Seriously, I feel like roofs used to last forever. Growing up, I swear my parents never had to replace theirs. Now, I'm barely hitting 15 years and already noticing shingles curling and bits coming loose after every storm. Maybe it's the weather here in the midwest getting worse or maybe roofing materials are just cheaper now, I dunno...but it's getting pretty annoying (and expensive). Anybody else noticing roofs don't last like they used to?
I get why it feels that way, but honestly, roofs haven't changed all that much quality-wise. I've been in roofing for a good while now, and what I've noticed is that our expectations have shifted a bit. Back when we were kids, nobody really paid attention to the roof unless it was literally leaking into the living room. Now we're more proactive, noticing smaller issues earlier—which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Also, weather patterns have definitely gotten more intense, especially here in the Midwest. We're seeing more frequent storms, stronger winds, and harsher temperature swings. That kind of stress can age a roof faster than you'd expect. Plus, maintenance habits matter a lot. Regular inspections and minor repairs can extend a roof's lifespan significantly, but most folks tend to overlook that until there's already noticeable damage.
Not saying roofing materials haven't changed at all—sure, some brands might cut corners—but overall, it's more about upkeep and weather than declining quality. Just my two cents from what I've seen out there.
You make some good points, especially about the weather getting rougher, but I dunno...I've noticed a change in shingles lately. When we replaced ours a few years back, the roofer showed me how thin and brittle some newer shingles were compared to my neighbor's older ones. Maybe it's just certain brands trying to save money? Just seems like even with regular maintenance, roofs today might not hold up quite as well as they used to.
You're onto something there. I've inspected a ton of roofs over the years, and honestly, some of the newer shingles do seem to have gone on a bit of a diet—thinner, lighter, and definitely more brittle. It's like manufacturers decided shingles needed to lose weight for swimsuit season or something...
But seriously, it's not just your imagination. I've noticed that certain brands have cut corners on materials, probably to keep costs down. Plus, the asphalt composition has changed due to environmental regulations and cost-saving measures, making shingles less flexible and more prone to cracking. Combine that with harsher weather patterns, and you've got a recipe for roofs aging faster than they used to.
Still, not all newer shingles are bad news. Some premium brands are actually pretty solid and hold up well. It's just a matter of doing your homework and maybe spending a bit more upfront. But yeah, overall, roofs these days do seem to have shorter lifespans than the ones our parents had. Guess they just don't make 'em like they used to...
"It's like manufacturers decided shingles needed to lose weight for swimsuit season or something..."
Haha, that's a good one—never thought of it that way. But seriously, I've noticed the same thing on recent jobs. One thing I've found helpful is checking the actual weight per bundle listed by the manufacturer. Heavier usually means more asphalt and better durability. It's not foolproof, but it's a decent quick-check method when comparing brands... might save you from picking the flimsy stuff.
