If it has been a while since you last renovated your roof, you may be wondering “where did all the 30-year shingles go?” You may have had 30-year shingles installed or heard someone else mention that they had 30-year shingles put on their roof. But you are unlikely to hear this term from reliable roofing companies today.
As a local contractor in Myrtle Beach, we hear questions about 30-year shingles all the time. The truth is – a 30-year shingle is really an architectural shingle with a 30-year manufacturing defect warranty.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's very unlikely that your architectural shingle roof will last 30 years in Myrtle Beach. In this article, we discuss why the term “30-year shingle” is being phased out and address the average lifespan of a “30-year” roof, in Myrtle Beach.
Why 30-Year Shingles are Now Called Lifetime Shingles
A 30-year shingle can live up to its name in perfect conditions. Unfortunately, the great outdoors are far from perfect, especially in Myrtle Beach.
The roofing industry is moving away from the “30-year” term because it’s misleading, and the warranties on these shingles have evolved. Manufacturers that once called their architectural shingles “30-year shingles” now refer to them as Lifetime shingles. This is because the shingles formerly known for their 30-year manufacturing warranty, now have what's called a "lifetime warranty."
What Does a Lifetime Warranty Include?
Most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for architectural shingles, which typically includes:
- Coverage that remains valid as long as the initial owner(s) of a single-family detached home (or in some cases, a second owner) possess the property.
- A 50-year defect warranty for manufacturing defects, which well exceeds the expected lifespan of the shingles.
- A workmanship warranty offered by most roofing companies, covering any errors made during installation.
Important to note:
- Neither of these warranties cover damage from extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or severe storms.
- Architectural shingles are more durable than 3-tab shingles, which helps extend their lifespan, but they are still unlikely to last the full 30 years in areas like Myrtle Beach.
How Long Do 30-Year (Architectural) Shingles Last?
For Myrtle Beach residents, it is essential to understand that extreme weather conditions will affect the lifespan of your roof. After all, an architectural shingle roof can cost anywhere from $10,050 to $16,500.
30-year shingles, or architectural shingles, will usually have a lifespan between 15 – 25 years in the Myrtle Beach area. This is due to exposure to normal wear and tear and extreme weather conditions like heat, heavy rain, wind, and salt air. 
As a hurricane prone location, Myrtle Beach residents are prone to wind damage.
On the other hand, a roof that doesn’t get a lot of sun or wind and has a steep slope will last longer than a roof exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Misleading Roofing Terms and What To Expect From 30-Year Shingles
Roofing terminology can be misleading. This misleading terminology can make it difficult to navigate unexpected damage or issues associated with an older roof.
Now that you know what the term “30-year shingle” means, you may also want to consider the warranties offered by leaders in the industry like GAF. Understanding that "30-year" shingles last about 20 years, you can consider all roofing options to find the best material to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to repair or replace your roof, it is best to be well-informed about what you can expect from your roofing material.
During your journey to a new roof, you can count on Linta Roofing for valuable insights on roofing terminology. We're happy to help our Myrtle Beach community with any and all roofing questions!
