I get where you’re coming from on the install job, but I’ve got to say, sometimes it really is just the shingle. We had a roof put on about six years ago—installer came highly recommended, everything looked textbook. Still, after a couple of hailstorms (golf ball size, central Texas), the shingles were pitted all over. Neighbor across the street went with a different brand, same installer, and his held up way better. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw, but I’m convinced some shingles just aren’t up to snuff no matter how careful the install.
I’m convinced some shingles just aren’t up to snuff no matter how careful the install.
I’ve seen this play out more than once, especially after those Texas hailstorms. Had a client with two roofs—one with standard asphalt, one with impact-rated shingles. The impact-rated ones barely showed a mark, while the regular ones looked like someone took a hammer to them. Sometimes, it really does come down to the shingle itself, not just the crew.
Sometimes, it really does come down to the shingle itself, not just the crew.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing. We moved into our place last year and the home inspector pointed out some hail dents on the regular asphalt shingles—looked pretty rough in a few spots. Our neighbor upgraded to those impact-rated ones after the last storm, and honestly, you can barely tell they took any hits. I always thought installation was the big deal, but now I’m realizing material choice matters just as much, if not more.
I always thought installation was the big deal, but now I’m realizing material choice matters just as much, if not more.
I used to think the same, until a hailstorm last spring. My 3-tab asphalt shingles were trashed, but my neighbor’s architectural ones barely showed any marks. Installation does matter, but the shingle rating really makes a difference in these storms. I’m still weighing the cost to upgrade—impact-rated ones aren’t cheap, but replacing a whole roof every few years gets expensive fast.
the shingle rating really makes a difference in these storms
Yeah, I learned that the hard way too. Cheap 3-tabs are like tissue paper when hail hits. If you’re in a stormy area, impact-rated shingles are worth it—even if your wallet cries a little at first.