I get what you mean about missing the quiet. I switched to a metal roof last year, and yeah, it’s definitely a different vibe during storms. Not exactly “tin can in a hailstorm” loud, but you do notice the rain more—especially if you’re in the attic or have vaulted ceilings. I was worried it’d drive me nuts, but honestly, after a few storms, it just became background noise. Kind of cozy, actually.
Insulation makes a huge difference. We added a layer of recycled cellulose (trying to be a little greener), and that helped with both noise and keeping the house cooler in summer. I do wonder sometimes if tile would’ve been quieter, but the weight and cost were dealbreakers for us.
Leaks were my main headache with shingles too. I’d rather hear the rain than see it coming through the ceiling... plus, less patching means less waste in the long run. Not perfect, but feels like a decent trade-off.
Funny you mention the rain noise—I was worried about that too, but after a few months with metal it’s honestly just kind of soothing. Did you notice any difference in your energy bills after adding the cellulose? I’m in a pretty hot area and wondering if it’s worth the upgrade. Also, did you do the install yourself or hire out? I’m debating how much DIY I want to bite off this time...
That rain-on-metal sound is definitely a thing—some folks love it, some can’t stand it. I’ve seen a lot of people end up finding it relaxing after a while, just like you did. As for the cellulose, in hotter climates it can make a noticeable dent in cooling costs, but it really depends on how much you had before and how well your attic’s ventilated. I’ve crawled through plenty of attics where the difference was night and day after adding insulation. DIY is doable if you’re comfortable with a blower and don’t mind getting messy, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Just watch out for recessed lights and wiring up there... that’s where things can get tricky.
I get the appeal of more insulation, but honestly, I didn’t see a huge drop in my bills after adding cellulose. Maybe my attic’s just weird, or maybe the old stuff was already doing most of the work. As for shingles, I went with them because metal was way out of my price range—plus, I’m not sure I’d ever get used to that “drum solo” every time it rains. Guess it’s all about what bugs you more: the noise or the cost.
Interesting—did you check for any air leaks or gaps before adding the cellulose? Sometimes it’s not just about the insulation itself, but whether the attic is sealed up tight. On the shingles, did you notice much difference in attic temps after the new roof went on, or was it about the same?