Factory-made ones do have their perks, but honestly I've seen some DIY-cut shingles last just as long if they're installed right. The key is proper overlap and nailing placement...ever tried using a chalk line to keep things straight?
Chalk lines are handy, but honestly, I've found snapping lines on hip and ridge shingles can get tricky—especially on steeper roofs. Instead, I usually eyeball alignment using reference points from the roof edges or existing shingles. It sounds less precise, but once you get the hang of it, it's surprisingly accurate. Plus, factory-made ridge shingles have reinforced edges that DIY-cut ones often lack, which can make a difference in durability over time...just something to consider.
I've tried eyeballing it too, but honestly, I find marking reference points beforehand helps me stay consistent. Last summer, I was working on a pretty steep roof, and snapping chalk lines was a nightmare—lines kept smudging or drifting off-center. So instead, I measured out and marked every few feet along the hip with a pencil, using the existing shingles as guides. Took a bit longer initially, but once I started laying shingles, alignment was spot-on and way less stressful...just my two cents.
Ever tried painter's tape instead of chalk lines? I know, sounds kinda weird, but hear me out... I had a similar issue with chalk smudging everywhere—looked like a crime scene by the end of the day. Switched to painter's tape just to see what'd happen, and surprisingly, it held up pretty well. Anyone else tried unconventional marking methods that actually worked, or am I just lucky?
Painter's tape is actually a solid suggestion—I had a roofing crew use it once on a particularly windy day when chalk lines just wouldn't hold up. Worked surprisingly well, especially for keeping clean, crisp lines on hip and ridge shingles. Another unconventional method I've seen is using laser levels; they're pricier but extremely accurate and eliminate any marking mess. Might be worth considering if you've got multiple projects lined up or need precision...
