I’ve seen the same trend, and it’s not just your imagination. I ran into a batch last month that felt almost like the old 3-tabs, just with a fancier top layer. I get the whole “lighter for easier handling” argument, but when you’re talking about wind resistance and hail, thinner isn’t always better. Some manufacturers claim they’re using “advanced composites,” but honestly, the real-world results seem mixed.
I’m curious if anyone’s noticed more granule loss with these newer bundles? I had a couple jobs after last spring’s storms where the new shingles were already shedding a ton of granules after just one season. Kind of makes me wonder if the lighter weight is actually impacting durability, or if it’s just a perception thing. Also, has anyone had issues with warranties being denied because of these changes? I’ve heard a few stories but haven’t run into it myself yet.
I get the whole “lighter for easier handling” argument, but when you’re talking about wind resistance and hail, thinner isn’t always better.
Yeah, I’m with you—lighter’s nice until it starts raining shingles in the parking lot. I’ve definitely noticed more granule loss too, especially after a rough storm season. Has anyone actually had luck getting a warranty claim approved lately, or is it all just “installation error” now?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced that heavier always means better, at least with the newer shingles. When we bought our place last year (midwest, lots of wind and hail), I did a ton of research because our inspector flagged the roof as “aging but serviceable.” Ended up talking to a couple roofers who swore the new lighter bundles aren’t just about weight—they’re using different fiberglass mats and adhesives now, supposedly to make them more flexible and less brittle in cold snaps.
That said, I’ve seen what you’re describing. Our neighbor’s house lost a bunch of shingles in that freak windstorm last spring, and they were only a year old. The roofer blamed “improper nailing,” which sounds like the go-to excuse lately. But when I looked at the ones that blew off, they seemed thinner than what’s on my parents’ place from 2002. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but those old three-tabs felt like tank armor compared to what’s out there now.
On the warranty thing—yeah, it’s rough. We had some granule loss after a hailstorm in July and tried to file a claim. Manufacturer sent someone out who basically said it was “normal weathering.” Unless you’ve got full-on missing shingles or obvious manufacturing defects, seems like getting anything covered is an uphill battle.
But here’s my two cents: lighter doesn’t automatically mean worse if the install is solid and you’re not cutting corners on underlayment or ventilation. The real issue might be that everyone’s trying to shave costs—contractors and manufacturers both—and we’re stuck with the results. Still, I’d rather have something easier to handle if it performs just as well... but that’s a big “if” right now.
Curious if anyone else has noticed differences between brands? I went with CertainTeed because their rep claimed they hadn’t changed their formula much, but who knows these days...
That’s pretty much the same rabbit hole I went down when we re-roofed last fall. I kept thinking heavier must mean tougher, but then I started reading about how the new fiberglass mats are supposed to help with flexibility and wind resistance, especially in places like ours where it goes from 60 to 10 degrees overnight. Still, I can’t help but feel like the old stuff was just... beefier somehow.
I actually peeled up a few shingles on our old shed (probably from the late ‘90s) and compared them to the new GAF Timberlines we put on the house. The new ones are definitely lighter and thinner, but they bend without cracking—which is more than I can say for those brittle old three-tabs. But yeah, it’s hard not to wonder if that “flexibility” is just code for “less material.”
Your point about installation is spot on though. My neighbor had a brand-new roof put on last year and lost a whole patch in a windstorm. Turns out the crew rushed through and missed the nail strip half the time. Meanwhile, my cousin’s place has lighter shingles too, but his roofer was really meticulous—no issues so far, even after that nasty hail we got in June.
Warranties are a joke, honestly. We had some granule loss too, and got told it was “cosmetic.” Unless your roof is literally falling apart, seems like you’re out of luck.
I went with Malarkey this time because their rep swore up and down they hadn’t cut corners (who knows if that’s true), but at least they felt a bit heftier than some of the others I looked at. Wouldn’t mind if they were easier to haul up a ladder though—my back still hasn’t forgiven me.
Anyway, you’re not imagining things—there’s definitely been changes. Whether it’s better or worse probably depends on who’s doing the install as much as what you’re putting down.
I get what you’re saying about installation making a huge difference, but I’m still not convinced the lighter shingles are always an upgrade. Flexibility is good for cold snaps, sure, but I’ve noticed the newer bundles seem to scuff up easier when you’re moving them around—almost like the granules aren’t as well embedded. Maybe it’s just me, but the old heavyweight ones on my garage (probably 25+ years old) have held up better than expected, even with zero maintenance. I wonder if we’ll see these new ones last that long.