Good points, but granules in gutters aren't always a red flag—some shedding is normal, especially with newer shingles. I'd say check regularly, but don't panic if you see a bit here and there... roofs aren't exactly immortal, after all.
Fair enough, some granule loss is normal, especially early on. Still, I've seen roofs that looked fine from the ground but were actually pretty worn once you got up close. Makes me wonder—does color choice affect how quickly shingles show wear and tear? Like, do darker shingles age visibly faster because of heat absorption, or is that just a myth floating around? Curious if anyone's noticed a real difference over time...
I've wondered about this too, actually. When we bought our house, the roof had dark shingles—looked great from the street, but once I climbed up there to clean gutters, I noticed they were pretty brittle and worn. A neighbor down the street has lighter-colored shingles installed around the same time as ours, and theirs seem to be holding up better visually. Could just be coincidence or different quality shingles, though.
I did some digging online a while back, and it seems darker shingles do absorb more heat, which can potentially speed up aging. But honestly, I'm not sure how noticeable that difference is in real life or if it's just theoretical. Either way, next time around I'll probably lean toward a lighter color—not just for durability reasons but also because I've heard it helps keep cooling costs down a bit in summer.
Funny you mention that—I see roofs all day long, and I swear some of those dark shingles could fry an egg on a hot day. I once inspected a place with black shingles, and it felt like walking on lava (my shoes literally started sticking!). But honestly, color alone isn't usually the main culprit. Quality and ventilation play bigger roles in durability. Still, lighter shingles do seem to keep things cooler inside, so your AC will thank you...and maybe your shoes too.
Interesting points about ventilation and quality, but honestly, why stick with shingles at all? I've seen firsthand how green roofs (you know, plants and all) can drastically reduce heat buildup. My neighbor installed one last summer, and the difference in temperature inside his house is pretty impressive—plus, it looks amazing. Sure, they're a bit more effort upfront, but your AC bill drops noticeably, and you're helping the environment too. Just something worth considering before committing to traditional shingles...
