Interesting points here. I've managed properties with both metal and shingle roofs, and honestly, each has its quirks. Metal roofs are definitely durable, but I remember one tenant calling me at midnight during a hailstorm convinced the roof was about to cave in—it wasn't, of course, but the noise can be alarming. Shingles might need more frequent checks after storms, but they're definitely easier on the ears.
"hailstorms were brutal"
Couldn't agree more—some nights you just want peace and quiet...
Just went through my first heavy storm season as a homeowner, and I gotta say, shingles definitely seem quieter. My neighbor across the street has metal roofing, and he joked about needing earplugs every time it rains hard. I thought he was exaggerating until I was over there one evening during a downpour...it sounded like we were inside a drum.
Still, I've noticed my shingles lose a few granules after big storms. Had to climb up and check things myself a couple times already. Not ideal, but at least it's quiet enough to sleep through. Guess there's always some trade-off—durability versus peace and quiet.
"Guess there's always some trade-off—durability versus peace and quiet."
Yeah, you're definitely onto something there. I've had shingles for about five years now, and while the granule loss can be a bit concerning at first, it's usually not as bad as it looks. Have you noticed any actual bare spots yet, or is it mostly just loose granules in the gutters? I remember panicking after my first big storm season too, but turns out shingles shed a bit naturally over time.
As for metal roofs...my brother-in-law has one, and he swears by its durability. But man, I stayed over once during a heavy rainstorm and couldn't believe how loud it was. Felt like camping under a tarp! Do you think adding insulation or some kind of soundproofing underneath would help with that noise issue? Might be worth mentioning to your neighbor if he's open to suggestions.
Either way, sounds like you're handling things pretty well—climbing up there yourself takes guts. Just stay safe up there!
- Definitely agree about the noise issue with metal roofs—my parents have one, and whenever I visit during a storm, it's like being inside a drum. They did add some extra insulation eventually, and it helped quite a bit. Still noticeable, but not as jarring as before.
- About shingles...I get what you're saying about granules being normal, but honestly, mine seem to shed more than I'd expected. I've only had this place for two years, and every time it rains heavily, my gutters look like they're filled with gravel. No bare spots yet though, so maybe I'm just overthinking it.
- I did talk to a roofer friend about it once (casually, over beers), and he said granule loss is pretty common in the first few years—something about excess granules from manufacturing. He also mentioned that if you start seeing actual bald patches or curling edges, that's when you should worry.
- One thing I've noticed is that metal roofs seem way better at shedding snow quickly compared to shingles. My folks rarely have ice dams or heavy snow buildup anymore, which is great for winter maintenance. But then again, the sudden avalanche of snow sliding off can be pretty startling if you're not expecting it...
- Either way, seems like there's no perfect roofing material—just depends on your priorities and tolerance for certain annoyances. I'm still skeptical about metal roofs personally (mostly due to cost), but I can see why people choose them for longevity. Just wish there was an affordable option that combined the best of both worlds.
Totally feel you on the granule anxiety—I had the same thing happen when I got my shingles replaced a few years back. Every heavy rain, my gutters looked like someone dumped a sandbox in there. It settled down eventually, though, just like your roofer buddy said. Honestly, roofs are just one of those homeowner headaches we all gotta deal with sooner or later...hang in there, you're definitely not alone.
