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Remodeling a bathroom is not only a chance to upgrade features but also a cost-effective way to boost your home’s value. However, many homeowners view a project like remodeling the shower as a huge ordeal that is costly and time-consuming. 

Just how big of a deal is it to remodel your shower? What is the shower remodel timeline like? How long does a shower remodel take? In this article, we’ll go over the average timeline of a shower replacement, including the different stages of the project. 

What Is the Timeline for a Shower Replacement?

If you have roommates, children, or a large family, having bathrooms fully accessible is critical. We understand that having a bathroom become out of service while a shower remodel is taking place can be stressful and massively inconvenient. It’s essential that you, as a customer, are on the same page concerning the timeline of your shower remodeling project. 

So, how long will the shower replacement take? That can be a tricky question to answer depending on the availability of materials and materials used. However, most shower remodel timelines are typically a month long from start to finish. 

Some basic shower remodels can be completed in as little as three weeks, and bigger projects can span up to 7 weeks or more. Thankfully, our team at A to Z Construction is skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to bathroom remodeling.

Stages of Shower Remodeling

To further understand the shower remodel timeline, let’s break down the project stage by stage. 

1. Evaluation and demolition. This is the first step to getting the project going. A staff member will arrive onsite and evaluate the current state of the bathroom. Structural beams and walls will be noted, as well as any walls you would like removed. If mold or asbestos is discovered during the evaluation, plan for an extra delay to ensure it is properly removed. If everything goes smoothly, your old shower and parts will be removed. Expect this state to last under a week.
2. The “Rough-In.” During the “rough-in”, it’s essential plumbers, and electricians work together cohesively to deliver the best shower remodel possible. At this point in the project, plumbers will work on the respective plumbing locations on the floor and walls in the shower. Electricians will ensure the wiring is configured. This stage should last 1 or 2 days.
3. Tiling bed and wall working. This stage lasts 1 or 2 days to prepare for tiling. A tiling bed, or a cement slab, is installed and must dry completely. Walls must also be prepared and often need straightening and other adjustments.
4. Sheeting and waterproofing. Now that the walls have been prepped, our team is ready to sheet the walls and ceilings for your future shower. Once that is complete, we waterproof the entire area to prepare for functionality. Typically this can all be accomplished in a day.
5. Additional waterproofing. To ensure your shower space becomes fully functional, we need to apply 2 or 3 coatings. Each coat needs 24 hours to dry to ensure the area is sealed from water damage. When done by an expert team, this process extends the life of your shower for many years. This stage of the project takes 2 or 3 days.
6. Tiling. This is one of our favorite parts of the shower replacement project and really makes it feel like the end is near. The tiles are cut and placed in the new shower area on the day of the renovation. Depending on how large the space is, this part of the project can take the better part of the week. Usually, it takes about five days.
7. Grout and tile finishing. The last part of the tile job can take 1 to 2 days to finish. During this stage, grout is added, as well as silicone, to strengthen the jointed areas.
8. Plumbing connection. The end is near! The plumber can now return and connect all the plumbing and ensure everything is in working order. Expect 1-2 days.
9. Electric connection. After the plumbing is complete, the electrician can come in and make sure all of the electric components of the new shower space are in working order. Expect 1-2 days here.
10. Clean up and accessories. The last 1-2 days are spent cleaning up the work site and installing any additional accessories the customer has requested. 

Factors That Affect How Long a Shower Remodel Can Take

So, how long does a shower remodel take? Several factors can affect how long you can expect the job to take. Let’s take a look at the most common below.

• What are you replacing your current shower with? Popular options include walk-in showers, tub/shower combinations, and adding spa elements. As expected, the more drastic the remodel is, the longer the project will likely take.
• How much demolition is necessary for your remodel? If you want to open up the bathroom space and tear down one or more walls, this will increase the project time.
• What materials do you want to incorporate? Some materials can take a while to order. Keep this in mind when ordering tiles and special shower heads. 
• What about unforeseen circumstances? Several factors can speed up or slow a job down. Here at A to Z Construction, we strive to keep strict deadlines. However, unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, delayed materials, or illness can delay a shower replacement project. 

Scheduling Your Shower Renovation

The reality is this: a shower renovation will likely take a few weeks. We understand that no one likes a bathroom to be out of operation, so we do our best to stick to the schedule and do a quality job promptly. A fresh new bathroom boosts your home’s value, and showering will become a luxurious, self-care experience! 
We’ve completed some fantastic renovations that elevate the space entirely. Because we put so much pride into our work, we’ve earned rave reviews from our customers.

The sooner you contact us to schedule your first consultation, the sooner you’ll be to the shower of your dreams. Contact A to Z Construction today to get started.

A long, hot shower at the end of a long day is hard to beat. However, the quality of your shower experience will take a nosedive if your shower stall is the size of a tin can or your bathroom fixtures are outdated.

If you’re planning to upgrade your bathroom design, you might wonder how much a shower remodel is going to cost. Let’s find out.

There are many factors to consider when estimating a bathroom remodel cost, but the nationwide average cost is around $11,000. The typical range people spend on their bathroom renovation is from $6,000 to $16,000. Again, many factors go into this, and you have a fair amount of control over how much you spend.

Knowing what to expect for the size of your bathroom and how extensively you plan to renovate it can help ensure you end up with the best bathroom for your needs. A plan can also help you lower your bathroom remodel costs. If you need help with your bathroom remodel, A to Z Construction is the place for you.

What Influences a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

The main factors that will decide the average cost to remodel a bathroom are the extent of the remodel, the size of your bathroom, and what type of fixtures you choose.

How Extensive Are Your Renovations?

Your bathroom remodel cost will largely depend on how extensively you plan to renovate. If you are only doing a minor refresh, you may only give the bathroom a fresh coat of paint and replace some details, like the faucet, towel bars, and mirror. You can often accomplish these projects for only a few hundred dollars.

If you replace the major fixtures, including the tub, shower, sink, and toilet, your cost could be in the thousands, depending on how high-end your new fixtures are. Bathroom remodels that include replacing tile and flooring in addition to the fixtures will probably be upward of $10,000.

Finally, if you’re digging into the walls and floors and moving elements around, you can reasonably expect to pay $25,000 or more. Projects this extensive involve rerouting electrical wiring and plumbing, so there is a lot of extra cost from the experts hired to do those aspects of the job.

How Big Is Your Bathroom?

The size of your bathroom is another significant determining factor in your bathroom remodel cost. Larger bathrooms require more materials, such as flooring and tile, and often have larger or more fixtures.

For instance, a large bathroom may have a double sink and larger counter or a jetted tub and separate shower. A small bathroom likely would not include these items, so the overall bathroom remodel cost would be lower.

A small-sized full bathroom averages 40 square feet and between $2800 and $10,000 to remodel. On the other hand, a large 100 square foot bathroom could cost between $7,000 and $25,000, and an 18-32 square foot half bath averages just $1400.

Do You Plan to Include High-End Fixtures?

The cost of the fixtures in your bathroom is the part of the bathroom remodel cost over which you have the most control. The average cost to remodel a bathroom has quite a wide range due to the various choices of fixtures.

For example, you could spend as little as $1,000 on a prefab shower stall or $15,000 or more on a tiled walk-in shower. It depends entirely on your preferences and how much you are willing to spend.

Breaking Down Your Budget

Many elements go into a bathroom remodel, often making it difficult to budget for those individual components. Make sure you are allocating funds within your budget appropriately, so you don’t get left short toward the end of your project.

For example, if you have a small budget of $8,000, as much as you may want to splurge on that $5,000 tiled walk-in shower, that will likely put you significantly over your budget.

For a general idea of how to divvy up your budget on a complete remodel, here are some of the larger aspects and how much of your budget you can expect to spend on them:

• 25% on cabinets and shelving
• 23% on the shower, tub, and toilet
• 15% on your contractor and permits
• 12% for counters, sinks, faucets, and plumbing

The remaining 25% needs to cover your demo and site prep, flooring and tile, windows, doors, vent fans, lights, and other details.

It is wise to leave some extra budget at the beginning of your project for unforeseen repairs. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and an unknown leak can cause significant damage.

If you plan a small-scale remodel of only replacing the sink and vanity, it is tempting to pick out the best elements you can afford. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big, but if those items will take most of your budget, try to hold off on purchasing them until the demo has begun.

For instance, if you find damage from a hidden leak under the flooring under your current vanity and mold growth, some of your budget will need to go toward replacing or repairing the floor. This situation could strain your finances if you’ve already purchased an expensive vanity.

Sometimes, you must order elements well ahead of demolition. If that is the case, make sure there is leeway somewhere in your budget to handle any unpleasant surprises. If the project goes smoothly, you can always splurge toward the end of the project or designate the leftover funds for other household projects.

Tips for Reducing a Bathroom Remodel Cost

How much is a bathroom remodel? If your budget is tight, or if you want to splurge on certain elements, you can often cut in one area of the bathroom remodel cost to allow more spending in another.

Refresh Only Certain Elements

If you want a new tiled shower, but your budget isn’t enough to accomplish an entire remodel with a walk-in shower, maybe you can leave the toilet, sink, and cabinets as-is and put your entire budget toward your dream shower.

If you have definite desires, think about what your priorities are and what other elements can be left alone to allow that splurge.

Finish Small Jobs Yourself

Doing work yourself is a fine line to walk. It can save on your bathroom remodel cost, but it will always take you more time than it will take the professionals, and the bathroom is often not a room people want to live long without.

However, if you truly need to scrimp on the budget, consider doing finishing work like painting, installing towel bars, or adding door handles and drawer pulls yourself. These small end projects won’t affect the usability of your bathroom once the pros have handled the functional aspects.

Choose Less Expensive Fixtures

Everyone wants their newly remodeled bathroom to look its best, and you may have dreams of the exact fixtures you want. However, if those fixtures are going to break your budget, you can often find similar items at a lower price point.

Don’t go too cheap, as extremely low prices usually indicate a lack of quality. If your intricate tiling work doesn’t fit in the budget, however, perhaps you can find a less complicated arrangement using the same colors to make for less labor and lower your bathroom remodel cost.

Splurges You May Want to Budget for

Don’t be afraid to dream big with your bathroom remodel. Even if you’re wondering “how much is a bathroom remodel?”, you shouldn’t let the potential price affect your choices. After all, you want to love the result of your renovation, and many more expensive, high-quality items will save you money in the long run.

Some items that may be worth splurging on include:

• Built-in niches or shelves
• Heated floors
• Natural stone countertops
• Double sinks
• Custom shower seating
• Jetted tub

If you can work them into your budget, these items can increase the overall function, beauty, and enjoyment of your bathroom.

Contact A to Z for Your Bathroom Remodel Today!

You can accomplish a bathroom remodel on just about any budget, but remember that the average cost to remodel a bathroom is around $11,000. You can expect to spend more for a larger bathroom and fancier renovation, whereas you’ll likely spend less for a smaller bathroom and less extensive upgrades.
Whatever your bathroom remodel costs, make it a place you can appreciate for years. Contact A to Z Construction today to get started on creating your dream bathroom remodel.

How long does a bathroom remodel take? That depends on how much work you’re having done and what choices you make for the renovation process. Ultimately, every bathroom is different, so there are no fixed timelines. 

At A to Z Construction, we can estimate some timetables based on common choices homeowners in Minnesota make when picking us as their go-to for expertly crafted bathroom renovation.

Average Bathroom Remodel Timeline

The average bathroom remodel timeline, including many from A to Z Construction, take between three and six weeks. It’s broken down into several stages and includes the time necessary for ordering supplies, getting permits, and letting work set in place.

A typical bathroom remodel will take at least four weeks, so anything below that is usually a simple job. Larger spaces, and projects involving extensive renovations and decorating, can take more than six weeks.

For example, if you’re remodeling a shower, that’s going to go a lot faster than redoing an entire space, from the insulation to the plumbing.

Stages of Bathroom Remodels

How long does a bathroom remodel take if you plan it out? Most remodels go through three specific stages.

Pre-Construction

The pre-construction phase of a bathroom remodel project involves hiring contractors, selecting and acquiring materials, creating construction plans, and getting permits.

This part of a bathroom remodel can have varying timelines. Some homeowners prefer to evaluate options for renovation, while others request specific elements or materials that could take a while to acquire.

Pre-construction ends when plans and permits are approved, all materials are available, and the contractors are ready to start working.

Construction

The construction phase is where most of the work gets done. Most bathroom renovations involve removing the old parts of the room and replacing them with new elements as appropriate.

Depending on the type of bathroom remodel, you might put in new drywall, add tiles, replace a shower or bathtub, install counters, flatten surfaces, and paint.

Construction is a methodical process that has no set-in-stone timeframe. For example, installing a tub depends on structural components drying, and contractors can’t work while that’s happening.

Post-Construction

The post-construction phase occurs after all the work is finished. Here, you’ll get a comprehensive explanation of everything that happened with your bathroom remodel project, along with the final thoughts from your contractors. After payment is finalized, the job is done.

Factors Affecting Bathroom Remodels

Here are some of the factors that can affect your bathroom remodel timeline.

Complexity

The more complicated a bathroom remodel is, the longer it takes. That is especially true if you’re installing intricate or decorative components, as they often take much longer than simple parts.

Financing

Many homeowners use home loans, lines of credit, or other sources of financing to pay for a bathroom remodel. You may need to wait for a financial institution to approve the loan. A to Z Construction has a variety of financing options available for your convenience.

Material Acquisition

Some materials for a bathroom remodel, like insulation and drywall, are usually easy to acquire and have no meaningful effect on the timeline.

However, certain tiles or fixtures can extend the timeline depending on availability. For example, if you want to order a custom cabinet for your sink, you’ll have to wait for the cabinet maker to build it. Once that’s done, you might need to arrange for delivery if it can’t be picked up and brought to your house by the bathroom remodeling team.

Permits

Permits can be essential for the bathroom remodel process, as you’ll likely need city approval to do the work. Contractors can submit permit requests for you, but the government ultimately controls how fast these go through.

Approval lengths can stretch beyond eight weeks, depending on circumstances and the time of year. There’s not much you can do about this except to be patient. 

Part of the permitting process for a bathroom remodel requires inspection by the city. When this happens, all work stops until the inspector confirms everything is up to code. Inspectors usually arrive within a few days, but contractors can’t guarantee a timetable for this.

So, how long does a bathroom remodel take? In many cases, permits and inspections are one of the slowest parts of the process. The sooner you get them done, the better.

Reinforcement

Some bathroom renovations require reinforcing the house to support the changes. Reinforcements may include adding structural support, changing the flooring, or adjusting the walls to hold tiles better.

Repairs

Nobody wants to deal with unexpected issues during a bathroom remodel, but sometimes we open up the walls and find that you need more work. Issues like mold, faulty pipes, or structural damage can require repairing your home before renovation. 

Some problems are invisible until being revealed by the bathroom remodel. Our team works hard to minimize the impact any surprises might have on your timeline.

Season

Renovations are often seasonal jobs, with buyers preferring to have work done in spring or summer. A bathroom remodeling timeline can change depending on how many projects your contractor is handling.

Choosing the off-season could cut weeks from your renovation timetable as there’s usually less competition.

Upgrades

Beyond repairs and reinforcement, some homeowners want upgrades to support the bathroom remodel. That can include installing new water heaters or running bigger pipes to support higher water flow for complex showers.

Most of these projects are relatively straightforward and don’t add more than a few days to the timeline.

Call Us Today for Your Perfect Bathroom Remodel

We’ve answered the question, “how long does a bathroom remodel take?” Now it’s time to make your renovation dreams a reality. If you’re looking for a fast, affordable, and high-quality bathroom remodel in Minnesota, A to Z Construction is ready to lend a hand. Our experienced team members can help make a plan, get the permits, and do the work to give you a magical bathroom sanctuary.

Once we know what you want, our team can also give you a bathroom remodel timeline. We’ve worked on countless homes and are proud to offer free estimates and professional design consultation for all clients.
Contact A to Z Construction today to learn more about your bathroom remodel options.

Is there sunlight peeking through your attic, or does your roof have several droopy spots? These are telltale signs that you need a roof replacement. Suppose your roof has these signs and needs replacing. How long will the roof installation take?

A roof replacement takes between one to three days. The duration might vary depending on the damage extent, weather, season, and materials used. Never rush a roof replacement project, as it’s a recipe for more harm than good.

This post discusses the typical roof replacement timeframe. We’ve also broken down the roof replacement process and explained factors that may extend the duration required to complete this procedure.

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?

The usual timeframe for a roof replacement is around one to three days. The roof of a home covering about 1,200 square feet will take a day to replace. However, replacing a more than 3,000 square feet roof requires three to five days.

The type of roof material determines the duration it takes to replace it. Below is a breakdown of the period a roofing company takes to replace different roof materials:

• Wood shake roofs: These roofs are mostly made of cedar and take around three to four days to replace. This roofing material lasts thirty to forty years if well installed. 
• Concrete tiles: Replacing concrete tiles takes between eight and nine days. Although it’s time-consuming, this material lasts more than a hundred years. These roofs are fire and weather-resistant.
• Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials and take about one to three days to replace. Asphalt shingles can last about fifty years if installed properly.
• Steel sheets: Replacing steel sheet roofing will take three to four days. Aside from their impressive longevity of seventy years, this material also discourages mold growth.
• Slate roofs: Slate roof installation period is between six to seven days. Slate roofs last more than a hundred years, as they are made of slabs resistant to mold.
• Synthetic slate roofs: Synthetic slate roofs have installation periods of three to five days.

A severely damaged roof requires more shingle replacement, taking more time. The contractors may extend the project timeframe if they notice other damages like rotten insulation or decking.

What Steps Are Involved in a Roof Replacement?

Adhering to proper roof replacement procedures is essential for excellent results. Herein are the steps to take when replacing your roof.

Find a Good Contractor

A poorly skilled contractor will not only do shabby work but also cause you to spend much more on frequent repairs. Find a highly qualified roofer for a roof replacement that withstands all weather. A good contractor has great reviews. If many people are rooting for a roofer, they are highly likely reliable.

The right contractor communicates fluently. When inquiring about their services, a good roofer will quickly describe them in detail. A delayed response indicates that their services are tacky. Professional roofers, with licenses and insurance, are safer to work with. An unprofessional contractor may not understand the laws and stipulations of roof replacement, which may cost you a lot in the long run.

Select the Roofing Material

Take time researching roofing materials that suit your needs and fit your budget. Asphalt shingles are the best option if you’re looking for a widely available roofing material. Metal roofing is also a common material because of its high fire resistance and longevity. Keep in mind that metal roofing is more expensive as its installation requires specialization.

Wood shakes are the best if you live in places that aren’t prone to wildfires. If aesthetics bring you joy, slate roofs are ideal for you. Although pricey, these roofing materials will take your home’s appearance to the next level.

Remove the Roof

Before removing the roof, the contractors must put some measures into place. The roofers should use tarps to cover the regions around your home’s base, like plants and shrubs. Contractors should also use plywood to protect your windows, doors, and air conditioners.

The contractors will then proceed to remove the shingles. This process may involve using tear-off forks or notched shovels. 

Roof Inspection

Deck or roof inspection is vital as the new roof requires a solid and safe base. The roofer must replace a rotten and soft deck before placing a new roof. Rotten roofs indicate excess moisture, which may damage the new roof. Insist on a thorough inspection to prevent accidents and waste of new roofing material.

Prepare the Roof Surface

Preparing the roof surface involves ridge edge installation and underlayment replacement. In ridge edge installation, you place an L-shaped piece of metal at the roof’s edges. This metal redirects water into the gutter. Underlayment installation involves placing a water-resistant material between the decking and the new roof. This material prevents rainwater from destroying the deck.

Install the New Roof

The last roof installation stage is placing the new roofing material on the prepared deck. This is one of the key factors you need to consider when asking the question, “How long does it take to replace a roof?” The contractors take varying durations to apply different roofing materials. The period can range between one to nine days.

Installing delicate materials like slate will take a long time. The roofers require enough time when placing each slate to prevent cracking or breaking.

After complete installation, the contractors clean up the mess. Part of the roofer’s crew will carefully collect all the damaged shingles, nails, and debris lying around your house.

What Factors Can Cause a Roof Replacement to Take Longer Than Expected?

Besides roof material, several factors could make the roof replacement process long and excruciating. Below are some of these factors.

Cold Weather

Cold weather lengthens the roof replacement process. Most roofing materials, like asphalt shingles which require sticking, may take a long time to do so when it’s raining or snowing. Extra caution, which lengthens the duration, is vital in such conditions.

Snowy and wet roofs are dangerous for contractors. Roofers may easily slide and hurt themselves when working on a wet deck.

Season

The time of the year you choose to replace your roof determines the procedure’s duration. Summer has longer days, meaning roofers will spend about fifteen hours daily replacing your roof. In the end, the overall replacement period is highly reduced.

Aside from being hazardous, replacing roofs during winter takes a prolonged period as roofers spend less time outside.

Roof Complexity

Roofs with high peaks, valleys, and heaps take longer to replace. This is because the contractors need more caution to work on steep, dangerous roofs. The roofers also need to fix valleys and other inconsistencies before replacing the roof, which extends the time.

Replace Your Roof With Efficient and Reliable Contractors

So, how long does it take to replace a roof? It can take anywhere between one to seven days. Although roof replacement may take a while, this process increases the value of your home and gives it a wonderful makeover. Follow the roof installation tips in this post for a fuss-free process. Contact A to Z Construction today to speak with an expert about your roof replacement project.

What is your home’s roof age? Most new homeowners don’t know or try to inquire about the age of their roofs until problems start to kick in.

When purchasing an older home, it’s paramount that you ask many questions concerning the house before moving in. It will help you know what to replace and what to repair. Also, you get to plan your finances well and prevent problems that may arise later.

How can I find out how old my roof is? If you don’t know the age of your roof, then you’re in the right place. Herein are several methods to determine your roof’s age.

How Can I Find Out How Old My Roof Is?

Your roof may have aged, but still, things appear normal. That’s why you shouldn’t depend on looks alone when determining the age of your home’s roof. But how can I find out how old my roof is?

Talk to Your New Neighbors

The first step regarding how to find roof age is engaging close neighbors. Neighbors have a lot of information that can turn helpful, especially if you’re still new in an area.

Be friendly to them and ask questions about your home. They may remember or estimate the year the roofing contractor installed your roof or give you information about the previous owner. 

Also, if your area has several roofing contractors/professionals, your neighbor may know the exact one that worked on your roof. This information will save you the trouble of contacting all of them.

Try Contacting the Previous Owners

Take this route if you’re lucky enough to get the contacts of your home’s previous owners. Your real estate agent, neighbors, or a quick internet search can give you a list of all the people that occupied your house before. The previous homeowner might have valuable information on your roof’s age.

Hire a Professional for a Visual Examination and Age Estimation

Perhaps you can’t reach the previous owners, or you don’t have any close neighbors. If that’s the case, consider hiring a roofing professional who knows how to find roof age by examining your roof visually and making an estimation.

With their knowledge and several years of experience, roofers can tell when the roofing installation happened. The better if you can get hold of the roofer that worked on your house.

Obtaining a Copy of Your Home’s Building or Roofing Permit

Usually, when you want to construct a new building, you must file or apply for a building permit from the local government. This document is also a must-have when making significant modifications to an existing house, like replacing your roof. It will help you determine the exact roof age of your house.

Your Local Roofing Company Can Help

Roofing companies have professionals who can inspect and provide estimates at a fee. You can use your local roofing company for the same, especially when you suspect that the roof could be up for replacement.

Chances are that your local roofing company provided the materials for the installation or last replacement. If so, they can provide you with copies of the receipts.

Why Is it Important to Know Your Home’s Roof Age?

Knowing your house’s roof age is essential since it will help you plan your expenses well. Doing so is necessary before moving to a new home. You want to know when you’ll need a new roof or if you should repair the existing roof.

Roof replacement can be costly if you don’t plan your finances. But if you know the roof’s age, you can plan your finances and shop for long-lasting roofing materials ahead of time. Asphalt Shingles, for instance, can last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

Visual Signs of an Aged Roof

The above methods on how to find roof age can be long and tiring. Fortunately, there are visual signs that indicate your roof is old.

Water Damage and Leaks

Water damage around ceilings, chimneys, and corners of the house gives an impression there’s something wrong with roofing shingles. It could be that shingles are missing or damaged, perhaps due to wear and tear over time or harsh weather conditions. Obvious leaks happen during rainy seasons, so you may want to wait for the rains before moving in.

Curled Shingles

Shingles curling is an obvious sign you need roofing replacement. Shingles may curl due to many factors, including age, strong winds, or poor ventilation. Depending on the severity of the curling, you may have a few years left to plan your roof’s replacement.

Roof Decay or Rot

During rainy seasons, roofs experience excessive water runoff. If neglected, accumulation of water could lead to roof decay or rot. Consider hiring a professional at least once per year to inspect your roof.

Cracked Shingles

If your shingles are cracked, it’s time to call a roofing contractor for replacement.

Enlist a Roofing Expert

If you’re planning to purchase an old home, how to find its roof age is among the many things you should consider. Do whatever it takes to get the year the roofing installation happened. Talk to your neighbors, track down the previous owners if you have to, or get a copy of the building permit.

But why go through these processes? You can easily get expert opinions on your roof’s age by working with trusted roofing specialists. Contact A to Z Construction today for roof inspection services.

Homeowners have several options for roofing their homes, and asphalt shingle roofs remain one of the most popular choices because of their durability and value. Considering how expensive a roof replacement is, you must select quality roofing materials and care for your roof to maximize its lifespan. 

Today, we’ll cover all your asphalt roofing questions, like knowing when your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, factors that affect a roof’s lifespan, and how long an asphalt roof lasts. 

Typical Lifespan of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt shingles are an excellent roofing material because they offer a blend of value,  durability, and a variety of other benefits. The question of how long does an asphalt roof last will have varied answers depending on the style and quality of the roofing material used. Most asphalt roofing has a typical lifespan of 25-30 years. 

Asphalt shingles are available in 3-tab, dimension, and luxury varieties. Depending on your preferred style and budget, you may find that one type of shingle is the best fit for you. Let’s take a look below:

• 3-tab: 3-tab shingles get their name from the three tabs on each shingle. These shingles lay flat on the roof and typically carry a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years. Of the three shingle types, 3-tab shingles are the plainest looking and most affordable.
• Dimensional: Dimensional shingles have a three-dimensional appearance that replicates the look of a cedar shake roof. Dimensional shingles are about 15-20% more expensive than 3-tab shingles, and they typically carry a warranty of 30 years.
• Luxury: Luxury shingles are the most beautiful-looking asphalt roof materials, costing about double the price of a dimensional shingle. Luxury shingles carry a warranty of 30 years, with the opportunity to extend the warranty in certain situations to 50 years.

Regardless of the warranty length, most asphalt shingles fall short of their warranty period because of environmental factors, storm damage, and natural wear. Most shingles deliver between 80-90% of their warranted lifespan. You can expect to get about 20-22 years out of a 3-tab shingle room and about 25-28 years from a dimensional or luxury roof. 

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When it comes to the question of how long does an asphalt roof last, several factors can influence how long your new roof will last. 

Attic Ventilation

Improper attic ventilation is one of the leading causes of roof degradation, and if your attic isn’t ventilated properly, you could be taking years off the lifespan of your roof. 

Without proper ventilation, your attic will be freezing in the winter, which can cause roofing material to crack. During the warmer months, the attic becomes extremely hot and will burn up your roofing system over time. 

Not only will poor ventilation cut down the life of your roof, but it will also void the roof’s warranty, so you have no recourse to recoup money on a roof replacement. 

House Location 

Where your house is located is also a contributing factor to your roof’s lifespan. Homes that receive significant direct sunlight will have a shorter roof lifespan than those with shaded roofs. If you’re in an area with extreme weather, you can expect these events to lower the lifespan of your roof. Extreme weather includes, but is not limited to:

• Blizzards
• Hail
• Severe thunderstorms
• Hurricanes
• Tornados

Pitch of Your Roof 

Your roof’s pitch can also impact the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. Roofs with a low pitch will allow rain or snow from storms to accumulate on the roof, leading to mold, mildew, and rot. Higher-pitched roofs enable excess water to run off efficiently, contributing to a longer shingle lifespan. 

Lack of Maintenance 

While asphalt shingles require little maintenance compared to other roofing materials, not taking care of occasional essential maintenance can cost you several years of life for your roof shingles. 

You should inspect your roof bi-annually, ensuring that debris, leaves, and ice dams are removed, and any missing or damaged shingles are replaced. Trimming any overhanging branches that could fall onto your roof and cause damage during a storm is also wise.

Pay special attention to areas where flashing is used to ensure it’s still adequately waterproof. Cracked or missing flashing and moss growth are telltale signs that your roof flashing has been compromised. 

Your Roofing Contractor 

The installation of the roofing system, flashing, and shingles are critical to the longevity of your roof. Even the highest quality materials will be compromised if a contractor installs them poorly or incorrectly, and you must take great care throughout the process to ensure a long-lasting roof.

How to Appraise Your Roof’s Condition

As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to evaluate the condition of your asphalt shingles. 

The most obvious signs that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan can typically be seen from the sidewalk. Look for cupped shingles, curled edges, or shingles missing a significant amount of granules. Shingles that show cracking or staining are also common indicators that you may need a roof replacement soon.

It’s common for moss to grow on asphalt shingles that don’t receive much sunlight. Moss can trap moisture inside the shingles, which can cause damage if left unchecked, and it can also be challenging to remove moss without damaging the granules on the shingles. You may consider cleaning it professionally if you have significant moss growth on your roof. 

When removing the moss will damage the shingle below, you should consider replacing the affected shingles. 

Keep an eye on what your neighbors are doing with their homes. Most of the houses on your block were built around the same time. If they’re beginning to replace their roofing, your roof may require replacement soon.

How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last: When to Seek a Replacement

If an appraisal of your roof reveals that it’s time to replace your roof, you must work with a trusted roofing contractor that can deliver excellent craftsmanship and cutting-edge solutions to your roofing needs. 
With nearly two decades of experience, A to Z Construction is one of Minnesota’s finest commercial and residential roofing specialists. Our dedicated team specializes in complete roofing systems, replacements, and repairs, and we can help answer the question of how long does an asphalt roof last. Contact us today!