My roof’s finally showing its age (lots of curling and a couple leaks after that last storm), so I’m starting to look at options. Asphalt shingles seem to be the default around here (I’m in Ohio, so we get a bit of everything weather-wise), but I keep hearing mixed things. Some folks say they’re cheap and easy, others complain about them not lasting as long as they’d hoped.
I’ve got a standard ranch house, nothing fancy, and I’m not looking to spend a fortune. But at the same time, I don’t want to be up there patching things every other year. Are shingles really that bad for Midwest winters and hot summers? Do they hold up to wind? My neighbor had some blow off last spring and he was not happy.
Also, how much of a pain is it to replace them yourself? I’m pretty handy but haven’t tackled anything this big before. Is it worth trying or should I just bite the bullet and hire someone? And what about warranties—are those actually useful or just marketing fluff?
Would love to hear from anyone who’s had to make this decision recently. Did you stick with asphalt or go with something else? Any regrets or things you wish you’d known first?
Are shingles really that bad for Midwest winters and hot summers? Do they hold up to wind?
I’m in northern Indiana, so pretty similar weather. I went with architectural asphalt shingles last year—mostly because of cost, honestly. They’ve held up fine so far, but my roofer did mention the install makes a big difference for wind resistance. I thought about DIY too, but after watching a few YouTube videos I realized it’s way more physical than I expected and mistakes can void warranties. Speaking of which, mine actually came in handy when a few tabs lifted after a storm—got them fixed for free. Not sure I’d risk skipping that peace of mind.
Yeah, I’ve seen a lot of those “shingles blowing off” stories and honestly, it’s not just hype. I’m around the Chicago area, and we get those wild wind gusts off the lake—sometimes it sounds like the roof’s gonna take flight. My uncle did his own shingle roof a few years back, and he swore it was lined up perfect, but after the first winter, he was chasing tabs across the yard. Turns out, he missed a few nails and didn’t overlap quite right. Installer definitely matters.
But on the flip side, my neighbor paid for a proper install and her shingles have barely budged, even after that crazy storm last spring. Guess it’s a bit of a gamble if you try to cut corners. For what it’s worth, I’ve noticed the attic stays cooler in summer with architectural shingles compared to the old three-tab ones. Still, I’m not convinced they’re the “set it and forget it” solution—seems like you gotta keep an eye out after every big storm.
Installer definitely matters.
That’s what worries me—how do you even know if the installer did it right until the first big storm hits? I’m in a similar spot, trying to decide if paying extra for “premium” shingles is worth it, or if it’s just marketing. Anyone actually seen a difference in repair costs between the two?
I’ve been wondering the same thing about “premium” shingles vs. regular ones. From what I’ve read, a lot of the lifespan comes down to how well they’re installed and if the attic’s vented right. My cousin paid extra for the fancy shingles, but his installer cut corners and he still had leaks after a year. I’m leaning toward standard shingles, but only if I can find someone with good references. DIY is tempting, but the idea of hauling bundles up a ladder all weekend isn’t super appealing… plus, if you mess up the flashing or nails, you’re back to square one. Warranties seem kind of iffy—lots of fine print about “improper installation.”
