches 23 mph (gusting to 35 mph or over).

Dimensional Shingles

These shingles are typically made with double layers that make them much thicker than 3-tab shingles. Pros: Dimensional or laminate shingles are currently a very popular option for homes, and can even raise the value of your house if you are switching from 3-tab to dimensional.

Basically, dimensional shingles are your regular asphalt shingles, but with a twist. They are designed to look more like the wood shingles used in the past. Sometimes referred to as laminated or architectural shingles, they come in a variety of different styles.

Pricing varies by brand and project location but on average, a bundle of shingles costs between $35 and $42. The current price for one bundle of GAF's Timberline HD architectural shingles is $40. Since you'll need three bundles per square, the average shingle cost for one roof square is $105 to $126.

"For some, it's something they live with once in a while. For others, it can be daily, severe pain that may last a lifetime." Some people are at higher risk for shingles and postherpetic neuralgia than others.

It is generally better to have the existing shingles stripped and replaced with new layers on the existing roof, which will be more sustainable and effective in the long run.

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.

These tiles are rigid, meaning they don't bend, they simply splinter and crack, and when they crack, they lose their ability to protect your home. Walking on a clay tile roof is an easy way to cause an immense amount of damage that can be costly to repair.

The Most Popular Roof Shingle Colors For 2022

light gray. light brown hues—sand, taupe, desert. dark brown hues—autumnal brown, tree bark, weathered wood.

What damages roof the most?

Water Damage

Next to wind, rain and snow lead the list of common causes of roof damage. Leaks are reportedly the most frequent issue that homeowners face, and it is usually because of extensive snow or rain.

The most expensive type of roofing material is slate.

For labor and materials, you can expect the cost of a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot.

Architectural shingles, or dimensional are one type and they can last 15-30 years, depending on the environment and maintenance.

Of the 3 types of asphalt shingles, the longest lasting are luxury (or premium) asphalt shingles. Luxury asphalt shingles are larger and thicker than 3-tab or architectural shingles, which makes them more durable.

Dimensional shingles were created in the 1970s and are made from fiberglass and other organic materials with asphalt added into the mix. They often have other minerals added to make them durable as well so they can stand up against the elements.

According to NACHI.org, dimensional shingles were first created in the 1970's. “They are generally made from fiberglass or organic materials, with some added asphalt.

Between their greater curb appeal, longer warranty, improved home resale value, wind resistance, and impact durability, architectural shingles are undeniably a superior product.

Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are asphalt shingles with a twist. Laminated shingles, also known as “architectural” or “dimensional” shingles, are layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes.

Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made.

GAF. Founded in 1886, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company's products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors.

How many layers of shingles are dimensional?

Most building codes allow up to two layers of organic or fiberglass asphalt shingles. That limit pertains to roofs with up to a 4:12 pitch. When it's time to replace your roof, there are several factors that might lead your roofing professional to recommend adding shingles on top of your existing layers.

Roofing shingles are tough in the face of rain, but they aren't meant to be stepped on. Roofing professionals wear soft-soled shoes and step carefully to avoid damaging your shingles. They know which areas of the roof they absolutely can't step on, including the valley.

The cost of 30 year architectural asphalt shingles would cost around $4.50 per square foot or $450 per square, but can go up to $7 per square foot.