What does it mean when a shingle is referred to as a 20-, 30- or 50-year shingle?
The number of years referred to in a shingle’s nomenclature is the lifespan of the shingle under optimum conditions. A 50-year shingle will be thicker and heavier than a shingle rated at 20 or 30 years. A shingle is expected to encounter heat and cold, along with rain, snow and other precipitation. Winds higher than the shingle rating, ice build-up under the shingles (a result of temperature inconsistencies on the roof) and ice damming will all have a negative impact on your roof’s expected lifespan.
