"Honestly, I was skeptical at first. I worried they'd look fake or plasticky, but once they were installed, I was genuinely impressed."
Yeah, this was my exact experience too. Synthetic shingles have come a long way in recent years. One thing I'd add is to make sure your installer has solid experience with the specific product you chooseβinstallation quality makes a huge difference in durability and appearance. Sounds like you're already on the right track though... it'll feel great to finally stop worrying about leaks every storm.
Glad to hear your experience turned out well. Did you end up going with a textured or smooth finish? I've noticed the textured synthetic shingles tend to blend in better, especially if you're matching an older home's aesthetic. Also curiousβdid your installer mention anything about ventilation adjustments when switching from traditional shingles to synthetic? I've heard mixed things about whether that's necessary or not.
Either way, sounds like you're set for a good long while without leaks. It's always reassuring when a product exceeds expectations, especially something as critical as roofing.