Had a similar issue a couple years back—shingles were decent enough, but the installer rushed the job and skipped proper underlayment. Roof started looking rough after just 5 years. Learned my lesson: quality install matters as much as materials... maybe more.
Totally agree with you there—installation quality is huge. Had a neighbor who went all-in on premium shingles, thinking they'd last forever. But the crew he hired cut corners on ventilation, and within a few years, he had mold issues in the attic. Meanwhile, my mid-range shingles are still holding strong after 12 years because the installer took his time and did it right. Materials matter, sure, but a careful install makes all the difference... learned that one the hard way myself.
You're spot-on about ventilation—it's often overlooked. Even premium shingles can't breathe properly without good airflow underneath. Seen lots of roofs fail early because installers skipped ridge vents or soffit openings... glad your installer's attention to detail paid off.
Totally agree on ventilation—it's a silent killer for roofs. A few extra points I've noticed over the years:
- Roof pitch matters too. Lower slopes tend to hold moisture longer, speeding up wear.
- Shingle quality seems inconsistent lately... even premium brands aren't lasting like they used to.
- Weather extremes are definitely harsher now. More frequent storms, hail, and heatwaves put roofs through the wringer faster.
- Installers rushing jobs doesn't help either. I've seen crews skip underlayment or nail shingles improperly just to save time.
Glad your installer was thorough—makes a huge difference down the road. Wish more homeowners realized how much these little details matter.
You're spot on about installers cutting corners—seen it way too often myself. Curious though, have you looked into green roofing options at all? I've noticed homes with living roofs or even partial vegetation setups seem to handle weather extremes better. Might be worth considering if you're already frustrated with shingle quality and moisture issues. Glad your installer took the time to do things right... makes a huge difference in the long run.
