50-Year Shingles: A Good Option for Florida Homeowners?

If you’re looking for a roof replacement in Florida, there’s a good chance you’re considering shingles. But many people struggle with deciding on which asphalt roof shingles to invest in. After all, this decision will impact the safety and value of your home, so it’s natural to want the best bang for your buck. And a lot of Florida homeowners are wondering: Are 50-year shingles a good investment?

Deciding which shingles to use will have a big impact on your home, and Classic Roofing & Construction wants to help you make the best choice for yourself and your needs. That’s why we’re putting our 20 years of Florida roofing experience to good use and telling you everything you need to know about 50-year shingles!

Do 50-Year Shingles Last for 50 Years?

There are a lot of different types of shingles, but 50-year shingles get a lot of attention for their exciting name. A shingle roof that lasts 50 years sounds like a great deal! But despite their name, a 50-year shingle is not likely to last for a full 50 years, especially in Florida.

So why the enticing name? Well, 50-year shingles are actually a kind of architectural shingle, which have great value and durability. But the “50-year” part of the name doesn’t refer to how long you should expect your roof to last. Instead, it refers to the warranty of your shingles and roofing accessories. Many 50-year shingles have a “50-year lifetime warranty,” which sounds like the physical lifetime of your roof will last up to 50 years. But what it actually means is that the lifetime of your warranty is 50 years. Your architectural shingle roof, on the other hand, will probably up to 30 years before it needs replacing.

You’re probably wondering, “If the roof won’t last 50 years, then why does the warranty extend that long?” This is because it is technically possible for an architectural shingle roof to last for 50 years. While this is very unlikely, especially in Florida, it does give peace of mind that however long your roof lasts, you’ll have a strong warranty in place.

Are 50-Year Shingles a Good Deal?

With that in mind, are 50-year shingles worth it? Well, that depends on a few factors, but in general, 50-year architectural shingles have a lot to like. They’re competitively priced, weather-resistant, and they can do a lot to increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value. But in order to determine if 50-year shingles are right for you, there are a few things you’ll need to know first.

How a Roofing Warranty Works

In order to make an informed choice about 50-year shingles, you first need to understand how roofing warranties work. There are several different types, and they all function a bit differently:

• Manufacturer’s Warranty: When you have a manufacturer warranty, that means you have coverage from the people who made your shingles. Put simply, this warranty applies when there was an issue with the shingles that was not the result of an installation error. For example, Classic regularly uses GAF products, and their Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles come with GAF Dura Grip Adhesive. If this system were to fail due to a manufacturing issue, you may be eligible to have them replaced under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Workmanship Warranty: This warranty comes from the roofing company installing your new 50-year shingle roof. As GAF Master Elite-certified roofers and proud upholders of GAF’s Golden Pledge, Classic can offer the strongest, longest-lasting warranties on GAF products, including up to a 30-year lifetime workmanship warranty. This would apply if your roof failed due to improper installation.
• Homeowner’s Insurance: This is the other coverage that often pays for roof repairs and replacements, but there’s a catch. It only applies if your roof was damaged due to weather, like high winds or hail.

If extra protection and safety are worthwhile investments for you, then 50-year shingles can be an excellent bargain for your home. Just make sure that you fully understand your warranty to make sure you’re getting the right type and amount of coverage.

50-Year Shingles’ Value Depends on Your Plans for Your Home

Before investing in a new roof for your home, you should have a clear vision of what you want to get for your money. We know that a 50-year shingle roof probably won’t last you a full 50 years, but architectural shingles are still a durable roofing material. So if you want a reliable roofing system that won’t break the bank and will still look good, 50-year shingles could be an excellent choice.

Strong warranties on manufacturing and workmanship don’t just benefit you if you’re planning on staying in your home long-term, either. Yes, having warranties in place is great if you plan to stay in your home for another 20 years. But GAF Golden Pledge warranties can transfer to new owners as well, and having a 50-year lifetime warranty on a roof can make new buyers much more interested in your property. So if you’re thinking of selling your home in a few years, 50-year shingles could help you get more money during the sale of your home.

Across Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Fort Myers, and all of the Greater Tampa Bay region, 50-year shingles are a popular roofing option because they’re so appealing in a variety of different situations.

Picking the Right Architectural Shingle Installer

When you’re getting a roof replacement with 50-year shingles, the warranties are everything. That’s why it’s important to only choose a Florida roofing company that can get you the best warranties and guarantees.

As Master Elite GAF roofers with 20 years of experience, we’ve installed more than our fair share of 50-year shingles. And every day, we offer industry-leading warranties on manufacturing and workmanship so that you have a roof that you and your family can depend on. As a bonus, with our 100% happiness guarantee, we do everything in our power to do right by our local customers.

That commitment to great customer service is why we have hundreds of reviews and an average of 4.8 stars on Google. And when you add on the fact that we only use in-house roofers, never subcontractors, you can invest in your home with confidence, knowing that we’ve got skilled crew members and high-quality shingle products that will give you the roof of your dreams.

Ready to learn more about your options when it comes to 50-year shingles? Schedule your free estimate online! One of our roofing experts will come to your home to inspect your roof so that we can fully walk you through all of your roofing options. 50-year shingles may not always last the full 50 years, but they’re still a great roofing material for Florida homeowners!