You’re not imagining it—shingle weight has definitely dropped over the years. Manufacturers have trimmed material to cut costs, and you can feel it in the bundles. I’ve noticed the granule loss too, especially after a tough winter. Up here, the freeze/thaw cycles really chew up the lighter stuff. Architectural shingles hold up better, but yeah, they’re pricier and heavier to haul up a ladder.
I get where you're coming from, but I’m not convinced the lighter shingles are always a downgrade. I’ve used some of the newer brands on a low-slope garage, and they handled two winters just fine—no more granule loss than the old stuff. Maybe it’s more about the install or attic ventilation? Some of my neighbors with heavy architectural shingles have had curling issues too, so weight isn’t the only factor.
I've seen lighter shingles hold up decently in the short term too, but I’m still not sold on their long-term durability. A few of our properties with the newer, thinner bundles developed wind damage within three years—same installer, same attic airflow as before. Maybe it’s a regional thing? Around here (upper Midwest), heavy snow loads seem to stress the lighter stuff more. I agree installation and ventilation play a big part, but I’d argue material mass still matters, especially over time.
heavy snow loads seem to stress the lighter stuff more
That’s interesting, because I’m in central Wisconsin and noticed the same thing after a couple rough winters. My last roof used those lighter bundles and I had a few tabs lift after just two seasons. Did you notice if the wind damage was mostly on the north side? That’s where mine started. Wondering if the lighter shingles just can’t handle the freeze/thaw cycles as well.
Wondering if the lighter shingles just can’t handle the freeze/thaw cycles as well.
I’ve been managing a few properties around the Fox Valley, and honestly, I’m starting to think these lighter bundles just aren’t cut out for our winters. Had a duplex reroofed with them about three years ago—looked fine at first, but after last February’s storms, I found several tabs curled up and a handful missing, mostly on the north and west slopes. The installer swore it was “standard weight,” but when you pick up a bundle nowadays, it feels like half what it used to.
Step-by-step, here’s what I noticed: first winter, no problems. Second winter, some minor lifting. By year three, repairs needed after every big snow or wind event. Not saying the old stuff was perfect, but it definitely held up longer before showing wear.
I’m skeptical it’s just the freeze/thaw cycles, though. Seems like manufacturers are just cutting corners to save on shipping or something. Anyone else feel like we’re paying more for less material these days?