I totally get what you mean about peace of mind. When we bought our place last year, the roof was only five years old but it’s asphalt, nothing fancy. At first, I felt like we’d missed out by not getting something “modern” or longer-lasting. But honestly? After our first big thunderstorm, I was just relieved everything held up and there were no surprises.
I did a ton of research on composites and even looked at some samples, but the warranty stuff made my head spin. Plus, every contractor seemed to have a different take on how long they really last depending on install and weather. With asphalt, at least I know what to expect—yeah, it’ll need replacing sooner, but it’s tried and true around here.
Maybe down the road I’ll try something newer, but for now, just knowing what I’ve got over my head helps me sleep better... especially when the wind picks up.
I hear you on the warranty confusion—by the time I finished reading all the fine print, I needed a nap. Our place came with asphalt too, and honestly, I kinda like knowing it’s the “old reliable” around here. My neighbor went composite last year and swears by it, but he also swore his grill was squirrel-proof... it wasn’t. Has anyone actually had their composite roof long enough to see if it lives up to the hype? Or is it mostly just sales talk?
Has anyone actually had their composite roof long enough to see if it lives up to the hype? Or is it mostly just sales talk?
I’ve been wondering the same thing. The numbers look good on paper, but I keep circling back to how asphalt’s been around forever. Is composite really that much better in storms or just “new and shiny”? I’m not convinced yet, but maybe I’m just risk-averse.
I keep looking at composite shingles too, but my wallet keeps dragging me back to asphalt. I mean, I get the appeal—supposedly they last longer, look fancier, and can take a beating from hail or wind. But then I see the price tag and start sweating. My neighbor across the street went with composite a few years ago after a nasty hailstorm trashed his old roof. He swears by it now, but honestly, I can’t tell the difference unless I’m standing in his driveway squinting up at the roofline.
What gets me is the warranty stuff. Composite companies love to throw around “50-year” or “lifetime” warranties, but if you read the fine print, it’s usually pro-rated and full of loopholes. Meanwhile, my old-school asphalt shingles are still hanging on after 18 years—sure, they’re a little faded and curling at the edges, but they haven’t let water in yet. Maybe I’m just cheap, but I’d rather patch a few spots every now and then than drop double the cash up front.
I do wonder about storms though. We get some wild wind here in Oklahoma, and I’ve seen both types of roofs lose shingles. Is composite really that much tougher, or is it just better marketing? Anyone actually had to file an insurance claim with composite? Did it make a difference?
Also, does anyone else get sticker shock when they see the install quotes for composite? I feel like I need to win the lottery just to keep my house dry these days...
