I keep circling back to the same thing—how much of this comes down to the actual shingle, and how much is just about what’s going on underneath? I mean, I get the appeal of composite, especially with all the marketing about “lifetime” durability, but I’ve seen plenty of roofs around here (central Texas) where even the high-end stuff starts looking rough if the attic’s not vented right. My neighbor did composite a few years ago, spent a fortune, and still had to redo his soffit vents after he started getting mold up there. Meanwhile, my folks’ old house had basic three-tab asphalt for 20+ years and only started leaking after a hailstorm.
I’m curious—has anyone actually seen composite outperform asphalt in a real-world situation where both had proper ventilation? Or is it mostly just about peace of mind and warranties? I know some people swear by the impact resistance, but then again, insurance companies seem to find reasons not to pay out no matter what you use...
Also, for those who’ve done both: did you notice any difference in noise during rain or hail? My current roof is pretty quiet, but I’ve heard some composites can be a bit “tinny” depending on install. Maybe that’s just rumor.
One thing I do wonder about is resale value. Realtors around here talk up “architectural” shingles like they’re gold-plated, but I’m not convinced buyers really care unless the roof looks bad or leaks. Anyone actually get a bump in appraisal from going composite?
Just seems like there are so many variables—climate, attic space, even tree cover. Sometimes I think we overthink it and forget that most roofs fail because of what’s happening below the surface...
Sometimes I think we overthink it and forget that most roofs fail because of what’s happening below the surface...
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen “lifetime” composites curl or crack in less than 10 years when the attic’s a sauna, but also seen basic asphalt last ages with good airflow. Between the two, composite does hold up better to hail and wind if everything else is right, but it’s not magic. As for noise, I haven’t noticed much difference unless the decking’s thin or there’s no underlayment—then yeah, it can sound a bit sharper in a storm. Resale value? Around here, buyers mostly care that the roof isn’t leaking or ancient. Fancy shingles might help sell faster, but I wouldn’t count on a big appraisal bump just for going composite.
I’ve seen composite shingles shredded by hail just as fast as asphalt, honestly. It’s all about what’s underneath and how well it’s installed. Folks get sold on “lifetime” warranties, but if your attic’s cooking, nothing lasts. Around here, I’d rather have a basic shingle job done right than fancy stuff slapped on over bad decking.
Had composite put on my last place thinking it’d be tougher, but after one bad hailstorm, I was patching just like with asphalt. Honestly, if your decking’s sketchy or you’ve got poor ventilation, nothing’s gonna hold up. I’d rather spend on proper install than fancy materials.
- You nailed it—decking and ventilation are way more critical than folks realize.
- I’ve seen “premium” shingles fail fast on bad decks, especially where there’s rot or sagging.
- Hail seems to level the playing field; composite might resist a touch better, but not by much in real-world storms.
- Proper install (ice/water shield, flashings, good nailing) makes way more difference than shingle type in my experience.
- One thing—I do see composites lasting longer where UV is the main issue, but if you’re in hail country, nothing’s bulletproof.
- Bottom line: spend the money on prep and install, not just fancy materials.
