"definitely don't skimp on ventilation or proper installation quality."
Couldn't agree more. When my folks redid their roof, they went all-in on premium shingles but totally overlooked venting upgrades. Fast forward two winters and they had condensation issues popping up everywhere. Ended up costing way more to fix later. I'd say prioritize venting and installation first—shingles matter, sure, but they're only as good as what's underneath...
"shingles matter, sure, but they're only as good as what's underneath..."
That's a solid point. I've seen plenty of roofs that looked amazing from the curb but had hidden issues because ventilation was an afterthought. Makes me wonder—do roofers typically bring up venting proactively, or is it something homeowners need to push for? Seems like it'd save everyone headaches (and cash) if it were standard practice... Anyway, glad you shared this experience; it's definitely helpful for anyone budgeting out their roofing project.
Good question about roofers bringing up venting proactively. From what I've noticed, it honestly depends on the roofer. Some are really thorough and will talk venting right away, especially if they're experienced with CertainTeed installations or similar systems. Others may assume homeowners already know or just don't emphasize it enough—sometimes they figure homeowners care more about shingle style and curb appeal.
"I've seen plenty of roofs that looked amazing from the curb but had hidden issues because ventilation was an afterthought."
Yep, exactly this. I've been on a few tear-offs recently where we found mold or warped decking because the original installer skimped on vents. It doesn't always even save much money upfront either—just creates bigger headaches down the line. Smart to factor ventilation and underlayment quality into your budget from day one. You're definitely on the right track thinking about this stuff now rather than later...
When I was budgeting for my CertainTeed roof last year, ventilation wasn't even on my radar at first. I was mostly focused on shingle colors and warranty options. But once the roofer pointed out some moisture issues in my attic, it clicked how important venting actually is. Ended up spending a bit more upfront on ridge vents and better underlayment, but honestly, it was worth it for peace of mind alone.
One tip I'd give is to specifically ask your roofer about ventilation options early on. Don't wait for them to bring it up. Also, make sure you're clear about what's included in their quote—some roofers bundle venting into their estimates, others treat it as an add-on. Learned that one the hard way...
Anyway, good luck with your project. It's smart you're thinking about this stuff now instead of after problems pop up.
Good points about ventilation, but honestly, ridge vents aren't always the best solution. My neighbor installed them and still had moisture issues—turned out his attic insulation was the real culprit. Sometimes it's worth checking insulation first before spending extra on venting upgrades...
