Asphalt shingle warranty does not mean your roof will always stay perfect and will work for the years mentioned in a warranty. A 30 year shingle warranty, 40 year shingle warranty or 50 year shingle warranty means the manufacturer gives you the warranty for certain conditions. It does not mean that the whole roof will be functional for 30, 40 or 50 years. The factors that affect the performance of the roof are Installation, quality, weather, ventilation, and maintenance.
What Does a 30-, 40-, or 50- Year Shingle Warranty Actually Mean?
An asphalt shingle warranty in Canada means that the homeowners get a contract from the manufacturer. It explains what problems can be covered and the conditions the homeowner should meet to claim the warranty.
What Does a 30 Year Shingle Warranty Mean?
It means the manufacturer provides a warranty period for a specific product of shingle. If the shingles get defective and that type of defect covering is mentioned in the warranty, the manufacturer provides a solution or replacement mentioned in the warranty.
However, this does not mean that there is guarantee the roof will last for 30 years. The shingles are just a part of the roof. The roof also includes underlayment, flashing, ventilation, roof deck and other materials as well.
IKO’s Canadian limited warranty says that the warranty is not guarantee of lifetime of the shingles. The terms apply to particular IKO products which may include defects in installation, ventilation, construction of the roof and other factors..
Why Doesn’t a Warranty Guarantee Roof Life?
Following are the reasons which cover that why warranty does not guarantee a roof life
Normal aging
Asphalt shingles normally age after it gets sun exposure ,rain, snow, ice and wind in years. They can lose granules, crack or curl. These changes are results of normal aging and not a manufacturing problem. A warranty does not cover normal aging.
Warranty conditions
Warranty coverage also depends on whether the shingles were installed according to the instructions provided by manufacturer. Requirements can relate to:
- Roof slope
- Ventilation
- Construction of roof.
- Materials approved by manufacturer.
- Method of installation.
- Maintenance and documentation.
Coverage Can Reduce Over Time
A warranty provides strong protection in the start and then it reduces the coverage with time. The number mentioned in warranty mentions the total warranty period, not the length of full replacement. IKO’s warranty period gives stronger coverage at the start and reduced coverage later, and it also depends on the product.
What does a 50-year shingle warranty cover?
It depends on the manufacturer and product. It can cover certain manufacturing defects for the period mentioned in the document, but the amount can change with aging of shingles.
Exclusions
Every warranty has limitations. Coverage may not apply to damages due to:
- Severe weather
- Hail
- Wind above the limited mentioned
- Installation not done properly.
- Improper ventilation.
- Formation of ice dams.
- Changes made to the roof after installation.
However, every manufacturer has different conditions. Homeowners should read the warranty carefully.
Why Canadian Weather Matters
The asphalt shingle warranty in Canada can not predict the life of a roof because the weather in Canada keeps changing.
Freeze and thaw cycles can damage roofing materials as the water freezes and expands again and again . Snow and ice can create ice dams,hail and strong winds can damage the shingles. Sunlight exposure can gradually weaken the shingles and cause it to lose granules, while rain and moisture can damage the areas which are vulnerable.
In coastal British Columbia, a roof can face heavy moisture, while a roof in the Prairies can get intense exposure of sunlight, hail and sharp temperature changes. These differences explain why the same shingles can perform differently in different homes.
Installation and Maintenance Can Affect Lifespan
Installation quality, flashing, underlayment, attic ventilation, roof design, roof deck condition and maintenance can affect the performance.
Two homes can have the same shingles and they can still have different results. A roof which is installed and ventilated properly can perform well for many years.
What Does Lifetime Warranty Mean?
A lifetime warranty does not mean that the roof will last forever. In IKO’s Canadian warranty, lifetime means the period during which the owner owns the building, while coverage means it covers specific conditions.
Homeowners should read the full warranty instead of reading the word lifetime.
What Is the Asphalt Shingle Lifespan in Canada?
It totally depends because the roofs face different conditions. An estimate for asphalt shingle life may is about 15 to 30 years, but some roofs can perform for less time and others can perform longer.
How long do asphalt shingles last depends on;
- Type and quality of shingle.
- Local climate.
- Workmanship
- Exposure of sun, wind, snow and moisture.
- Attic ventilation.
Should You Replace the Roof When the Warranty Ends?
When warranty expires, it does not mean that the roof should be replaced. The decision should be taken based on the roof’s condition.
Homeowners should look for:
- Curling or cracked shingles.
- Huge loss of granules.
- Missing shingles.
- Damaged flashing.
- Leaks happening again and again.
- Areas that are sagging.
- Storm or hail damage.
Homeowners in East York who notice these warning signs can arrange for a professional roof inspection and roofing service to assess the roof’s condition in East York and determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
What to Check Before Buying Shingles
Before purchasing shingles you should ask the contractor:
- What is covered in asphalt shingle warranty?
- How long does the full or non prorated coverage last?
- When does the prorated coverage begins?
- What exclusions can apply?
- Is workmanship covered?
- What requirements should be followed for installation?
- Is the warranty transferable?
- What type of documents are required for a claim?
For homeowners in Ontario, it is also important to understand their rights and responsibilities before hiring a roofing contractor. The Government of Ontario provides guidance on hiring a roofer, including roofing contracts, consumer protections and warranty considerations.
Final Takeaway
A 30, 40, or 50 year shingle warranty does not mean that the roof will physically last for that timespan. It means that the warranty will cover some covered problems under mentioned conditions. The actual lifespan of roof depends on the shingles, installation, ventilation, maintenance, and Canadian climate.