Asphalt shingle roofs typically last up to 30 years. Keeping yourself up to date with your roof’s age can help you get the most years out of it, anticipate roofing problems related to age, and prepare well ahead of its eventual replacement. In today’s post, residential roof installation company State Roofing & Exteriors shares an overview of an asphalt shingle’s life cycle.
Understanding the Asphalt Shingle Life Cycle
Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials in North America due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. Like any building material, they go through a natural life cycle—from manufacturing and installation to aging and eventual replacement. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help homeowners make informed decisions and get the most from their investment.
Manufacturing and Installation
The life cycle of asphalt shingles begins at the manufacturing plant. Each shingle is composed of a fiberglass mat base, which is coated in asphalt and topped with ceramic granules for protection against the sun’s UV rays. These shingles are then packaged and sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air and moisture before use. This step is critical because premature exposure can compromise the shingle’s effectiveness.
One of the benefits of working with credentialed roofing contractors like us is that we order our asphalt shingles directly from the factory. This guarantees a uniform batch, ensuring color consistency and predictable aging across the entire roof surface. That means your roof will age evenly, avoiding premature degradation in certain areas that can occur when mixed batches are used.
Once the shingles arrive on-site, installation begins. Proper installation is key to maximizing the roof’s performance and lifespan. After the shingles are laid and secured, the roof enters a critical curing phase. During the first few months, the adhesives used on the shingle backing bond with the roof decking, creating a weather-tight seal. This curing process forms the durable outer layer that protects your home from the elements.
It’s also normal during this period to notice loose granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts. These are excess surface granules from the manufacturing process, and their presence does not necessarily indicate a problem. As long as there are no bald spots or visible damage, your roof is simply settling in.
The first few months after roofing installation are the curing period. During this time, the asphalt shingles develop a durable outer layer as the adhesives and shingle backing form a bond. Loose granules may come off the roof and into the gutters; this is normal. The roof becomes stable after this curing period.
The First 10 Years
In the roofing industry, the first ten years after installation is known as the “incipient stage”. This is considered as the period when the roof is in its prime condition. This is also the period when the roof will be exposed to multiple seasonal cycles, which should put both the roofing system and the roofer’s workmanship to the test. A standard asphalt shingle warranty should cover this period, if not beyond. Homeowners are advised to keep up with scheduled roofing maintenance around this time to ensure warranty coverage.
Later Years
Expect to see signs of aging after the incipient stage. You’re more likely to see signs of prolonged exposure to the elements, such as granule loss and stress cracks, particularly at the roof edge. Roof inspections—which are conducted between scheduled roofing maintenance—are important during this time, as timely repairs will help prolong the roof’s life span. If the roof is starting to approach the end of its service life, signs such as cupping, curling, and “bald” shingles will become more visible. By this time, you will need to look into getting a new roof.
State Roofing & Exteriors is your leading provider of asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems. Give us a call at (360) 794-7164. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Seattle, WA, and surrounding communities.
