Mythbuster: How long do 25-year shingles really last?

I have 25-year shingles, so my roof is fine for at least that many years.

Shingles with a 25-year warranty may last that long in warmer climates like California or Florida, but in chilly Ontario weather, these shingles won’t last much longer than 15 years. Melting snow, ice, humidity and our extreme weather shortens the lifespan of most shingle warranties.

When it’s time to re-shingle, stay away from the colour black if you can. Black shingles have a shorter lifespan because they attract more heat, which can lead to faster deterioration.

Re-shingling a roof can be expensive and time consuming, but in the end is worth it. Shingles are like a hardhat for your home, protecting everything underneath. If you make a property insurance claim for damage caused by a leaky or poorly repaired roof, the roof's condition and age may affect the eligibility of your claim. A roof in good repair with newer shingles may also improve your insurance rates. After you re-shingle, call your insurance company to see if your premiums improve.