So my roof has finally decided it's had enough of life and started leaking in a couple spots during the last heavy rain. It's pretty old, probably 20+ years, so I guess it's about time. I'm not exactly swimming in cash right now, but I also don't want to cheap out and regret it later, you know? Anyone been through this recently and have suggestions on materials or contractors that are reliable but won't totally empty my wallet?
Went through this a couple years back—old roof finally gave up after a storm. Honestly, don't skimp on shingles; mid-range architectural shingles are solid without breaking the bank. Got multiple quotes, checked reviews carefully, and picked someone local with solid references. No regrets yet.
Good call on the mid-range shingles, they're usually the sweet spot. I'd also suggest checking your attic ventilation while you're at it—poor airflow can shorten even a solid roof's lifespan. Learned that one the hard way...
Definitely agree on attic ventilation—seen way too many roofs fail early because of moisture buildup. Another thing folks often overlook is flashing around chimneys and vents. Had a client once who replaced their shingles but skipped the flashing... ended up with leaks again within a year. Getting those little details right saves a ton of headaches later on, trust me.
"Had a client once who replaced their shingles but skipped the flashing... ended up with leaks again within a year."
Totally get this—seen something similar myself. Quick question though, did your client end up having to redo the shingles completely, or was it fixable by just adding proper flashing later? Wondering because I've had clients tempted to skip steps, thinking they'll save money...and it usually ends up costing double in the long run. Anyway, good reminder about ventilation and flashing details, easy to overlook but so essential.
