The shingle roof on your home is a critical component that requires maintenance and, eventually, replacement. It is also beneficial to know how long a shingle roof lasts if you are considering selling your home or buying a new home. The lifespan of asphalt shingles can vary based on many factors, and for Eastern Michigan homeowners there are specific factors to consider.

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How Long Do Shingle Roofs Normally Last in Eastern Michigan?

The average lifespan of asphalt shingle on most roofs is about 25 years. However, the roof could need replacing before 25 years or may not need to be replaced until 30, 40, or sometimes 50 years. The lifespan depends primarily on the kind of shingles installed on your roof, and the weather conditions where you live.

What Are the Different Kinds of Shingle Roofs?

There are several different kinds of asphalt shingle roofs, including:

Three-tab roofing shingles: Three-tab shingles are one of the more popular shingle roofs. They are affordable, come in a variety of colors, and provide an asymmetrical and uniform look to the roof.
Architectural roofing shingles: These shingles consist of two layers of shingles laminated together to give the roof a more 3-D look and feel. They also come in a variety of colors.
Impact-resistant roofing shingles: Just as the name suggests, these shingles provide impact resistance to hail, debris, and other such objects. The shingles are reinforced on the back or have a rubberized effect.
Cool roofing shingles: Cool roof shingles are designed to reflect back heat energy from the sun and keep your home cooler. They also help to make homes more energy-efficient.
Specialty roofing shingles: This kind of shingle provides unique features, colors, and personalization options.

What Affects My Shingle Roof’s Lifespan in Ann Arbor?

Tons of factors affect your shingle roof’s lifespan, such as:

How they were installed: The quality of the installation is vital as it will determine if there are any installation flaws that could affect the asphalt shingle lifespan. Shingles need to be installed in a specific manner, with proper spacing and alignment.
The slope of your roof: The roof slope does affect the lifespan of shingles. Steeper roofs usually last longer because they have a higher slope or pitch. Roofs with a low slope or pitch are at risk of water damage because water does not flow as quickly or easily off the roof.
The weather or climate: Heat, cold, moisture, and physical impacts can all affect how long a roof lasts. While you won’t have to worry about a hurricane or tornado taking off your roof in Eastern Michigan, how harsh a winter season is will definitely have an effect.
How often roof maintenance is performed: Regular roof maintenance, usually once a year, is sufficient to find any potential problems, such as cracked, loose, or missing shingles. It is also important to keep pine needles, leaves, branches, and other debris off the roof. Your roof should also be inspected after any major weather event.
How often gutters are cleaned: If your home has gutters, you need to keep those cleaned to prevent water flow issues and clogs. When water cannot flow off the roof and away from the home, it can get under shingles and shorten its lifespan. Ice dams can also form in the winter and can damage sub-roofing, siding, and shingles.
Attic ventilation: The attic and roof systems need proper airflow to manage roof and attic temperature. If they get too hot or cold, they can cause premature aging and shorten the shingle’s lifespan.

What Types of Roofing Maintenance Are Needed in Ann Arbor?

Roofing maintenance is fairly easy and straightforward, as follows:

Every few months, perform a visual inspection of the roof to look for signs of damage, loose shingles, or missing shingles
Remove any debris, leaves, and branches from the roof as needed
Inspect your gutters at least twice a year and clean out any debris
Have a professional perform a roof inspection after any major weather event or once every one to three years - Mighty Dog Roofing offers free roofing inspections in Ann Arbor

How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last in Eastern Michigan?

Now that you know more about the different kinds of shingles and the factors that affect asphalt shingle lifespan, let’s examine how long a shingle roof could last in the Ann Arbor area based on the different kinds of shingles.

Three-tab shingles: These shingles likely last at least 15 years, but probably not more than 25 years
Architectural shingles: These kinds of shingles will last longer because they consist of two layers. They will generally last between 25 and 35 years.
Impact-resistant shingles: Impact-resistant shingles are considered premium shingles and can last between 30 and 50 years.
Cool roofing shingles: Cool roof shingles can last between 15 and 30 years.
Specialty shingles: The durability and longevity of specialty shingles depend on the kind of shingle they are made from, which could be three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, or premium shingles.

How Can I Tell If I Need a New Roof in Ann Arbor?

Asphalt shingles are designed to give you warning signs they are nearing the end of their useful lifespan. Some of the more common ones to look for include:

Cracking and breaking
There is excessive granule loss
The shingles are curling up around the edges
Numerous shingles are loose
The sub-roofing is exposed in different areas where shingles are missing

What Are Shingle Granules?

Shingle granules are small pieces of asphalt that are embedded into the shingles when they are manufactured. They help to provide UV protection, heat reduction, protection from the elements, and fire resistance. The granules are also what give the shingles their color.

Over time, as the roof ages, a small amount of granule loss is normal. However, as the roof becomes older, there can be an increase in the amount of granule loss. If you notice a large amount of granules where your downspout drains or in your gutters, you should contact a professional for a roof inspection.

If you do not have gutters, look on the ground around the exterior of the home, where water usually runs off the roof, to check the granule loss.

Get a Free Roof Inspection in Ann Arbor Today

Find out the condition of your roof and how many more years it could last with a free inspection from Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor, Mighty Dog Roofing in Ann Arbor. Our experienced roofing technicians perform a detailed inspection that includes looking for broken, cracked, damaged, and missing shingles, as well as soffits, fascia, ventilation, gutters, downspouts, and more. We will also provide a free estimate for any repairs or a new roof for your home.