I hear you on the cost—composite quotes can make your wallet cry. But honestly, I’ve seen plenty of asphalt roofs that hold up just fine in windy spots, as long as they’re installed right and you keep up with the maintenance. Sometimes it’s not the material, it’s the install crew cutting corners or using cheap nails. I’ve inspected composite roofs that looked great on paper but had issues after a couple seasons too. No roof’s bulletproof, but a good install goes a long way... even if you’re stuck patching now and then.
Sometimes it’s not the material, it’s the install crew cutting corners or using cheap nails.
Couldn’t agree more—bad install will wreck even the fanciest shingles. I went with asphalt on my last place because composite was just out of my budget, and honestly, it held up through some nasty Midwest storms. Only issue I had was a couple tabs lifting after a big wind, but that was an easy fix. If you’re handy and keep an eye on things, asphalt isn’t as flimsy as people make it sound. Still, I do wonder if composite would’ve saved me a few ladder trips...
If you’re handy and keep an eye on things, asphalt isn’t as flimsy as people make it sound. Still, I do wonder if composite would’ve saved me a few ladder trips...
I get where you're coming from—I've patched my fair share of asphalt tabs over the years and honestly, they’re not as delicate as some folks say. That said, I do think the “if you’re handy” part is a big catch. Not everyone wants to be up there after every windstorm. I’ve got a neighbor who went with composite, and I haven’t seen him on his roof once in five years, even after that hailstorm we had last spring. Meanwhile, I was up there with a bundle of replacements and a pry bar, cursing the wind.
One thing I’ve noticed is that composite seems to deal better with the wild temperature swings we get around here. My asphalt shingles always seem to get a bit brittle by year ten, especially on the south side. Maybe it’s just our sun, but I feel like composite might buy you some peace of mind, especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while.
But then again, the price difference is no joke. I looked into composite two years ago and it was almost double what I paid for asphalt. At that point, I figured I’d rather put up with a few repairs and save the cash for something else. Maybe if I was building my “forever home” I’d reconsider, but for now, climbing the ladder once or twice a year doesn’t seem like the end of the world.
Curious if anyone’s actually done the math on repairs vs. upfront cost? I keep telling myself I’m saving money, but those little fixes do add up.
- Just bought my place last year and the roof’s only 7 years old (asphalt), but I’m already seeing a couple of corners curling up. Not loving that.
- I’m not scared of a ladder, but honestly, I’d rather be doing just about anything else on a Saturday.
- Looked into composite when we closed—my wallet said “nope.” The price jump was wild. Like, “maybe I’ll just get good at patching” wild.
- Our weather’s all over the place—hot summers, icy winters. My neighbor’s got composite and his still looks brand new. Meanwhile, I’m out there poking at brittle shingles every spring.
- If you’re planning to move in a few years, asphalt probably makes sense. If you’re staying long-term, I can see how composite might pay off (or at least save your knees).
- For me, it’s a toss-up: save money now and do some repairs, or pay more up front and hope for less hassle later. Not sure which is worse—spending cash or spending weekends on the roof...
For me, it’s a toss-up: save money now and do some repairs, or pay more up front and hope for less hassle later. Not sure which is worse—spending cash or spending weekends on the roof...
That’s the dilemma, right? I keep going back and forth myself. My folks did asphalt on their place about 12 years ago, and it looked fine until year 8 or so—then it was like every spring, something new was curling or cracking. They’re in a spot with wild temperature swings too, so maybe that’s just how it goes.
I’m curious—has anyone actually done the math on what you end up spending over 20-30 years with asphalt vs composite? Like, factoring in patching, maybe a full replacement, plus all the little stuff (sealant, flashing fixes, etc)? I tried to run numbers but got lost in all the “it depends” scenarios. Composite is a wallet punch up front for sure, but if you’re not planning to move for a decade or two… does it really even out?
Also, for those who’ve switched from asphalt to composite—did you notice any difference in noise during storms? My neighbor swears his composite roof is quieter when hail hits, but I can’t tell if he’s just trying to justify the price tag.
And about the ladder thing—I hear you. I’m not scared of heights but after one too many sketchy Saturday mornings up there with a tube of roofing cement, I started wondering if my time (and knees) were worth more than I thought. Anyone regret going cheap at first and then having to upgrade later? Or did patching actually buy you enough time to make it worthwhile?
Just trying to figure out if “get good at patching” is a skill worth investing in… or if I should just start saving for composite now and call it a day.
