That’s a good point about the risk of patching just a couple shingles. I’ve always wondered if it’s actually more sustainable in the long run to replace a larger section, especially with how quickly asphalt shingles start breaking down after a few years. Has anyone looked into whether switching to recycled or eco-friendly shingles makes patch jobs any easier—or is it just as fiddly trying to match the overlap and seal? Sometimes it feels like every type has its own quirks...
Matching the overlap and seal is always a bit of a pain, no matter what shingle type you’re dealing with. I’ve seen recycled shingles that are supposed to be easier to work with, but honestly, they can be just as tricky—sometimes even more so if the thickness or flexibility isn’t quite the same as the originals. The layering technique is pretty universal, but getting a tight seal on patch jobs still depends a lot on how well the new material integrates with what’s already there. In my experience, eco-friendly options don’t necessarily make repairs less fiddly... they just come with their own set of quirks.
Interesting point about recycled shingles—I've run into that too. Tried patching a spot with some “eco” shingles last fall, and the thickness was just a hair off. It did seal okay, but I had to double-check the overlap since the flexibility was different. Have you noticed certain brands integrate better with older roofs? Sometimes I wonder if the sustainability trade-off is worth the extra fiddling, especially on older houses.
I ran into the same issue last spring—tried patching a section with those recycled shingles, and they just didn’t sit quite right next to the old asphalt ones. The thickness was off by maybe a millimeter, but it made the overlap look a bit uneven. I ended up using extra roofing cement to make sure the seal held, but it bugged me for weeks.
Honestly, I get the appeal of eco-friendly materials, but on an older roof, it feels like you’re fighting two battles: matching the look and making sure you’re not creating weird spots that’ll leak later. I’ve had better luck with Malarkey’s recycled line than some of the cheaper brands—seems like their stuff is a little more forgiving. Still, if you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s tough to justify paying more for “green” shingles when you have to spend extra time fussing with them.
I’m all for sustainability, but sometimes it feels like these products are designed for new builds, not patch jobs on roofs that have seen a few decades of sun and snow. Maybe in a few years they’ll get the formula right...
That’s exactly the headache I ran into last fall. Tried to patch a spot on my uncle’s roof with some “green” shingles he picked up on sale, and they just didn’t blend in with the old three-tabs. Even a tiny difference in thickness or flexibility makes the overlap look weird, and you end up staring at it every time you walk by. I get wanting to do right by the environment, but when you’re working with a roof that’s already seen 20+ winters, it feels like you’re forcing two puzzle pieces together that just don’t fit.
I will say, I’ve noticed the pricier recycled brands are a bit easier to work with—less brittle, better seal—but yeah, the cost is hard to swallow if you’re just patching a couple spots. Sometimes I wonder if these eco shingles are really meant for full tear-offs where everything matches from the start. Still, props for sticking it out and making it work. It’s not easy trying to balance sustainability with practicality on an old roof... but at least you know it’s sealed up tight for now.
