If I had a nickel for every time someone said “asphalt is the safe bet,” I’d probably have enough to patch my own leaky roof. But hear me out—there’s a third option that doesn’t get enough love: metal roofs. Yeah, I know, not exactly what you asked, but after wrestling with both asphalt and composite over the years, I finally caved and went metal last summer. Here’s how it shook out:
Step 1: I got tired of replacing shingles after every windstorm. Asphalt was fine until the first big hailstorm, then suddenly my yard looked like a shingle graveyard. Composite did okay for a while, but like you mentioned, those cold snaps made them brittle as potato chips.
Step 2: I started crunching numbers. Metal was pricier up front (not gonna sugarcoat it), but when you factor in the “set it and forget it” aspect, it started making sense. No more climbing up there with a bucket of tar every spring.
Step 3: The green angle—couldn’t ignore it. Metal’s recyclable, reflects heat (my AC bill actually dipped), and I don’t have to worry about dumping a bunch of old shingles in the landfill every 15 years.
Now, I get that metal isn’t for everyone—some folks hate the look or can’t swing the cost. But if you’re already feeling iffy about warranties and durability, might be worth at least poking around to see if there are any deals in your area. My neighbor swears by his “old school” asphalt too, but he also swears at it every time we get a hail warning.
Anyway, just tossing another option into the mix. If nothing else, my roof’s now got more street cred than my car...and that’s saying something.
That’s actually super helpful to hear. I’ve been on the fence about metal, mostly because of the upfront cost and, honestly, I wasn’t sure how it’d look on my little ranch house. But after patching up asphalt shingles for the third time this year (thanks, wind), I’m starting to see the appeal. The “set it and forget it” part is what really gets me—climbing up there every spring is getting old fast. Appreciate the real-world breakdown...makes me feel a bit less crazy for considering something besides the usual asphalt or composite.
You’re not alone—most folks I inspect for have the same hesitation about metal, especially on smaller homes. The sticker shock is real, but I’ve seen enough wind-lifted shingles to know that “cheap” isn’t always cheap in the long run. That said, have you looked into how much noise you’d get with metal during a rainstorm? Some people love it, others can’t stand it. Also, depending on your area, hail can dent metal pretty good—though it usually doesn’t affect function, just looks.
One thing I always wonder: are you planning to stay in the house for a long while? Metal’s a bigger investment up front, but if you’re moving in five years, you might not see the payoff. On the other hand, if you’re sick of patching every spring, that’s a pretty strong argument for something more durable. I’ve seen composite shingles hold up better than basic asphalt, but they’re still not immune to wind.
Curious if you’ve checked with your insurance—sometimes they’ll give a break for metal roofs, sometimes not. Just something to think about before you pull the trigger.
I actually went with composite shingles last year after a ton of research. The initial draw for me was their recycled content and longer warranty compared to asphalt. During a hailstorm this spring, they held up better than my neighbor’s basic asphalt—he had to replace several patches, but mine just had minor scuffs. Noise wasn’t an issue, and the energy efficiency was noticeably better in the summer. Insurance didn’t offer much of a break, but I’m hoping the durability pays off in the long run. Still, I do wonder if a metal roof would’ve been even less maintenance over time...
That’s pretty encouraging to hear about composite shingles holding up in a hailstorm. I’ve managed a few buildings with both asphalt and composite, and honestly, the composites seem to need less patchwork after bad weather. But it’s funny you mention metal—maintenance is lower, sure, but I’ve had tenants complain about rain noise on metal roofs, even with insulation. Did you factor in how your local climate might affect roof lifespan? Sometimes extreme temps can really change the equation...
