How Long Does a Roof Last? Understanding the Lifecycle Year by Year

A new roof is a major investment—and understanding its long-term performance is key to protecting that investment. Like any major system in your home, your roof follows a predictable life cycle with clear phases: installation, peak performance, gradual aging, and eventual replacement. At Sun Vault Roofing, we help Wisconsin homeowners make informed decisions at every stage.

This roof lifecycle guide outlines what to expect during each phase, how to maintain your roof proactively, and when to consider value-adding upgrades like solar shingles.

Flashing that hasn’t relaxed yet (right side). It may look buckled like this for a few days or weeks after installation

How long does a roof last? Shingle Type and Lifespan Expectations

The roof lifecycle guide below assumes we’re talking about the most common shingle type on older Wisconsin homes: basic 3-tab asphalt shingles. These were the standard for decades but have a shorter real-world lifespan and simpler construction than newer technologies.

At Sun Vault Roofing, we only install premium architectural shingles. These are a thicker, layered product designed to better withstand wind, weather, and sun. If you’ve had your roof replaced in the last 5-10 years, you may already have these on your home. If you do, the timelines we describe may stretch longer. CertainTeed, for example, increased the Limited Lifetime warranty on architectural shingles from 30 to 50 years based on newer material improvements.

That said, Wisconsin’s harsh seasons shorten every roof’s lifespan to some degree. Whether your shingles are 3-tab or architectural, regular inspections (especially after major storms) remain the smartest way to protect your home and avoid surprises.

What to Expect in the First Year of a New Roof

Performance & Settling:

• In the first few weeks, your roof is still “settling in.” Flashing, sealant materials, and shingles may naturally relax and shift as they adjust to sun exposure and temperature changes. Sealant lines around vents and flashing may harden, this is completely normal.

• Early storms will put your roof’s installation quality to the test. It’s important to note any lifted shingles, water infiltration, or flashing concerns and report them immediately while warranties are active.

• Your roofer should walk you through the finished roof before you pay the final invoice. This is your chance to ask questions and have them point out areas—like flashing or sealant—that may relax in the first few weeks

  
  

What to Check:

• Inspect your gutters if they weren’t replaced—look for sagging, improper slope, or leftover debris from the install

• Organize and register your warranty paperwork. This makes any future warranty and insurance claims smoother. Remember your roof is a multi-decade investment!

• After a major storm, conduct a visual inspection or schedule a professional inspection to catch small issues early

  
  

Warranties:

• Manufacturer: Full, non-prorated coverage for material defects typically begins now

• Workmanship: Most valid during this period—report issues early for easiest resolution

  
  

Solar Tip: If you’re considering solar shingles, it’s best to install them at the same time as your new roof — doing both together ensures optimal performance and protects your warranties.

Maintaining Roof Performance in Years 2–5

Performance:

• Most roofs perform exceptionally well during these “easy years”

• Watch for signs of storm damage or algae/moss growth in shaded or humid areas

  
  

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean gutters regularly, especially in fall and early spring

• If soffit, fascia, or flashing were not replaced during your install, inspect them by year 5—they age independently

• Look for corrosion, rust, or gaps around reused flashing and vents

• If your last roof install reused existing flashing or vents—common to reduce upfront costs—it’s especially important to have those areas inspected by year 5. Even durable metal flashing can corrode or loosen over time, and older sealants may fail, creating hidden weak spots that simple patch jobs might not fully address.

• Many roofing warranties — both workmanship and manufacturer — can be voided if someone other than your original roofer modifies your roof. This includes solar panel installation or repairs! To protect your coverage, always contact your original roofer for any repairs. If they’re no longer in business, reach out to your shingle manufacturer, like CertainTeed. They can help connect you with a certified contractor to keep your warranty intact.

  
  

Warranties:

• Manufacturer: Often still within strongest coverage window

• Workmanship: May still be active depending on your contractor. Some contractors’ workmanship warranties expire within this window. At Sun Vault Roofing, you’re still covered here. 

  
  

Solar Tip: This is one of the best times to install solar panels. You’re early in your roof’s life, and most systems will reach payback long before replacement is needed.

Roof Maintenance Milestones: Years 6–10

Performance:

• Wear becomes more noticeable

• Granule loss may appear around downspouts or in rain barrels

• Sealant around vents or flashing may show small cracks

  
  

Recommended Actions:

• Get a professional inspection every 2–3 years to catch developing issues o figure out how long your roof will last?

• Address minor repairs early to prevent larger failures

• Watch for signs of wood decay in soffit/fascia: peeling paint, moisture stains, visible soft spots

  
  

Warranties:

• Manufacturer: Often still active, though likely prorated or covered for materials only

• Workmanship: Most contractor warranties expire before the 10-year mark, with the exception of some premium contractors.

• At Sun Vault Roofing, our 20-year workmanship warranty still applies after this period, and you retain prorated material coverage under CertainTeed’s Limited Lifetime warranty.

  
  

Solar Tip: Some solar companies won’t install on roofs over 10 years old. You might still qualify with an inspection, and may need to sign a waiver. A roofing expert’s opinion matters more than a solar rep’s when assessing roof integrity.

Signs of Roof Aging and Planning Ahead: Years 11–20

Performance Indicators:

• Shingles may curl, crack, or become brittle

• Sealant may deteriorate and flashing could shift or corrode

• Interior signs such as attic moisture or ceiling stains can indicate deeper issues

  
  

Smart Planning:

• Start budgeting for replacement toward the end of this window

• Conduct annual inspections to help determine how long your roof will last

• Act promptly—many insurance policies deny claims due to long-term neglect

• Targeted repairs and maintenance activity can extend and maximize the lifetime of your roof, deferring costly replacements

• If you need repairs that involve replacing shingles after the 10-year mark, it’s common for your original shingle color to be discontinued or noticeably faded from sun exposure. Contractors may not be able to achieve a perfect color match. It’s good to know this upfront to set realistic expectations, especially in visible areas.

  
  

Warranties:

• Manufacturer: Materials are often still covered against defects, but most defects would have presented themselves before this time.

• Workmanship: Almost every contractor’s workmanship warranty has expired long before the 20-year mark.  At Sun Vault Roofing, our 20-year workmanship warranty applies until the 20-year mark and you retain prorated material coverage under CertainTeed’s Limited Lifetime warranty.

  
  

Solar Tip: At this stage, solar panel installation is typically not recommended unless paired with roof replacement. Uninstalling and reinstalling panels later is costly and complex. Instead, consider upgrading to solar-integrated shingles during your next roof replacement.

Roof End-of-Life Indicators and Replacement Planning: Years 20+

Performance:

• Leaks, missing shingles, granule loss, and general roof fatigue are common

• Increased risk of interior damage and costly emergency repairs

• Minor holes and leaks can be repaired, but keep in mind that as patch repairs add up, it becomes harder to pinpoint the source of new leaks. Water travels in unpredictable ways, and overlapping fixes can create more confusion than protection. At a certain point, investing in full replacement is the smarter, longer-term solution.

• Very old roofs may incur ultimatums from your home insurance company. They may tell you that you need to replace it by a certain date or you will lose your coverage

  
  

Next Steps:

• Schedule a replacement consultation

• Consider combining roof replacement with solar upgrade for long-term savings

  
  

Warranties:

• Original coverage is likely expired

• New manufacturer and workmanship warranties begin with a fresh install

• Premium contractors like Sun Vault Roofing may continue to offer manufacturer Limited Lifetime warranties against manufacturer defects (e.g., early shingle granule loss or wind uplift) that are transferable one time, when you sell your property.

  
  

Solar Tip: This is the best moment to install CertainTeed Solstice Shingles. One project, two solutions—energy and protection.

Ready to Understand—and Extend—How Long Your Roof Last?

Whether you’re in year one or twenty, Sun Vault Roofing helps you protect your investment. We offer roof inspections, long-term warranties, and solar-ready roofing backed by top manufacturer credentials.

📞 Call 608-608-1082 or schedule your free consultation.