That's a good point about installation quality. I've seen some green roofs fail pretty badly, but usually it's because someone cut corners or didn't prep properly. My cousin installed recycled rubber shingles a few years back—he's pretty budget-conscious like me—and they've held up surprisingly well through some nasty storms. So yeah, materials matter, but I'd say proper installation is the real make-or-break factor here...
Yeah, totally agree—seen plenty of solid roofs go downhill fast because someone rushed the prep. Rubber shingles are underrated though, glad your cousin's held up. I've helped install a few, and honestly, they're easier to work with than you'd think...plus way less slippery, haha.
Rubber shingles aren't bad, but honestly, I've seen mixed results. My neighbor put them up about five years ago—he swore by them at first, but after a couple of rough winters and a nasty hailstorm, they started looking pretty beat up. Maybe installation quality varies more than people think? I'm still partial to metal roofing myself... noisy in heavy rain, sure, but it's held up surprisingly well through some wild storms we've had lately.
"Maybe installation quality varies more than people think?"
That's a good point. When we replaced our roof about eight years ago, we went with architectural asphalt shingles—nothing fancy, but they've held up surprisingly well through some pretty intense storms. My brother-in-law opted for rubber shingles around the same time, and he's had similar issues as your neighbor. Makes me wonder if it's less about the material itself and more about proper installation and maintenance... metal roofing does seem reliable, though noise is definitely a factor to consider.
You're definitely onto something about installation quality. I've seen plenty of roofs—metal, asphalt, rubber—you name it, and honestly, the biggest factor in longevity usually comes down to how carefully the job was done. Even the best materials won't hold up if corners are cut during installation.
For example, metal roofing can be incredibly durable against extreme weather, but only if it's properly fastened and sealed. I've come across cases where homeowners complained about leaks or noise issues, only to find out the installers skipped steps like proper underlayment or didn't secure flashing correctly around vents and chimneys. On the flip side, I've seen basic asphalt shingles last decades because someone took their time with prep work and nailed everything down right.
Maintenance matters too—regularly checking for loose shingles or damaged flashing after storms can save a lot of headaches later on. So yeah...material choice is important, but don't underestimate the value of good workmanship and upkeep.
