I’ve seen “good” installs still have issues if the attic ventilation isn’t right. Anyone else run into ice dam problems even after upgrading shingles? I’m starting to wonder if it’s more than just the shingle type sometimes...
Honestly, I think you’re onto something. I replaced my roof with “lifetime” architectural shingles a few years back, paid extra for the upgraded underlayment, and still had ice dams last winter. The installer swore up and down that the materials were top notch, but when I crawled up into the attic, I realized there was barely any airflow up there. Turns out, the old soffit vents were blocked with insulation and nobody caught it during the install. So yeah, even the best shingles won’t save you if the rest of the system isn’t working.
I’m in Minnesota, so ice dams are a yearly headache. I’ve heard some folks say metal roofs are the way to go for snow country, but the price tag is wild compared to asphalt. Plus, I’ve got a pretty low slope, so not sure if metal would even be worth it for me. Has anyone actually seen a big difference switching from shingles to metal, or is it just hype?
Also, curious if anyone’s tried those heated cables along the eaves. I keep seeing them at the hardware store, but I’m skeptical they’d do much if the attic’s still warm and leaking heat. Seems like a band-aid, not a fix.
At this point, I’m starting to think attic insulation and ventilation matter more than shingle brand or style. Anyone ever regret spending extra on “premium” shingles when the real problem was elsewhere?
I’ve been down the same road—spent a chunk on “high-end” shingles, but the real game changer was when I finally got the attic air sealed and added more insulation. The ice dams basically disappeared after that. Metal roofs do shed snow better, but like you said, the cost is brutal and low slopes can be tricky. Has anyone actually had luck with those attic fans or solar vents for keeping things cooler up there, or are they just another gimmick?
Attic fans and solar vents get hyped up a lot, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re the magic fix people hope for. I’ve seen a few installs where folks swore their upstairs felt cooler, but when you dig into it, most of the improvement came from better insulation or sealing up leaks—not the fan itself. The idea is that they pull hot air out, but if your attic isn’t sealed right, you’re just sucking conditioned air from your house and making your AC work harder. That’s especially true with powered attic fans.
Solar vents are a bit less risky since they don’t run all the time, but again, if you haven’t dealt with air leaks and insulation first, you’re kind of putting a band-aid on a bigger problem. I’ve crawled through enough attics to see that most heat issues come from gaps around light fixtures, attic hatches, or even old wiring holes. Once those are sealed and you’ve got decent insulation, the attic doesn’t get nearly as hot—and ice dams are way less of a headache.
I get why people want a quick fix, especially when summer hits and the upstairs turns into an oven. But in my experience, fans and vents are more of a last resort or a supplement than a real solution. If you’re already well-insulated and sealed up tight, maybe then a solar vent helps a bit with airflow. Otherwise, I’d put the money toward more insulation or pro air sealing before messing with gadgets.
Metal roofs do shed snow better, no doubt, but like you said—pricey as heck and not always practical on low slopes. Shingles aren’t perfect either (I’ve seen plenty curl up or blow off in storms), but if you get the attic right underneath, they hold up fine for most folks. Just my two cents after seeing what actually works versus what just sounds good in sales pitches.
Yeah, I’m with you—shingles aren’t perfect, but they’re way more budget-friendly than metal. I had a roofer try to sell me on attic fans too and honestly, sealing up the attic made a bigger difference for us. Our upstairs used to roast in July, but after adding insulation and hitting all those weird little gaps, it’s way better. Shingles have held up fine so far, even through a couple of nasty windstorms. Metal would’ve been nice but just not worth the price for our place.
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