Been thinking lately... say you had to redo your roof tomorrow and went with asphalt shingles cause they're cheaper and easy to install. But then, fast forward 10 years, would you be kicking yourself for not going metal or tile? Curious how others feel about this.
Honestly, asphalt shingles get a bad rap sometimes, but they're not always the regret people make them out to be. I've installed plenty of roofs over the years—metal, tile, asphalt—and each has its pros and cons. Sure, metal lasts longer and tile looks great, but asphalt shingles these days are way better than they used to be. If you're careful about choosing quality shingles and proper installation (ventilation matters!), you can easily get 20-25 years without headaches.
Plus, think about your climate and how long you'll realistically stay in the house. If you're planning to move in 10-15 years anyway, asphalt might actually be the smarter choice financially. I wouldn't beat myself up over it if that's what made sense at the time. Just my two cents from someone who's climbed a ladder or two...
Totally agree. Asphalt shingles today aren't like they were 20 years ago—they've come a long way in durability and appearance.
"ventilation matters!"
Couldn't stress this enough. When we redid our roof, the contractor pointed out how poor ventilation had cut years off our old shingles' lifespan. Fixed that issue, chose quality shingles, and haven't had any trouble since. Definitely no regrets here, especially considering the savings compared to metal or tile.
Fair points, but I'd still approach asphalt shingles cautiously. Sure, they've improved, but lifespan claims often assume ideal conditions—perfect installation, proper ventilation, mild climates. Reality can differ... I'd recommend thoroughly researching warranties and local climate performance before committing.
- Good points raised above, esp about climate and warranties.
- Neighbor went asphalt 8 yrs ago—already seeing some curling edges.
- Metal's pricier upfront but seems less hassle long-term... still weighing options myself.
