NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Funny how the “premium” shingles are supposed to be foolproof, but a bad install just negates all that. I’m with you—give me a crew that actually knows what flashing is for, and I’ll take the basic stuff every time. My neighbor spent a fortune on some “lifetime” shingle and still had to call in repairs after two winters. I’d rather pocket the savings and just make sure the job’s done right the first go-round.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
- You nailed it—materials only go so far if the crew doesn’t know what they’re doing.
- I’ve seen “premium” shingles slapped on with zero attention to detail, and the leaks just come back.
- Flashing and underlayment matter way more than the brand on the box.
- Honestly, I’d rather have a solid install with mid-range shingles than pay for a fancy label.
- Don’t get talked into upgrades you don’t need... focus on who’s actually swinging the hammer.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
You’re spot on about the crew making all the difference. I’ve been through a couple of roof replacements over the years—one where I splurged on “top tier” shingles, and another where I went with a more mid-range option. The only real difference? The skill of the folks putting it all together. The expensive roof still leaked because the flashing around my chimney was done half-heartedly and the underlayment was barely tacked down. Meanwhile, the cheaper job (with a crew that actually cared) held up through some nasty windstorms.
It’s tempting to get caught up in marketing hype and those “lifetime warranty” promises, but honestly, most leaks I’ve seen come from bad details—flashing, valleys, and penetrations—not from the shingle itself. Underlayment is one of those things nobody sees but makes or breaks a roof’s performance. If someone’s cutting corners there, you’re just asking for trouble down the road.
I will say this though: sometimes contractors push upgrades not just for profit but because certain materials are easier to install right, or they’re less likely to cause callbacks. That doesn’t mean you need every bell and whistle, but if there’s a legit reason (like ice-and-water shield in a cold climate), it might be worth considering.
Bottom line, I’d rather have a crew that takes their time and knows what they’re doing than pay double for “premium” materials slapped on in a rush. Hire for skill, not just for product labels. And don’t let anyone rush you into decisions—take your time checking references and seeing previous work if you can. A little skepticism goes a long way when it comes to roofs... learned that one the hard way.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Couldn’t agree more about the crew being the real difference-maker. I’ve seen “premium” roofs fail in under five years because someone got lazy with the flashing or skipped ice-and-water shield where it mattered. Honestly, I’d rather have a solid install with basic materials than a fancy shingle job done by folks who just want to get to lunch. If you’re picking a contractor, ask to see their past work—photos are good, but if you can drive by a job they did a few years back, even better. That’s where you’ll spot the shortcuts. And yeah, don’t let anyone talk you into upgrades unless they can explain exactly why you need them for your house, not just because “it’s what everyone’s doing.”
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
That’s exactly what I’m worried about—flashy shingles and “lifetime” warranties don’t mean much if the crew’s just rushing through. I’ve been looking at a few local companies and it’s wild how different their past jobs look, even just from the street. One place had a roof that already looked wavy after two years. Makes me wonder if it’s worth paying extra for the “big name” company or if I should just focus on whoever actually takes the time to walk me through their process.
Did you run into any issues with contractors trying to upsell stuff you didn’t need? I keep getting pitched on ridge vents and synthetic underlayment, but no one really explains why my house needs it. Is there any way to tell if they’re just padding the bill or if it’s legit? I’m not against upgrades, but I’d rather not pay for stuff that won’t make a difference.
