I do notice some fading, but it’s not super obvious unless you compare a leftover shingle to the ones on the roof.
That’s actually the main reason I went with metal panels instead of rubber. I manage a few properties in a windy area, and the color fade on rubber was more noticeable after about 5 years—especially on south-facing slopes. Metal’s pricier upfront, but I’ve found it holds its color better and doesn’t curl or warp. The noise during storms is a trade-off, though. If curb appeal is a priority, might be worth considering.
Metal definitely holds up better in the sun, at least in my experience. I’ve seen some of those rubber roofs go pretty chalky after a few years, especially on buildings that get hammered by afternoon sun. The noise is a thing, though—some folks love that “rain on a tin roof” vibe, others can’t stand it. Did you do anything for extra soundproofing under your panels, or just standard underlayment? Curious if it makes much difference during storms...
I just went with the standard underlayment under my metal panels, mostly because I was trying to keep costs down. It does get loud in heavy rain, but honestly, I kind of like it. Has anyone tried those foam inserts or extra layers for sound? Wondering if they're worth the extra money, especially for hail.
- Used both standard underlayment and foam inserts on different jobs.
- Foam inserts do help with noise, especially during hail or heavy rain. Not a miracle fix, but noticeable difference.
- They’re not cheap though—adds up fast if you’ve got a big roof.
- For hail, the foam can cushion some impact, but it won’t stop dents in the panels themselves.
- If you like the rain sound, might not be worth the extra cost unless you’re worried about resale or have sensitive sleepers in the house.
- Personally, I’d only go for the extra layers if noise is a real problem or you’re in a spot with frequent big hail. Otherwise, standard underlayment holds up fine for most folks.
That pretty much lines up with what I’ve seen too. The foam makes a difference, but it’s not magic—just takes the edge off during those crazy storms. I actually kind of like the sound of rain on metal, but my partner’s a light sleeper, so we did the foam inserts in the bedrooms. Worth it for peace at night, but yeah, the cost adds up fast.
“If you like the rain sound, might not be worth the extra cost unless you’re worried about resale or have sensitive sleepers in the house.”
Totally agree with this. We skipped the extras on our detached garage and honestly, unless you’re out there during a hailstorm, it’s fine. For the main house, though, I’d say it depends on your tolerance for noise and how often you get hail. We’re in Texas and get hit with some nasty stuff in spring—foam didn’t stop all the dents, but at least it helped with the racket.
If you’re on the fence, maybe just do it over bedrooms or spots where people actually notice the sound. No need to break the bank on the whole roof if you don’t have to.