Yeah, I’ve seen this play out a bunch. Folks get excited about the “discounts” and then realize it barely covers a pizza night. I had a property where we swapped to impact shingles after a nasty hailstorm—insurance barely budged, but the roof did hold up better the next time around. If you’re not in a hail-prone spot, honestly, regular architectural shingles with decent upkeep seem to do just fine. The paperwork alone can be a headache... sometimes it feels like more hassle than it’s worth.
That’s pretty much my experience too. Impact shingles are great if you’re in a hail belt, but outside of that, the cost and paperwork can outweigh the benefits. Regular architectural shingles with good install and maintenance hold up surprisingly well for most folks.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue that even regular architectural shingles aren’t the most sustainable choice long-term. If you’re already investing in a new roof, it might be worth looking at alternatives like metal or even recycled-content shingles. They cost more upfront, sure, but the lifespan and reduced landfill waste can tip the scales, especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while. Regular maintenance is key either way, but I’ve seen too many asphalt roofs end up in the dump after 15-20 years... just something to consider if you’re thinking about the bigger picture.
That’s a fair point about shingles ending up in the landfill so soon. I’ve been wondering—does anyone actually regret going with metal? I mean, it’s pricier, but if you’re not planning to move, maybe it pays off? I’ve heard stories about hail making dents, though... Is that really a big deal or just cosmetic?
I went with metal a few years back, and honestly, no regrets here. The price tag stung at first, but I don’t have to think about replacing it for decades. As for hail dents, yeah, you might get a few dings if it’s a bad storm, but it’s mostly cosmetic—doesn’t mess with how the roof works. My neighbor’s asphalt shingles looked way worse after the same storm, with actual leaks. If you’re staying put, metal’s worth considering. Just be ready for some extra noise when it rains… kind of grew on me, though.
