Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with the newer architectural shingles. The 3-tabs on my old duplex somehow held up better after hail last spring—less granule loss, even though they’re way older. Not sure if it’s a materials thing or just bad luck on my part. I do like your spreadsheet idea though… might steal that for my own sanity. My memory’s about as reliable as a leaky gutter these days.
That’s actually a trend I’ve seen a lot—older 3-tabs sometimes outlasting the newer “improved” stuff, especially after hail. Manufacturers tweak formulas and sometimes it’s not for the better. I always recommend documenting condition every season, spreadsheet or not... memory just isn’t enough when you’re dealing with insurance or repairs.
Funny you mention the 3-tabs—my neighbor’s roof is pushing 25 years and still hanging on, meanwhile my “upgraded” architectural shingles started shedding granules after the first big hailstorm. I swear, sometimes “new and improved” just means “unproven.” I’ve started snapping pics every spring and fall... otherwise, by the time I’m dealing with insurance, I can’t remember what looked like what. It’s amazing how fast that stuff changes, especially after a rough winter.
I swear, sometimes “new and improved” just means “unproven.”
Ain’t that the truth? I’ve seen more “upgraded” shingles curl up and quit after one bad hailstorm than I care to count. Meanwhile, those old 3-tabs are like the cockroaches of the roofing world—just keep hanging on, year after year. Makes you wonder if the fancy stuff is really worth it or just marketing with a bigger price tag.
You snapping pics is smart. Ever tried to explain to insurance what “looked off” six months ago? It’s like playing spot-the-difference with your own roof. Out here, I tell folks to check for those little bald spots after every storm, but honestly, who’s climbing up there when it’s still icy? You ever get up there yourself or just zoom in from the ground and hope for the best?
Also, curious—did your insurance actually cover anything for the granule loss, or did they call it “cosmetic”? I swear, half the time they act like you’re trying to claim a missing shingle from 1998.
I hear you on the “new and improved” stuff. I replaced my roof with those so-called architectural shingles a few years back, thinking I was investing in something better. First big windstorm, I found a couple in the yard—never had that happen with the old 3-tabs. I do climb up there when it’s safe, but honestly, half the time I’m just using binoculars from the driveway. Insurance barely looked at my claim for granule loss—called it “normal wear.” Felt like a waste of time and money. Sometimes simple really is better...
