Why 'Lifetime' Shingles Replaced 30-Year and 50-Year Shingles: The Truth Behind the Change

Do you feel confused and misled by shingles that are all labeled as “lifetime” shingles when they’re meant to last different lengths of time? Are you wondering why they are labeled as “lifetime” shingles if they only last 50 years at most?

At RoofSmart, we have been around for 13 years and during that time we have worked with many different shingle manufacturers and discussed shingle lifespan with thousands of customers.

We have witnessed firsthand the impact that switching to “lifetime” shingles has had on the industry as a whole and on consumers. We understand that it is difficult and confusing to have lost the “30-year” and “50-year” label.

In this article, you’ll learn what a lifetime shingle is and why the roofing industry stopped referring to it as a 30- or 50-year shingle.

By the end, you’ll understand what you can expect from the lifespan of your shingles and your warranty coverage so that you can make an informed decision about which shingle lifespan is right for you.

Why did the industry shift from saying “30- or 50-year” shingles to “lifetime” shingles?

In the past, shingles were referred to throughout the roofing industry as 30-, 40-, or 50-year shingles. It was an easy way to identify how long the shingle you chose would last.

But, 14 years ago, a top manufacturer changed all their shingles to be called “lifetime” shingles. They also offered lifetime warranty coverage for them. They wanted to make this shift to emphasize that they were using better technology to make their shingles last a lifetime.

A few months later, the rest of the manufacturers made the same changes. This was the end of naming shingles by their expected lifespan and using that as a clear, immediate way of distinguishing them.

Now, everything is a lifetime shingle and is also referenced as such because it has a lifetime warranty. But, this is confusing for many people because there are still shingles that last different amounts of time, they just aren’t labeled that way anymore.

For example, the GAF Timberline HDZ likely weighs around 210 lbs per square and the GAF Grand Canyon likely weighs around 450 lbs per square (but it is hard to know the exact weight of any shingle because manufacturers do not share that information anymore). Both are advertised as lifetime shingles with lifetime warranties despite the 200+ lbs per square difference.

Logically, the GAF Grand Canyon will last longer, but without the lifespan or shingle weight advertised alongside the rest of the shingle information, you might wonder why you’d bother to pay more for a shingle that still lasts a lifetime and has lifetime coverage.

What does the switch from saying “30-year” shingles to lifetime shingles mean for consumers?

The switch to “lifetime” shingles meant not only a change in the name but also a change in the way that shingles were produced and marketed. This includes attaching “lifetime” warranties to these lifetime shingles.

What Does “Lifetime” Warranty Coverage Actually Mean?

A major point of confusion is the so-called “lifetime” warranty, which often makes people think that they are getting warranty coverage that lasts a lifetime, which is not necessarily the case (as we have seen time and time again with our customers).

Warranties for pretty much anything are notoriously confusing and full of exclusions. The same applies to shingle manufacturer’s warranties.

Shingle manufacturers are responsible for creating a good quality product, but not for installing it. So, it’s completely fair for them to not want to provide coverage for damage that occurs during installation.

The confusion arises when they advertise “lifetime” coverage for a shingle that’s only going to last a certain amount of time. So, your shingles will last for a few decades, and then they will succumb to normal wear and tear.

Well, even in a lifetime warranty, normal wear and tear is NEVER covered. Many other types of damage to your roof aren’t covered either. When your shingles reach the end of their life, you will not get coverage to replace them. So, it doesn’t matter how long you have coverage for your shingles because once they wear out it won’t apply anymore.

There has been a lot of confusion about coverage length and what is covered in a lifetime warranty. As a result, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a class-action lawsuit and a shift back to labeling shingles based on their expected lifespan in the future.

Shingle Weight and Design Has Changed

It used to be that the 30-, 40-, and 50-year shingles were similar in structure and design, but just increasing in weight. That is no longer true. Now, the current equivalent to a 30-year shingle is considered a standard, basic shingle.

But, the current 50-year shingles typically weigh more and have a different structure and design. They are considered a higher-end, luxury item, not just a longer-lasting alternative.

In general, shingles also weigh less compared to shingles from the past in the same category. It used to be that 30-year shingles were about 240 lbs, but now they’re around 210 or 220 lbs.

The Middle-Range (40-Year) Shingle Has Disappeared

When the switch to lifetime shingles happened, the 40-year shingle mostly died out. This was more than likely an unintended consequence. Due to the confusion about the definition of “lifetime”, people did not want to pay more for a shingle that had the same warranty coverage (and the same ‘lifetime’ lifespan) as cheaper versions.

There are still a few shingles left that are the current equivalent of 40-year shingles. The current equivalent to the 50-year shingle was able to hold out a bit better because it has a different design, but a lot of those shingles are gone as well.

How do you know how long your shingles will last?

Because the expected lifespan of the shingle is no longer advertised in the name, it can be difficult to know how long it will last. The other issue is that the same shingle will last different lengths of time in different environments.

So, to know how long your shingles will last, you need to know:

• How thick your shingle is compared to other options

• • For a shingle that is generally expected to last around 20 to 30 years, look for a standard architectural shingle. These are one of the lower weight categories (usually around 200 to 250 lbs per square) and are the modern equivalent of the 30-year shingle.
  • For a heavier shingle that will last for 40 to 50 years, look for designer, luxury, or heavyweight architectural shingles. These will be in the highest weight category, usually 400+ lbs per square. They are made with a lot more asphalt than a standard shingle.

• How the environment that you live in will impact the lifespan of your shingle

• • Weather is the biggest factor in determining how long your shingles will last in their environment. The Seattle area is very rainy and wet, which is not good for asphalt shingles and will shorten their lifespan.

Every house and shingle type is unique, and the U.S. has such a wide variety of environments that no one can say for sure how long your asphalt shingle roof will last. But, you can get an estimate based on what others have experienced. The expected lifespan for asphalt shingles here in the Seattle area is around 15 to 25 years.

This lifespan can vary depending on other factors, such as the slope of your roof. If you have a very steep roof, then the water will run right off of it and have less of an impact. But, if you have a low-sloped roof, then the water has opportunities to pool up and deteriorate the shingles. This could cause it to last even less than 15 years.

It is rare for your roof to last the full 30 or 50 years, especially if you live in any sort of extreme climate.

Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof’s Lifetime: Key Factors to Consider

Understanding the shift to “lifetime” shingles can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when it doesn’t provide the clarity you need about the true longevity and value of the product. The industry’s transition from 30- or 50-year labels to “lifetime” shingles was intended to emphasize enhanced durability. But it has also created confusion about what a “lifetime” warranty actually covers.

When you’re deciding on a roofing option, consider the type, weight, and environment-specific factors that will impact the shingles’ lifespan.

If you want to dive deeper into the differences between 30-year and 50-year shingles (even if that’s not what they’re called anymore), read our article “What is the Difference Between a 30-year and a 50-year Shingle?”.