Has anyone actually had composite shingles outlast asphalt by a big margin around here?
I’ve had both on different houses—composite did last longer, but honestly not by a huge margin. Maybe 5 years more, tops. The main difference I noticed was less curling and fewer blown-off tabs during storms. But with our constant rain, nothing seems totally immune to moss or leaks. I do think composite handles freeze-thaw cycles a bit better, but the price jump made me hesitate last time. Anyone else find the warranty claims process actually helpful? Mine felt like pulling teeth...
I’m still on my first roof, but went with composite after hearing horror stories about asphalt blowing off around here. It’s held up fine, but I’ve still had to scrub moss off every spring. Warranty process? Couldn’t even get anyone to call me back... figures.
Moss is the bane of my existence too… Pacific Northwest here, so I feel your pain. I went with composite as well, mostly because I watched my neighbor’s asphalt roof turn into a patchwork quilt after a couple windstorms. Can’t say the warranty’s been worth much—by the time you get through to someone, you might as well patch it yourself. I found hitting the moss early with a roof-safe cleaner helps, but it’s still a yearly ritual. At least the roof itself isn’t flapping off in the breeze, right?
At least the roof itself isn’t flapping off in the breeze, right?
That's the key difference I see all the time up here—composite holds up way better in our windstorms than standard asphalt. The moss is just about impossible to avoid, though. Even with regular cleaning and zinc strips at the ridge, you’re still looking at a yearly job if your house is shaded or you get a lot of rain. I’ve seen folks try everything from copper wire to homemade vinegar mixes... some work better than others, but nothing’s permanent.
From what I’ve inspected, composite shingles (the higher-end ones, not builder-grade) tend to stay put when the gusts hit 50+ mph. Asphalt shingles, especially if they’re older or not nailed down right, start curling or just take off. It’s not always obvious from the ground, either—a lot of people don’t realize they’ve lost shingles until water starts coming in.
Warranties are another story. In theory, a “30-year” shingle sounds great. In practice, most manufacturers will blame installation or “improper maintenance” for any claim. I’ve rarely seen a homeowner get more than a partial payout unless there’s a class-action suit involved. Like you said, by the time you fight through the red tape, it’s faster to just patch it yourself.
If you’re dealing with moss every year anyway, I’d focus on keeping gutters clear and trimming back any overhanging branches—less shade means less moss. Some folks swear by annual pressure washing but that can actually shorten shingle life if you’re not careful; gentle cleaners and a soft brush are safer.
At least with composite you’re not waking up after every storm wondering if your roof’s still up there. That peace of mind is worth something in this climate even if it means scrubbing moss every spring.
Can’t argue with the peace of mind factor—after last winter’s windstorms, I’m pretty much sold on composite for this area. My neighbor went cheap with basic asphalt a few years back, and he’s already patching up bald spots after every big gust. Meanwhile, I’ve got a couple streaks of moss to deal with, but at least I’m not chasing shingles down the street.
The moss thing drives me nuts, though. I’ve tried the zinc strips and even that copper wire trick, but it’s like fighting a losing battle when your roof’s shaded half the year. Pressure washing looks tempting, but I’ve seen what it does to the granules—one good blast and you’re shaving years off the roof. I stick to a soft brush and some elbow grease, but it’s definitely a chore.
Warranties are a joke, honestly. I looked into a claim once when a batch of shingles started curling after only eight years. The hoops they make you jump through… felt like they were just waiting for me to give up. In the end, it was easier to just buy a bundle and fix it myself. I get why people don’t bother.
Curious if anyone’s actually had a composite roof last the full “lifetime” they advertise? Or is it just marketing fluff? Feels like up here, between the moss, rain, and wind, you’re lucky to get 20 years before you’re looking at a tear-off and starting over. Or maybe I’m just cursed with bad luck roofs...
