Funny thing, I’ve seen more than a few folks swap to composite thinking it’d be a one-and-done deal, only to call me back five or six years later about weird fading or curling. Asphalt’s not perfect, but at least you know what you’re getting into. Have you noticed any granule loss yet, or is your roof still holding up pretty well in the heat? Sometimes those older shingles surprise you and outlast the newer stuff...
Funny you mention the older shingles hanging in there. My house still has the original asphalt from the late 90s, and I swear they’re tougher than some of the new stuff my neighbors put on. Sure, I’ve lost a few granules here and there—especially after that hailstorm last summer—but nothing major. I keep waiting for the big “uh-oh” moment, but so far, just the occasional patch job and a lot of crossed fingers. Composite always sounded fancy, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the hype, at least not in our heat.
That’s wild, I’ve noticed the same thing with some older roofs in my neighborhood. Step one, I’d say, is just regular checks—those granules you mentioned are like the first warning sign, but if it’s just a little after a hailstorm, you’re probably fine. I’ve patched a few spots on my uncle’s 25-year-old asphalt and it’s still holding up better than some of the newer composite ones around here. Maybe it’s just the heat baking the newer stuff faster? Or maybe the old materials were just made tougher... Hard to say, but I wouldn’t swap out a decent old roof unless I had to.
Funny you mention the older roofs holding up better. I’ve seen a 30-year-old three-tab asphalt roof outlast a brand new “lifetime” composite one down the street—both got hit by the same hailstorm, but the old one just lost a few granules while the new stuff started curling at the edges. Makes me wonder if the formulas have changed or if it’s just the way they’re installed now. Anyone else notice more issues with newer shingles after a couple of hot summers? I’m starting to think the old-school materials had something going for them, even if they weren’t as flashy.
Makes me wonder if the formulas have changed or if it’s just the way they’re installed now.
I’ve pulled up plenty of old three-tabs that were still holding tight after decades, even in Texas heat. The newer “lifetime” composites look good on paper but I’ve seen them curl and crack after just a couple of brutal summers. Sometimes it’s the install—guys rushing, not nailing in the right spots—but honestly, the material itself just feels lighter than it used to. I’d take a properly installed old-school asphalt shingle over some of these new composites any day, even if it means giving up the fancy warranty.