TOUGHER ROOF OR JUST GOOD ENOUGH? NEED HELP DECIDING
I’ve replaced a lot of “good enough” roofs that didn’t last half as long as folks hoped, especially after a couple Midwest hail seasons. Impact shingles do hold up better, but I’ll admit, sometimes the price tag makes people hesitate. I’ve seen standard shingles shredded after one bad storm, though. If you’re planning to stay put for a while, the tougher option usually pays off in less hassle and fewer repairs. Short term, it’s a tougher call. Insurance savings help, but don’t expect a huge drop—depends a lot on your provider.
Had the same debate last year when my old three-tab shingles started curling up like potato chips. I live smack in the middle of hail alley, so after patching things up twice in five years, I finally bit the bullet and went with impact-resistant shingles. Yeah, they cost more upfront, but I haven’t had to climb up there since—my neighbor’s “good enough” roof got trashed in the last storm and he’s already talking about replacing it again. If you’re planning to stick around, I’d say tougher is worth it. If you’re moving soon... maybe not.
That’s pretty much the same crossroads I was at a few years back. My old roof was “good enough” until a hailstorm rolled through and I ended up with leaks in the kitchen ceiling. I went with architectural shingles after that, not quite top-tier impact-rated but definitely tougher than the three-tabs. They’ve held up well so far, but now I’m wondering if I should’ve just gone all-in on the impact-resistant ones from the start.
If you’re planning to stick around, I’d say tougher is worth it. If you’re moving soon... maybe not.
Did your insurance give you any break on premiums for going with the tougher shingles? Mine hinted at it, but the paperwork was a headache. Curious if anyone actually saw savings or if it’s just talk.
Did your insurance give you any break on premiums for going with the tougher shingles?
I asked my insurance about it when I upgraded, and they did mention a possible discount, but after all the forms and photos, the savings were pretty minor. Maybe $50 a year. Not really enough to sway my decision, honestly. Out of curiosity, did you notice any difference in noise or heat inside after switching to architectural shingles? My attic seemed a bit cooler, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
I had the same thought about the attic being cooler after the new shingles went on, but honestly, I’m not sure if it’s the shingles or just better ventilation from the new ridge vent they put in. The noise difference was pretty subtle for me—maybe a bit less “pinging” during heavy rain, but nothing dramatic. I was hoping for more of a change, to be honest.
I get what you mean about the insurance discount. I went through the paperwork too, and by the time you factor in the cost of the upgrade, that tiny premium drop doesn’t really move the needle. I guess the real value is in peace of mind if you’re in a stormy area, but where I am, it’s mostly just the occasional hail. If I had to do it again, I’d probably just go with whatever met code and looked decent, unless I was planning to stay in the house forever.
