Also, those curled shingles... I swear the last batch I got curled way faster than the old ones. Wonder if it’s just the newer materials or what. Has anyone switched brands and actually seen a difference?
You’re not imagining things—newer shingles sometimes just don’t hold up like the older ones did. I’ve torn off roofs where the 20-year-old stuff looked better than a 5-year-old “upgraded” shingle. Some of it’s probably cheaper materials, but a lot depends on how they’re stored before install too. If they sit in the sun at the supplier’s yard, that can mess with them before they even get nailed down.
I’ve seen better results with CertainTeed than GAF in my area (Midwest), but honestly, even brand isn’t a guarantee anymore. And yeah, insurance adjusters are definitely getting more nitpicky. Last time, mine wanted close-ups of every missing tab and even checked for “installation errors.” Like I’m up there with a microscope...
Twice-a-year climbs are a pain, but you’re right—they catch stuff early. I’ll take that over another attic insulation disaster any day.
but honestly, even brand isn’t a guarantee anymore
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck switching brands. My last batch of Malarkey shingles (PNW climate) held up way better than the GAF ones before—less curling, even after three summers. Maybe it’s just my roof angle or how I vented the attic, though. I do agree storage matters, but installation and attic airflow seem to play a bigger role than folks admit. Sometimes it’s not just the shingle itself.
Couldn’t agree more about install and airflow making a huge difference. I’ve seen “premium” shingles curl or crack way too soon just because the attic was roasting in summer or the nails weren’t set right. Brand helps, but it’s not magic. Had a neighbor with basic 3-tabs last 18 years—he swears it’s all about keeping those vents clear and not skimping on underlayment. Sometimes it really is the little stuff that saves you down the line.
I’ve seen way too many “high-end” roofs fail just because the attic was basically an oven or someone got lazy with the nailing. People get hung up on brands, but honestly, if you skip the basics—ventilation, underlayment, flashing—it’s just money down the drain. I always tell folks: check your attic temps in summer. If it feels like a sauna, you’re asking for trouble.
if you skip the basics—ventilation, underlayment, flashing—it’s just money down the drain.
Couldn’t agree more. I used to think picking a “premium” shingle was all that mattered, but after my first summer in this house, the attic was roasting and my AC bills were nuts. Ended up adding ridge vents and some extra soffit vents—made a huge difference. If anyone’s curious, here’s what worked for me: 1) checked attic temp on a hot day (it was 130°F), 2) made sure insulation wasn’t blocking airflow at the eaves, 3) installed baffles, then 4) added those vents. Not glamorous, but my roof’s holding up way better now.
