I get where you’re coming from—those composite shingles look great on paper, but the sticker shock is real. I’ve seen a few folks go all-in on them, only to end up still fighting with moss and needles because of all the shade. Honestly, if your roof’s holding up and you don’t mind a bit of yearly work, I’d say you’re making a solid call. Sometimes the “fancier” option isn’t really less hassle, just more expensive.
Sometimes the “fancier” option isn’t really less hassle, just more expensive.
Couldn’t agree more. I went with architectural shingles thinking they’d be a game changer, but honestly, still end up on the roof every spring scraping off moss. If your current setup’s holding up, no shame in sticking with what works. Sometimes the simple route saves you a lot of headaches (and cash).
Funny how those “upgrades” sometimes just mean more work, huh? I’ve seen a lot of folks swap to architectural shingles expecting less maintenance, but moss and algae don’t really care what’s up there. Out of curiosity, do you check the attic side for leaks or moisture after winter too, or just focus on the outside? Sometimes the first signs show up inside before you spot anything on the roof itself.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced that architectural shingles are always more work. Maybe it depends on the region? Up here in the PNW, I’ve actually had less moss since switching from three-tab to architectural, probably because the water sheds faster. That said, I do a quick attic check every spring—caught a drip by the chimney last year before it stained the ceiling. Sometimes the insulation hides moisture, so I poke around with a flashlight and look for any weird smells or discoloration. Outside’s important, but inside can tell you a lot if you know where to look.
I’m in the Northeast and honestly, I’ve had a similar experience with attic checks.
That’s exactly what I do—especially around the bathroom vent and chimney. Last year I found a damp patch that was only visible once I moved some insulation aside. It’s wild how a small drip can go unnoticed until it becomes a real headache. I’m still figuring out the best way to spot moss early on the outside though. Architectural shingles seem tougher, but maybe it’s just the colder climate here.“Sometimes the insulation hides moisture, so I poke around with a flashlight and look for any weird smells or discoloration.”