I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I wouldn’t write off asphalt shingles just yet. There are impact-resistant shingles out there now—costs a bit more than the basic ones, but nowhere near metal prices. My uncle swapped to those after a bad hailstorm and hasn’t had issues since. Plus, the noise thing with metal is real... my cousin’s place sounds like a drumline when it rains hard. Just something to think about if you’re not totally sold on metal.
the noise thing with metal is real... my cousin’s place sounds like a drumline when it rains hard.
That’s exactly what made me hesitate on metal, honestly. I’m all for durability, but I’ve got two little kids and sleep is already a rare commodity around here. We looked at those impact-resistant shingles after a neighbor’s roof got shredded in a hailstorm last year—seemed like a decent middle ground. Not cheap, but way less than metal, and you don’t get the “tin roof concert” every time it pours. If you’re weighing cost vs. peace of mind, I’d say don’t rule out the beefed-up shingles just yet.
you don’t get the “tin roof concert” every time it pours.
That’s a big one with kids—I get it. Out of curiosity, did you look at any of the recycled rubber shingles or “cool roof” options? They’re quieter than metal, and in some climates, the energy savings are actually noticeable. Wondering if anyone’s had luck with those in hail-prone areas...
Wondering if anyone’s had luck with those in hail-prone areas...
That’s actually what I’ve been trying to figure out myself. I’m in northern Colorado, so hail is a real thing here—like, golf ball size at least once a summer. I heard recycled rubber shingles are supposed to be super tough, but I’ve seen mixed stuff online about how they hold up over time. Some folks say they bounce back from hail, others mention they can still get dented and fade faster than metal or tile.
I looked at the “cool roof” coatings too, mostly for energy reasons (our attic gets crazy hot), but not sure if those actually make a difference unless you’ve got direct sun all day. Anyone here actually have rubber shingles or one of the newer composite types? Curious if the noise is really that much better than metal during a storm, and whether insurance companies like them or not... I know some insurers get picky about “non-traditional” materials.
Also, do they look weird in person? Some of the samples I saw were kinda plasticky.
Curious if the noise is really that much better than metal during a storm, and whether insurance companies like them or not...
I’ve got recycled rubber shingles (Euroshield) on my place in Boulder. They’re definitely quieter than metal—hail sounds more like a dull thud than a drumline. As for insurance, mine was fine with it but did want proof of the impact rating. The look is... okay? Up close, you can tell they’re not slate, but from the street, nobody’s noticed. Fading hasn’t been an issue yet, but it’s only been three years. I’d say they’re tougher than asphalt, but not indestructible.