if you’re already considering alternatives, have you looked into recycled rubber shingles or even green/living roofs?
Rubber shingles can be solid, but I’ve seen mixed results depending on the installer and the weather swings. Green roofs are cool for insulation, but they need a lot more upkeep than most folks expect. Curious—what’s your climate like? Some of these options make more sense in dry or mild areas, but not so much where you get heavy snow or big temp swings.
Seen a lot of folks get excited about green roofs, but after a couple years, they’re usually surprised by how much maintenance is involved. Had a client go that route in a snowy area—looked awesome at first, then the weight and drainage issues started stacking up. Rubber shingles can work, but I’ve noticed they don’t always hold up in spots with big temp swings. Around here (Midwest), most people stick with asphalt or metal just for the peace of mind.
I get where you’re coming from—green roofs sound cool in theory, but once you factor in Midwest winters, it’s a whole different story. I’ve seen people get excited about rubber shingles too, but like you said, the freeze-thaw cycles can really mess with them. Asphalt’s not glamorous, but it’s predictable. Metal’s pricier up front, but less hassle long-term. Honestly, I think it’s smart to stick with what works for your area, even if it isn’t the trendiest option.
Has anyone here actually had metal installed and regretted it? I keep hearing it’s “less hassle,” but I’ve seen a couple jobs where the snow sliding off was a real pain. Is that just poor install, or is it always like that in the Midwest?
I get what you’re saying about the snow. We’re in northern Illinois and went with metal last year. The snow slides off fast, which is great for weight, but it does pile up by the doors. We had to add snow guards after the first winter—wasn’t a huge deal, but definitely something to budget for. I wouldn’t call it a regret, but it’s not totally “set it and forget it” either.
