Are you confused by the difference between 30-year and 50-year shingles? Are you worried you might overpay for a roof that doesn’t last as long as promised?
At RoofSmart, we’ve helped hundreds of Seattle-area homeowners decide which shingle matches their home’s age, exposure, and long-term plans using our SmartMatch Needs Analysis process.
We make sure that our customers find the right roof type for them based on their needs, preferences, and budgets. We also make sure that they understand the pros and cons of each roof type before making their final decision.
In this article, you’ll get a clear, honest breakdown of what sets these shingles apart—without the confusing marketing language.
We’ll cover differences in material, cost, design, and warranties so you can make the best decision for your home.
What are the main differences between 30 and 50-year shingles?
The most important point: It’s not the warranty! Through some fairly slick marketing and lawyer mumbo jumbo, since about 2007, all asphalt shingle warranties are essentially the same across the board for a 30 vs a 50-year roof (more on that later).
Although the warranties are the same, 30 and 50-year shingles differ in how they’re made and how much they cost.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between 30 and 50-year shingles:
How are 30-year and 50-year shingles made differently?
The materials used to make both of these shingles are the same. They have multiple asphalt layers with a layer of granules on the top. But the 50-year shingle has a thicker layer of asphalt, so it is more durable and long-lasting than the 30-year shingle.
The other difference is that today, the 50-year shingle is considered a luxury shingle. This means:
- It costs more than the 30-year shingle
- It is designed to imitate the design of other types of roofing (like wood shingles, shakes, or tile) instead of looking like a regular, thin, and cheap asphalt shingle.
The 50-year shingle is thicker and has a completely different design than the 30-year shingle. But both have the same water resistance capabilities.
How much does each type of shingle cost?
Although roof material costs are pretty much the same across the country, Seattle has a very high cost of living, making the cost of installing a new roof in this area higher than the national average.
Because the 50-year shingle is thicker and offers a high-end design, it costs more than the 30-year shingle. In addition, the 50-year shingle is typically more labor-intensive to install, which also increases its overall cost.
The 30-year shingle costs $20,000 to $30,000 for an average-sized roof (about 2,500 square feet). The 50-year shingle costs around $40,00 to $50,000.
Keep in mind that these prices are specific to the Greater Seattle area, and they include the cost of labor AND materials.
Wondering how much it will cost to install a new roof on your home? Use our Instant Estimator tool to get a ballpark estimate:
How does warranty coverage compare for a 30-year vs. a 50-year shingle?
Warranties for shingles these days advertise that they last a lifetime, which can make it seem like the shingles are covered indefinitely for as long as you have them. This also makes it seem like each type of shingle has the same expected life, even if some of them are more expensive than others.
The “lifetime” of these different shingles covered in the warranty depends on how long the shingle is meant to last. A 30-year shingle and a 50-year shingle have different lifespans, so the “lifetime” of protection in the warranty won’t be the same for these shingles.
Unhelpfully, they don’t label them like that anymore. Everything is a “lifetime warranty shingle.”
In other words, the 50-year shingle lasts longer than the 30-year shingle, so it will technically have coverage under the warranty for a longer period of time.
However, it is important to understand that this difference in shingle “lifetimes” does not change what type of coverage the shingle manufacturer offers. The manufacturer only covers manufacturing defects in the shingles, not normal wear and tear.
So, even though the warranty lasts different lengths for the 30-year and 50-year shingle, it still offers the same level of coverage during that time.
A 50-year shingle DOES NOT automatically get you a longer warranty, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that your warranty will have a higher level of coverage than it would for a 30-year shingle.
What factors should I consider when deciding between 30 and 50-year shingles?
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that your roof’s performance can vary drastically depending on the following:
- Weather
- Impact damage
- Tree coverage and shade on your roof
- Improper ventilation in the attic
- Having a low slope
All of these factors can potentially cause your asphalt shingle roof to deteriorate faster than normal. For example, given Seattle’s heavy rainfall and frequent windstorms that blow branches onto roofs, the extra thickness of a 50-year shingle may hold up better over time.
Which shingle offers better value for your roof?
Some of you might be wondering which of these shingles is better. In truth, choosing which shingle is “better” depends entirely on what you are looking for.
The 30-year shingle has a shorter lifespan, but it also has the advantage of being much cheaper and easier to install. It is a classic go-to option for many homeowners in the Greater Seattle area because it is affordable and it gets the job done.
The 50-year shingle lasts about twice as long as the average asphalt shingle, but it is much more expensive. Though the price feels quite hefty for an asphalt shingle, the added expense not only gets you a longer-lasting shingle but also an elevated design.
The value of the shingle comes from how it meets your roofing needs. That’s what makes it a “better” option for you.
Why choose the 30-year shingle?
The 30-year shingle offers you reliable coverage for your roof at a more affordable price since it is less thick and easier to install than other shingles. It is a great option for someone who likes the look of an asphalt roof and for those who need a new roof but do not want to invest a ton of money in a house that they’re not going to stay in for much longer.
Why choose the 50-year shingle?
With the 50-year shingle, you get not only a longer-lasting shingle, but you get one that looks significantly different. If you are interested in a higher-end, luxury shingle, this is an excellent option. It is also great if you like the look of shake or tile but do not want to spend the amount of money that it costs to get those roof types.
30 vs. 50-year Shingle Comparison Table
To help you decide which shingle is right for you, we’ve put the key features of both shingle options together for a quick, side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | 30-Year Shingle | 50-Year Shingle |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20–30K | $40–50K |
| Appearance | Standard Asphalt | Luxury, mimics shake/tile |
| Thickness | Thinner | Thicker, more durable |
| Labor Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan | ~20–30 years | ~40–50 years |
| Warranty Duration | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Is an asphalt shingle roof right for you?
Now you clearly understand the key differences between 30-year and 50-year asphalt shingles—from cost and design to lifespan and warranty realities.
If you’ve been trying to figure out whether the higher cost of a 50-year shingle is worth it—especially in Seattle’s wet, moss-prone environment—this should give you the clarity to move forward with confidence.
But what if you’re not sure asphalt shingles are the right choice at all? You might be wondering if materials like metal, tile, or synthetic shingles could give you better long-term value or curb appeal.
Read our article “Roof Types: Pros and Cons of 8 Options to Help You Choose the Best One for Your Home” to compare the features and benefits of other roof types and ensure that you’re choosing the best roofing option for your home.
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