Yeah, I think you're onto something there. We went with budget shingles about 7 years ago, and they're already looking pretty rough in spots. My neighbor's roof is older but seems to be holding up way better—makes me wonder if it's partly the batch or brand we got? Or maybe weather patterns have changed enough that roofs just take more of a beating now... Either way, you're definitely not alone noticing it.
- Same boat here... put on new shingles about 6 yrs ago, already seeing some curling edges and weird discoloration.
- Thought I was being smart saving $$$, but now I'm getting suspicious looks from the neighbors (their roofs look annoyingly perfect).
- Either shingles got cheaper or weather got angrier... or maybe my roof just hates me.
- Next time, I'm splurging a bit more—lesson learned the hard way.
Had a similar experience myself—went with budget shingles about five years ago, and within three years, I noticed some weird streaking and curling edges. At first, I blamed the weather too, but after chatting with a roofer friend, turns out cheaper shingles often skimp on UV protection and durability. Lesson learned for sure... next time I'll definitely research brands more carefully and maybe spend a bit extra upfront to avoid the headache later. You're not alone in this!
"cheaper shingles often skimp on UV protection and durability"
That's spot-on advice. Roofing materials have definitely changed over the years, and not always for the better. I've noticed manufacturers increasingly cutting corners to keep costs down, especially with budget shingles. UV resistance, granule adhesion, and overall flexibility are usually the first things sacrificed. When I replaced my roof about ten years ago, I initially leaned toward a cheaper option but ended up going for mid-range architectural shingles after some digging around online. Glad I did—no curling or streaking yet, knock on wood.
One thing I'd recommend is checking out shingles with algae-resistant coatings or copper granules if you're in a humid area. They cost a bit more upfront but can significantly reduce those black streaks and discoloration issues down the road. Also, proper attic ventilation can really extend shingle lifespan—heat buildup under the roof deck accelerates deterioration big-time.
You're definitely not imagining things; roofs do seem to be wearing out quicker these days unless you carefully vet your materials and installation methods.
Totally agree that cheaper shingles can be a gamble, but honestly, I've seen some pricier brands fail early too. Seems like quality control is slipping across the board these days. When I redid my roof, I went mid-range—nothing fancy—and made sure to get a solid warranty. So far, so good... but I think proper installation matters just as much as the materials. Even premium shingles won't last if they're slapped on carelessly.
