We put on Class 4s last year after a nasty hailstorm, and I’ve noticed the same thing with the attic getting warmer. Ours are a dark brown, so I figured it’d be an issue, but I didn’t expect this much heat transfer. I debated going lighter too, but yeah, the algae streaks on neighbors’ roofs look pretty rough. As for granules, I’ve definitely seen more in the gutters than with our old three-tabs. Maybe it’s just part of the thicker design? Still feels weird seeing so much come off early on.
I had a similar experience after switching to Class 4s last fall. We went with a charcoal color, and I figured it’d be warmer, but the attic temp surprised me too. I actually bought one of those cheap stick-on thermometers for the attic hatch, just to see if it was in my head... turns out, nope. It’s definitely hotter up there now.
About the granules—
—I noticed that too. First rain after install, gutters looked like they were full of coffee grounds. The roofer told me some granule loss is normal at first, especially with impact-resistant shingles since they’re thicker and have more loose stuff from the factory. But I’m keeping an eye on it anyway, just in case.“Still feels weird seeing so much come off early on.”
I almost went with a lighter shingle for the heat, but like you said, the algae streaks on the neighbor’s roof look pretty bad. Not sure there’s a perfect answer. If I did it again, I might try a medium gray instead of such a dark color, just to see if it helps with the attic temps without looking dirty after a year or two.
That first rain after install feeling is wild—
—same here. I was worried I’d gotten a bad batch at first. My boss said as long as it slows down after a month or two, it’s normal. Still, I get why you’re watching it.“gutters looked like they were full of coffee grounds”
On the color, I totally get the struggle. I’ve seen those lighter roofs with algae streaks and it’s not pretty. But man, the temp difference upstairs is real... I’d probably lean medium gray if I had to do it over too.
I’ve seen those lighter roofs with algae streaks and it’s not pretty. But man, the temp difference upstairs is real...
That “gutters looked like they were full of coffee grounds” thing always throws people off. I see it a lot on new installs—usually just the granules washing off, nothing to panic about unless it keeps up for months.
On hail, I’ve inspected a bunch of roofs after storms and honestly, some of those “impact resistant” shingles hold up better than others. I’ve seen medium gray architectural shingles take a beating and still look decent, but lighter colors do seem to show algae and streaks more, like you mentioned. Tradeoff is real—cooler upstairs, but more visible grime. If you’re in a hail-prone area, I’d lean toward the thicker architectural style over the basic 3-tab. They’re not bulletproof, but they do seem to last longer before you start seeing those little craters everywhere.
Funny thing, I’ve seen those “impact resistant” shingles take a direct hit from golf ball hail and shrug it off, but then a squirrel drops a branch and leaves a dent. Go figure. Anyone else notice the darker colors seem to hide the dings better, or is that just me squinting too hard?