NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I get where you’re coming from—ventilation’s huge. But I’ve seen some older homes where even with decent airflow, the attic still cooked in summer until we swapped to reflective shingles. Sometimes it’s a combo of small upgrades that really makes the difference. Just my two cents...
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the combo of upgrades. When we replaced our roof last year, we went with lighter-colored shingles and added a ridge vent. I was surprised how much cooler the upstairs felt after that. I used to think just fixing leaks was enough, but turns out small changes can add up. It’s wild how much difference the right materials make.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I hear you on the ridge vent—airflow makes a bigger difference than most folks expect. I’d add, don’t skimp on underlayment either. I’ve seen people focus just on shingles and then regret it when moisture sneaks in from a sideways rain. Upgrades aren’t just for show; they pay off long-term, especially if you’re thinking resale down the road.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Interesting point about the underlayment—definitely a crucial layer, but I’d argue it’s not always about picking the most expensive option. Some of the newer synthetic underlayments are great, but I’ve seen traditional felt hold up just fine when installed properly. It really comes down to the details: flashing, drip edge, and how those valleys are handled. That’s where leaks love to start.
Ridge vents are solid for airflow, but in certain roof designs, they’re not always the best fit. Sometimes you get better results with a combination of soffit and gable vents, especially if your attic space is chopped up or has odd angles. Had a client once who insisted on ridge vents, but after a year, we realized gable vents would’ve done the trick with less fuss.
Upgrades are smart for resale, sure, but overbuilding can be a waste if it doesn’t suit the house or neighborhood. Balance is key—think about what actually fits your climate and structure before going all-in on every new product out there.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
You nailed it about the details mattering more than the fanciest materials. I’ve replaced a few roofs over the years, and every time it’s the flashing and those tricky valleys that give folks grief—not the underlayment brand. Had one job where we spent extra on fancy synthetic, but a missed drip edge detail caused headaches anyway. And yeah, ventilation’s not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes you gotta work with what the house gives you, not just what’s trendy. Stick to what fits your place and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.
