thinking about asphalt shingles—worth it or regret waiting to happen?

If you had to redo your roof tomorrow, going with asphalt shingles isn’t necessarily a mistake — it really depends on your priorities right now versus long-term goals.

At D & B Roofing Services, we often recommend asphalt to clients who want something affordable, easy to install, and reliable for 15–25 years. But it’s true — fast-forward 10 years and many people start wondering if they should’ve gone with metal or tile instead, especially for the long haul.

Here are some trade-offs to think about:

• Asphalt Shingles:

  • Pros: Low upfront cost, easy installation, lots of style options

  • Cons: Shorter lifespan, more maintenance, potential replacement sooner

• Metal / Tile:

  • Pros: Extremely durable, long lifespan, energy-efficient, less maintenance

  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, more complex installation

Personally (and professionally), I lean toward asphalt when the budget is limited or when the homeowner wants a quick, cost-effective solution. But if someone is planning to live in their home for 20+ years, or strongly values longevity and low maintenance, metal or tile may be the wiser investment.

If you like, I can run some rough lifetime-cost comparisons (material + labor + maintenance) based on your local climate — want me to do that?

Funny thing, I’ve seen folks go both ways and end up happy—or not so much. Asphalt shingles get a bad rap sometimes, but honestly, they’re not a “regret” for everyone. I’ve had customers who just needed something solid to get them through a decade or two, and they were relieved not to break the bank. One guy even told me, “I’d rather replace my roof twice than shell out double up front.” Hard to argue with that when you’re on a tight budget.

But I’ve also seen people wish they’d gone metal after a gnarly hailstorm or two. It’s true, metal and tile are more of a set-it-and-forget-it deal, but the sticker shock is real. If you’re not planning to stick around for 20+ years, asphalt can be totally reasonable. And hey, sometimes it’s about what you need right now, not what’ll impress your future grandkids.

You’re definitely not making a mistake by considering asphalt—just depends on your priorities and how long you want to stay put.

I’m with you on the “depends on your priorities” angle. I went with architectural asphalt shingles about 12 years ago, mostly because the price difference between that and metal was just too much for me at the time. I live in a region that gets a fair bit of wind and the occasional hailstorm, so I did have some concerns. But honestly, aside from a couple of minor repairs after a particularly nasty storm, they’ve held up better than I expected.

One thing I’d add—if you’re leaning toward asphalt, it’s worth paying attention to the installation quality and the warranty. I’ve seen neighbors go with bargain contractors and end up with leaks or premature curling. I spent a little extra for a reputable installer and made sure to get the upgraded underlayment. That’s probably saved me a headache or two over the years.

Noise is another thing folks don’t always think about. Metal roofs can be loud in heavy rain or hail, which some people actually like, but it drove my brother nuts after he switched. Asphalt is quieter, at least in my experience.

I do sometimes wish I’d gone metal just for the longevity—especially now that I’m planning to stay put for the long haul. But at the time, asphalt made sense for my budget and timeline. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be in the house, or if you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s a perfectly reasonable choice.

One last thing: if you’re in an area with lots of trees or moss, keep an eye on maintenance. I’ve had to clean off algae streaks every few years, which isn’t a huge deal but something to factor in.

All in all, no major regrets here—just a few trade-offs.

That’s helpful to hear, especially about the installer and underlayment. I’m in a spot with a lot of trees, so the algae thing is definitely on my mind.

“if you’re in an area with lots of trees or moss, keep an eye on maintenance. I’ve had to clean off algae streaks every few years, which isn’t a huge deal but something to factor in.”

I actually did try the zinc strips a few years back after getting tired of scrubbing those green streaks every spring. Honestly, they helped a bit, but didn’t totally solve it—maybe slowed the algae down, but didn’t stop it. Still had to get up there with a brush now and then. If you’re not wild about climbing ladders, it might be worth a shot, but I’d say it’s just part of the asphalt life if you’ve got trees overhead.