Metal roofs definitely have their advantages, especially when it comes to durability in storms. I've worked on both metal and shingle installations, and honestly, I've seen both good and bad outcomes. Metal roofs are indeed less likely to scatter across your yard after high winds—no argument there. But they're not completely foolproof either.
One thing I've noticed is that installation quality matters a lot with metal roofing. If the fasteners aren't properly sealed or if the panels aren't aligned correctly, you can end up with leaks or annoying rattling noises during heavy rain and wind. I've been called back to fix metal roofs that were installed hastily or by inexperienced crews, and trust me, it's not a fun job. Those small errors can quickly become big headaches down the road.
On the flip side, shingles, while more susceptible to wind damage, can be easier and cheaper to repair if something does go wrong. A few missing shingles after a storm isn't ideal, but it's usually a straightforward fix. With metal roofs, repairs sometimes mean replacing entire panels, which can get pricey fast.
Also, about that "soothing" rain noise... I guess it's subjective? I've met homeowners who absolutely love it, and others who find it distracting or even irritating. Insulation and underlayment choices can help dampen the sound, though, so that's something worth considering if you're sensitive to noise.
Bottom line, metal roofs have improved significantly, and they're a solid option if installed correctly. Just make sure whoever's doing the job is experienced and thorough. If you're already feeling smug about your choice, that's fine—just keep an eye out for proper installation details. A little skepticism now could save you some trouble later on.
You're definitely right about installation making or breaking a metal roof. We went with metal a few years ago, and while it's held up great through storms, we did have to get someone back out to fix a rattling panel. Turns out they hadn't sealed one of the fasteners properly—small mistake, big annoyance. Still, I'd choose metal again for the peace of mind during storm season... just gotta make sure whoever installs it knows their stuff.
"Turns out they hadn't sealed one of the fasteners properly—small mistake, big annoyance."
Exactly. Proper sealing is key—seen it countless times. Couple quick tips from experience:
- Always verify the installer uses quality neoprene washers; cheap ones degrade fast.
- Check if they're screwing panels into the flat or raised ribs; flat areas risk leaks long-term.
- Annual roof check-ups help catch loose fasteners before they become a headache.
Metal roofs are great, but like you said, installation details matter big-time...
Good points overall, but I'd caution against relying too heavily on neoprene washers alone. Even quality ones can degrade over time due to UV exposure and temperature swings. I've seen metal roofs leak after just a few years because the washers cracked prematurely. Makes me wonder if anyone here's had better luck with alternative sealing methods, like butyl tape or sealant under the fasteners...or is that just overkill?
Yeah, that's a good point about neoprene washers. When I bought my place last year, the inspector warned me about exactly that—said he'd seen plenty of metal roofs with leaks due to cracked washers. Honestly, at first I thought he was being overly cautious, but after reading more and hearing your experience, I'm thinking he might've been onto something.
I haven't personally tried butyl tape or sealant under fasteners yet, but I did have a roofer friend suggest using a dab of silicone sealant beneath each screw head as extra insurance. He said it helps fill any tiny gaps that might form if the washer gets brittle or shrinks over time. At first, it sounded like extra work for minimal benefit, but now I'm reconsidering. Given how much hassle a leaking roof can cause down the road, maybe it's worth the extra effort upfront?
Still skeptical about whether it's truly necessary everywhere though...maybe just in areas with extreme temperature swings or heavy sun exposure? Curious if anyone's had firsthand experience with silicone or butyl tape holding up better over several years. Seems like one of those things you don't really appreciate until you've dealt with leaks firsthand.
