Noticed the same thing here in central Wisconsin. I did my own roof about six years ago, and the bundles back then felt noticeably heavier. I remember because I had to haul them up a ladder myself—definitely more of a workout than when I helped a neighbor last summer with his place. Those new shingles just seemed flimsy by comparison, almost like the backing was thinner or there was less granule coverage.
I’m not convinced it’s only the freeze/thaw cycles either. Sure, our winters are rough, but my old three-tab shingles from the early 2000s lasted almost 18 years before they started curling or losing tabs. The newer “architectural” ones on my garage started showing wear after just four winters. Same exposure, same wind direction, but way more repairs needed lately. I even checked the manufacturer’s specs—technically, the warranty is still “lifetime,” but when you read the fine print, it’s all pro-rated and doesn’t cover wind damage past a certain speed.
I’ve also wondered if it’s just cost-cutting. Maybe less asphalt in the mix? Or lighter fiberglass mats? Either way, I feel like we’re getting shortchanged. Price per bundle keeps creeping up, but the actual product seems less durable. My neighbor had a roofer tell him it’s all about “new manufacturing standards,” but that sounds like marketing spin to me.
One thing I’ll say: installation still matters. If those nails aren’t placed right or the seal strips don’t get enough sun to activate, you’ll get lifting no matter what. But even with careful install, these lighter shingles just don’t seem to have the same staying power as the old stuff.
Kind of frustrating when you’re spending thousands and hoping for at least 15-20 years out of a roof. At this rate, I’m half tempted to look at metal next time... even if it costs more upfront.