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 in the roofing 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.

“But will architectural shingles last 30 years?” you say.

It is very unlikely that your architectural shingle roof will last 30 years in Myrtle Beach. However, if there are any manufacturing defects over the course of 30 years, the manufacturer will honor the warranty to fix those defects. 

In this article, we discuss why the term “30-year shingle” is being phased out and address the average lifespan of a “30-year”, or architectural shingle 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 not perfect conditions, especially in Myrtle Beach. 

The roofing industry is getting rid of the “30-year” term because it’s misleading, and the warranty on these shingles has improved. Manufacturers that once called their architectural shingles “30-year” shingles are now calling them Lifetime shingles. 

Most manufacturers describe the “lifetime” warranty as a warranty that remains valid as long as the initial owner(s) of a single-family detached home (or second owner(s) in specific situations) possess the property where the shingles and accessories are installed. 

Today, most manufacturers will stand by their lifetime warranty for architectural shingles if their products have any manufacturing defects for up to 50 years. Along with the defect warranty, most roofing companies offer a workmanship warranty so that you are covered if any errors are made during the install.

Neither of these warranties cover damage from extreme weather conditions.

Architectural shingles are known for being more durable than 3-tab shingles, which will extend their lifespan, but they are unlikely to remain in great condition for 30 years.

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.

30-year shingles will usually have a lifespan between 15 – 25 years in the Myrtle Beach area. This is due to exposure to extreme weather conditions like heat, heavy rain, wind, and salt air. Myrtle Beach often gets hit by hurricanes, which can shorten your roof’s lifespan.

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. 

Now that you are aware that your 30-year shingles last about 20 years, you can consider different options that suit your needs. Whether you are looking to repair or replace your roof, it is best to be well-informed before choosing your roofing materials.

During your journey to a new roof, you can count on Linta Roofing for valuable insights on roofing terminology. 

In the ever-evolving world of roofing, knowledge is your best ally!