with decent insulation, it’s not like living in a drum.
That’s pretty much what I’ve seen too. If the attic’s got good insulation, most folks barely notice the rain after a while. Curious—did your client mention hail? I’ve had a few metal roofs get dinged up, but they still held up better than old shingles.
If the attic’s got good insulation, most folks barely notice the rain after a while.
I’ve gotta say, that hasn’t totally matched my experience. Our insulation’s decent, but during heavy rain, the metal roof is still noticeably louder than shingles were at my parents’ place. Not unbearable, just... different. Maybe I’m more sensitive to it? Hail hasn’t been an issue here yet, but I do wonder how long those little dents would bug me visually.
That’s pretty normal with metal, honestly. Even with solid insulation, you’ll still get that ping-ping during a downpour. Some folks love it, others can’t stand it. As for hail dents, they’re mostly cosmetic, but yeah, they’d probably bug me too if I stared at them every day. Shingles are quieter, but you trade that for shorter lifespan and more maintenance. It’s always a bit of a trade-off.
Shingles are quieter, but you trade that for shorter lifespan and more maintenance. It’s always a bit of a trade-off.
That’s a really fair way to put it. Every roof material has its own quirks, and it honestly comes down to what you’re willing to live with. If you’re tired of the “ping-ping” noise from metal during storms, shingles will absolutely be quieter—no question there. But I’d just encourage you not to expect total silence either. Wind can still rattle them, and heavy rain will always make some noise, just a different kind.
I get where you’re coming from on the hail dents. I’ve seen plenty of folks get frustrated staring at those little dimples after every big storm. They don’t usually cause leaks or structural issues, but if you’re someone who notices every imperfection, it can get under your skin. For what it’s worth, I’ve seen some people actually embrace the “weathered” look on metal roofs... but yeah, it’s not for everyone.
If you’re leaning toward shingles, here’s a quick rundown based on what I’ve seen work for others:
1. **Think about your local weather.** In areas with lots of hail or high winds, architectural shingles hold up better than the cheaper 3-tab kind, but even then, they can still get damaged more easily than metal.
2. **Maintenance is a thing.** Shingles can lose granules, curl, or blow off. You’ll want to check them after big storms and maybe budget for a few repairs over the years.
3. **Lifespan is shorter.** Even with good shingles, you’re probably looking at 20-30 years max before a full replacement. Metal can go 40-50 if it’s installed right.
4. **Insurance can be weird.** Some insurers have different deductibles or requirements for hail damage depending on your roof type. Worth double-checking before you make the jump.
I know it can feel like you’re just trading one set of problems for another, but if the noise is driving you nuts or the dents are an eyesore, it’s totally valid to want a change. And hey, sometimes just having a roof that looks “fresh” can make a big difference in how you feel about your place.
If you do go with shingles, I’d suggest looking into impact-resistant ones—they cost more up front but might save you some hassle (and money) in the long run. Either way, you’re not alone in feeling stuck between options. Every homeowner I know has wrestled with this decision at some point.
I’ve managed a few properties with both metal and shingle roofs, and honestly, the maintenance calls for shingles do add up over time—especially after windstorms. But I get why folks prefer them for the quieter vibe. Have you looked into how your HOA or local codes might affect your options? Sometimes that narrows things down real quick.
