Couldn’t agree more about the installer making all the difference. I’ve seen it firsthand after a tornado came through our area—two houses across the street from each other, same shingles, but one held up and the other looked like a patchwork quilt. Turns out the crew on the “bad” roof cut corners everywhere. It’s tempting to save a few bucks, but you really do get what you pay for with labor. Those architectural shingles can take a beating, but only if they’re put on right.
- I get the installer point, but honestly, budget’s a real thing for some of us.
- I went with mid-range shingles and a smaller local crew—saved a chunk, and my roof’s been fine through two hail storms.
- Not saying cut every corner, but sometimes paying top dollar doesn’t guarantee perfect work either… had friends hire “the best” and still deal with leaks.
- Guess it depends on who you trust and what your house actually needs. Not all of us can shell out for premium labor, especially if insurance is barely covering anything.
Mid-range shingles can definitely hold their own, especially if you’re not in hurricane alley or somewhere with wild weather swings every month. I’ve seen plenty of “premium” jobs go sideways because the crew cut corners or just didn’t care—price tag doesn’t always mean quality. Honestly, a good install with solid underlayment is half the battle. If your roof’s already survived a couple hail storms, that’s a pretty solid field test. Sometimes it’s less about the shingle and more about who’s swinging the hammer... and whether they actually show up sober.
You nailed it about the install mattering more than the shingle label. I’ve seen folks drop serious cash on “lifetime” shingles, but if the crew’s just slapping them on with no attention to flashing or ventilation, you’re still gonna end up with leaks or curling edges in a few years. It’s wild how much rides on the people actually doing the work.
I’m a bit of a stickler for underlayment too—honestly, that’s where a lot of roofs win or lose over time. I went with a synthetic underlayment last time (instead of old-school felt) and it’s held up way better through our freeze/thaw cycles. Not saying it’s magic, but it definitely gave me some peace of mind when we had that freak ice storm last winter.
One thing I’d toss out there: if you’re already thinking about replacing your roof, maybe look into some of the newer recycled-content shingles or even cool-roof options. They’re not just marketing hype—some of them really do help with attic temps and can shave a bit off summer cooling bills. Plus, less landfill waste when they eventually get replaced. I get that not everyone wants to go full eco-mode, but it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
And yeah, if your current roof has already survived hail and isn’t leaking, that’s a good sign you don’t need to go overboard on “premium” unless you just want the look or extra warranty. Around here (Midwest), mid-range asphalt shingles with solid install seem to last 20+ years unless we get tornado-level stuff.
Bottom line, I’d say focus more on who you hire and what kind of prep they do than getting upsold on the fanciest shingle out there. A good crew that cares about details is worth every penny... even if their truck isn’t wrapped in fancy graphics.
A good crew that cares about details is worth every penny... even if their truck isn’t wrapped in fancy graphics.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve inspected roofs where folks spent a fortune on “top-tier” shingles, but the installer cut corners on flashing or skipped ice & water shield in valleys. Fast forward a couple winters, and you’re looking at water stains in the attic. I’ll take a mid-grade shingle with a meticulous install over a “lifetime” shingle slapped on by a lazy crew any day. And yeah, synthetic underlayment’s been a game changer in my area too—less wrinkling, better moisture barrier. It’s wild how many people overlook that part.
