The 3 types of asphalt shingles are 3 tab, Architectural, and Premium. The 3 tab is the least expensive and therefore the most popular. It generally costs between $2.50 to $3.50 an sq. ft. installed by a roofing company depending on location. The Architectural shingle (also called a Dimensional shingle) is in the $4 to $6 range installed and the Premium will sell for in the $6 to $9 installed range. Even though they have 25, 30, and 50-year warranties they typically will only last 15, 20, and 25 years depending on weather, sun direction, and winds. I have seen an Architectural shingle only last 7 years and I just had a roofer call me to say his lasted 2 years.
Why are these asphalt shingles not lasting as long as they used to? According to Roof Revivers of Columbus Ohio, “There are more algae on roofs today because manufacturers use crushed limestone within the shingle as a filler so they don’t have to use as much asphalt. Since asphalt is an expensive, petroleum-based product, they try to minimize it by using more crushed limestone.”
They go on to say that,” 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. That’s one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace. And the manufacturers know that their warranties are so watered down, they have very little callback.”
If an Architectural shingle averages 25 years and it’s the cost to install is $5 an sq. ft. then the cost per year of this shingle on a 2000 sq. ft. the roof is $400 per year. If we compare that to the 4Ever metal shingle that installs for about $6.50 per sq. ft and lasts 100 years (How long do metal roofs last and why do they last so long) then the average cost per year of the 4Ever metal shingle is $130 per Year. Add the fact that homes with metal roofs sell for more and you can see why the 4Ever metal shingle is becoming very popular.
If you would like to see this beautiful 4Ever Metal Shingle please visit us at AlphaRain.com or call us at 540-222-1642
Written By: Brandy Dysart
Owner and Founder of Alpha Rain Metal Roofing