It’s the small details that make or break a roofing job.
That’s the part that worries me most, honestly. I’m not convinced every contractor pays enough attention to those details, especially with flashing. I’ve seen a neighbor’s “premium” roof leak at the chimney just because someone rushed the flashing install. Makes you wonder if it’s worth paying extra for a name brand crew or just finding someone who actually cares.
On gutter guards, I tried one of those “never clean again” mesh systems last year. Still ended up on a ladder twice this fall. Pine needles just don’t care about marketing promises, apparently.
I’m leaning toward new panels too, even though the price stings. At least you know what you’re getting, and like you said, warranties matter if something goes sideways in a few years. Salvage sounds good in theory but I don’t have time to play roof panel roulette.
Rain noise is weirdly divisive in my house—half of us love it, half can’t sleep through it. Foam board seems like a decent compromise, even if it’s not perfect.
Makes you wonder if it’s worth paying extra for a name brand crew or just finding someone who actually cares.
Honestly, I’d take a detail-obsessed local over a big-name outfit any day. Flashing is one of those things—if they don’t sweat the small stuff, you’ll be patching leaks forever. I’ve seen “top-tier” companies send out crews who just want to finish by lunch, and the work shows.
The gutter guards thing cracks me up—marketing always promises “never clean again,” but pine needles are relentless. I went with the micro-mesh too, and still had to clear out the valleys where stuff piles up. At least it’s not as bad as before, but it’s not zero maintenance.
Rain noise is a real debate in my house too. Foam board helps, but if anyone’s super sensitive, maybe look at mineral wool or even double-layering. It adds cost, but peace and quiet is hard to put a price on.
Curious, has anyone here tried self-adhered underlayment across the whole deck instead of just the eaves? Supposedly helps with leaks if water sneaks past the panels, but I wonder if it’s worth the extra expense on a full tear-off.
Curious, has anyone here tried self-adhered underlayment across the whole deck instead of just the eaves? Supposedly helps with leaks if water sneaks past the panels, but I wonder if it’s worth the extra expense on a full tear-off.
- Self-adhered underlayment over the entire deck is one of those things that sounds great in theory, but I’m not convinced it’s always necessary. On high-slope roofs with good ventilation, it feels like overkill unless you’re in a hurricane or ice dam zone.
- I’ve seen it specified on some high-end jobs, especially where the client is paranoid about leaks or there’s a history of ice dams. It definitely adds a layer of insurance, but you’re paying for it—both in material and labor.
- One thing to watch: full coverage can actually trap moisture if the deck isn’t bone dry or if there’s any condensation from inside. Plywood rot is a real risk if the roof can’t breathe. I’ve seen a couple of “bulletproof” installs where the sheathing started to delaminate after a few years because the vapor had nowhere to go.
- On the other hand, if you’ve got a low-slope section or a complicated roof with a lot of valleys and penetrations, it might be worth the peace of mind. But for a standard gable with decent pitch? I’d rather see the money go into better flashing and ventilation.
The rain noise thing is funny—some people love it, others can’t sleep. I’ve specified mineral wool under metal roofs for clients who are really sensitive, and it does help, but it’s not magic. Double-layering is solid, but you’re right, it adds up fast.
Gutter guards... yeah, marketing is wild. I’ve yet to see a system that’s truly “set it and forget it,” especially with pine needles. Micro-mesh is probably as good as it gets, but you’re still climbing the ladder once or twice a year.
Has anyone here actually had a warranty claim honored by one of the big-name roofers? I keep hearing stories about “lifetime” warranties that turn out to be full of loopholes. Curious if anyone’s had a different experience.
WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE SUCH A GAMBLE
I hear you on the warranties—my neighbor tried to get a “lifetime” shingle warranty honored after a bad batch started curling, and it was a circus. Tons of fine print, and in the end, they only covered a fraction of the cost. Honestly, I’d rather pay for solid install and good materials up front than bank on those promises.
On the underlayment, I’m with you—unless you’re in a spot with crazy weather or a tricky roof, better ventilation and smart flashing seem like a better use of the budget. I’ve seen more rot from trapped moisture than leaks, honestly.
- Couldn’t agree more—those “lifetime” warranties are basically marketing. I’ve watched friends chase claims for months and get peanuts.
- Upgrading flashing and ventilation made way more difference on my last place than fancy underlayment ever did.
- If you want to splurge, copper flashing or a really solid ridge vent system is money better spent, in my experience.
- One thing I’d add: don’t overlook attic insulation and airflow. Sometimes the leaks are more about ice dams or condensation than the shingles themselves.
