You’re spot on about install quality mattering more than just picking the fanciest shingles. I’ve managed a few projects where the crew cut corners, and even the best materials won’t make up for that. As for CertainTeed’s warranty, I’ve read the fine print and it’s definitely restrictive—unless you use their full system and certified installers, it’s tough to get coverage. Still, if your attic’s dry and you’re not seeing ice dams, you’re ahead of the game. Sometimes, simple soffit vents do the trick, especially in colder climates.
“I’ve managed a few projects where the crew cut corners, and even the best materials won’t make up for that.”
Couldn’t agree more—seen it too many times after storms roll through. Folks think a premium shingle like CertainTeed will save them, but if the flashing’s sloppy or nails are overdriven, you’re just asking for leaks down the line. I’d say, when budgeting, set aside a little extra for a crew with a solid track record, not just the lowest bid.
On the warranty front, yeah, CertainTeed’s coverage is pretty strict. If you want that “lifetime” protection, you’ve gotta use their underlayment, starter strips, and ridge caps—plus a certified installer. Otherwise, it’s basically just a basic shingle warranty. Not everyone realizes that until it’s too late.
About ventilation: I’ve seen simple soffit and ridge vent combos work wonders in cold climates. But if your attic’s already dry and you’re not seeing ice dams, don’t overthink it. Sometimes folks get talked into expensive upgrades they don’t need. Just make sure whatever vents you have aren’t blocked by insulation—seen that mistake more than once after a rushed job.
- Had a buddy who went with the cheapest install crew—looked great at first, but six months in, he had shingles sliding off and water stains in the attic. He saved $1,200 up front but spent double that fixing it. I’d rather pay more for folks who don’t rush or skip steps.
- With CertainTeed, I almost missed the fine print on the warranty. All those “system” components add up, but skipping them means you’re not really getting that lifetime coverage. I get why they do it, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re just price shopping.
- Ventilation—totally agree, don’t let anyone upsell you on fancy gadgets if your attic’s already dry and the temp’s steady. I just made sure my soffit vents weren’t stuffed with insulation (had to poke around with a broomstick—fun times).
- If you’re DIY-inclined, double-check your local code for ice/water shield requirements. In my area, it’s minimum 3 feet up from the eaves, but I went a bit higher since we get some gnarly ice dams.
- One last thing: don’t forget to budget for a dumpster and a few pizza runs for the crew... kept morale up during my project, at least!
- Had a similar experience with the “cheapest crew” route—looked fine until the first big windstorm, then I was up there nailing down loose tabs. Lesson learned: labor quality matters more than I thought.
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Same here. The “system” requirement caught me off guard. Ended up paying extra for their underlayment and starter strips just to keep the warranty legit.With CertainTeed, I almost missed the fine print on the warranty.
- Ventilation—totally agree, don’t overthink it if your attic’s already dry. I added a ridge vent but skipped the powered fans since my temps were steady.
- Dumpster fees surprised me. Also, tarps for landscaping—saved my shrubs from getting trashed by falling debris. Worth the extra $30.
Labor quality really does make a difference—seen too many jobs where the “budget” crew cut corners and it ended up costing more in repairs. It’s not always obvious until you get that first storm, like you said. The CertainTeed warranty requirements can be a bit of a curveball. That “system” language is easy to miss, but using their underlayment and starter strips is what keeps the coverage solid. I’ve had homeowners frustrated about the extra cost, but honestly, it’s cheaper than fighting with warranty claims down the road.
Ventilation’s one of those things people tend to overcomplicate. If your attic’s dry and temps are stable, you’re probably fine with just a ridge vent. Powered fans can sometimes do more harm than good if they pull conditioned air from the house.
Dumpster fees and tarps—yeah, those little line items add up fast. I always recommend protecting landscaping; it’s a small investment compared to replacing shrubs or cleaning up nails everywhere. Roofing’s one of those projects where the “hidden” costs sneak up on you, but sounds like you’re thinking it through pretty well.
