Couldn’t agree more on the “don’t rush it” part… I learned that the hard way. Had a buddy who tried to save a few bucks and ended up with water stains in his kitchen after the first real storm. Metal’s great if you’re in it for the long haul and don’t mind the initial sticker shock. Shingles are fine, but after patching mine every spring, I started wishing I’d just bitten the bullet and gone metal from the start. If you’ve got a low pitch, details matter even more—don’t let anyone talk you into shortcuts.
I’m with you on the low pitch—details get overlooked way too often. I’ve seen a lot of shingle roofs fail prematurely, especially on flatter slopes where water doesn’t run off as fast. Even minor shortcuts in flashing or underlayment can lead to leaks you won’t notice until it’s too late. Metal’s upfront cost is rough, but if you’re in a storm-prone area, it’s usually less hassle over time. I do wonder, though, if anyone’s had luck with newer synthetic shingles? Supposedly they last longer, but I haven’t seen them tested in heavy wind yet.
Even minor shortcuts in flashing or underlayment can lead to leaks you won’t notice until it’s too late.
That’s definitely true, but I’ve actually seen a lot of shingle roofs hold up fine on low slopes—if the install is done right and they use ice & water shield in the right spots. The thing with metal is, yeah, it’s tough, but it can be noisy in hail and sometimes dents pretty easily. As for synthetic shingles, I’ve inspected a couple after big storms and they seemed to do okay, but honestly, nothing’s totally bulletproof if the wind gets crazy. Sometimes it just comes down to the installer knowing their stuff.
Yeah, I’ve seen shingle roofs survive some gnarly storms, but only when the installer actually cared. If they cheap out on flashing or skip the ice & water shield, you’re basically inviting leaks. Metal’s great for durability, but man, hail sounds like a drumline up there. I always tell folks—no roof is invincible, but a good install makes all the difference.
I keep hearing the same thing—good install or bust. It’s wild how many people just focus on the shingle itself and totally forget that what’s underneath (flashing, underlayment, etc.) is just as important. Makes me wonder how many leaks are blamed on “bad shingles” when it’s really shortcuts during the install.
But I get what you’re saying about metal too. The hail noise is real... my neighbor switched to metal last year, and now every storm sounds like a marching band over there. He says he got used to it, but his dog definitely didn’t. Have you ever looked into any of those “quiet” metal roof options? I’ve heard some brands put in sound-dampening layers, but I’m not sure how much difference it actually makes.
I’m curious, though—has anyone tried the newer “green” roofs or cool roof shingles? I’ve read a bit about those reflective shingles that keep your attic cooler in summer, but I’m not sure if they hold up as well in storms. And then you’ve got living roofs, but I guess those are mostly for flat roofs and not everyone’s cup of tea.
Honestly, I’m on the fence myself. Shingles seem to be the “default” option, but I keep wondering if we’re missing out on better long-term solutions just because they’re less common or upfront costs are higher. Did anyone here regret going with shingles after a few years? Or maybe wish they’d tried something more eco-friendly?
It’s reassuring to hear that a solid install really does make a difference, no matter what you pick. Just wish it was easier to tell which contractors actually care and which ones are just rushing through the job.
