It’s wild how much lighter the bundles are now, right? I used to dread hauling them up, now it’s almost suspiciously easy. I get what you’re saying about granule loss—first rain always makes it look worse than it is, but I’ve noticed more bare spots on some newer shingles even after a few months. That’s not something I remember seeing as much before.
I’m curious if anyone’s actually compared the specs from older bundles to the current ones—like, are they using less asphalt or filler material now? It feels like the manufacturers are cutting corners to offset costs, but we’re not really seeing that reflected in better durability. Also, has anyone tried some of the newer “eco” or recycled-content shingles? I’ve been tempted, but I’m skeptical about how they hold up long-term, especially in places with big temperature swings.
Storage is a good point too—my supplier keeps them outside under tarps, but I wonder if that’s enough when it’s 90+ degrees for weeks. Maybe that’s part of why they’re warping more out of the pack...
- Totally agree, the lighter bundles are a mixed blessing. Easier on the back, but I’ve wondered if it’s just less material overall.
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“I’ve noticed more bare spots on some newer shingles even after a few months.”
Yep, same here. I’ve had two roofs in the last year where you could see the fiberglass mat peeking through way sooner than I’d expect. Not great for curb appeal or long-term durability.
- I did a quick side-by-side with some leftovers from 2017 and the new stuff—definitely thinner and feels less “solid.” Not exactly scientific, but enough to raise an eyebrow.
- Haven’t tried the recycled-content shingles yet. The pitch looks good, but I’m nervous about how they’ll handle freeze/thaw cycles. Midwest winters are brutal—don’t want to be that test case if they start curling or cracking.
- Storage is a pain point for me too. My supplier keeps them under tarps, but when it’s pushing 100 degrees, those bundles come out warped sometimes. Had to return a few last summer because they wouldn’t lay flat.
- Wish manufacturers would be more upfront about what’s changed. Feels like we’re all beta testers lately...
I’ve noticed the same thing with the newer bundles—definitely lighter, but I’m not convinced it’s a good tradeoff. Has anyone actually weighed a new bundle vs an older one? I’m tempted to do it just to see if it’s all in my head or not. Also, for those who’ve had issues with warping, do you think it’s more about how they’re stored or the actual material changing? I’m in Ohio and last summer’s heat made a mess of a few bundles I picked up...
Has anyone actually weighed a new bundle vs an older one?
Funny you mention it—I actually did this last fall. The new bundles were about 7 pounds lighter than the leftovers from a 2018 job. Not a huge difference, but you can feel it hauling them up a ladder. As for warping, I’m leaning toward storage being the main culprit, especially with that Ohio humidity. I had some curl up after a week in my garage during a heat wave... never saw that with the older stuff. Maybe the material’s changed, but I think how they’re stacked and stored matters just as much.
- Not sure I’d blame storage for all the warping.
- I’ve had new bundles go wavy straight out of the wrapper, even when stored indoors and flat.
- The weight drop’s real, but I think the formula’s changed—maybe less asphalt or filler?
- Older shingles just seemed tougher overall... never had as many issues with breakage during install.
- Could be a combo of both, but I’m seeing more problems lately regardless of how careful we are with storage.