I feel you on the metal roof noise thing—when we first moved into our place, I was all excited because the previous owners had just installed a shiny new metal roof. Thought it looked super sleek and modern, you know? But then came our first real rainstorm, and man...it sounded like a marching band tap-dancing on our ceiling. 😂 Not exactly relaxing background noise, especially at 2 am.
Funny thing is, I actually kinda got used to it after a while. It became this weirdly comforting sound—like white noise but louder and wetter, haha. But my dog? Nope. She still freaks out every single time. Poor thing hides under the bed and gives me the saddest puppy eyes, like it's somehow my fault the sky is attacking us.
As for repairs, totally agree with you there. Last spring, a branch came down during a storm and dented one of the panels. Figured I'd save some cash and DIY it, watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials, felt pretty confident...until I actually climbed up there. Turns out metal roofing isn't exactly forgiving when you're trying to hammer out dents or replace panels. Ended up making it look worse than before—like someone took a baseball bat to it. Had to call in a pro anyway, so much for saving money.
Temperature-wise, I haven't noticed anything dramatic either. Maybe a tiny bit cooler in summer, but honestly, nothing worth bragging about to friends. Still, durability-wise, it's held up pretty well aside from that one unlucky branch incident. And hey, at least I don't have shingles flying off into the neighbor's yard anymore after every windy day. Small victories, right?
"Figured I'd save some cash and DIY it, watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials, felt pretty confident...until I actually climbed up there."
Been there, done that, got the bruises to prove it. 😂 I was tempted by metal roofing too, but after seeing my neighbor's DIY disaster (think crumpled soda can vibes), decided shingles were safer for my wallet and ego. Sure, I've chased down a few shingles after storms, but at least repairs don't feel like rocket science. Small trade-offs, right?
"Sure, I've chased down a few shingles after storms, but at least repairs don't feel like rocket science."
Haha, totally relate to this. Shingles are definitely more forgiving for DIY fixes—just grab a few replacements, some roofing nails, and you're usually good to go. But one thing I've noticed inspecting homes is that metal roofs, when installed correctly (big emphasis on correctly), tend to handle heavy rain and wind better over time. The key is proper fastening and allowing room for expansion and contraction—otherwise, you get that dreaded "crumpled soda can" look you mentioned.
Also, if you're in an area prone to snow or ice buildup, metal roofs shed snow way more efficiently. But yeah, DIY metal roofing can be intimidating if you're not used to working with it. If anyone's considering metal, I'd suggest starting small—maybe a shed or garage first—to get the hang of it before tackling the main house. Either way, respect for climbing up there yourself... heights aren't everyone's cup of tea!
"metal roofs, when installed correctly (big emphasis on correctly), tend to handle heavy rain and wind better over time."
That's a good point about proper installation. I've seen some metal roofs hold up incredibly well during storms, but I've also dealt with a few that were absolute nightmares because the installer cut corners. One property I manage had a metal roof installed without proper underlayment or adequate fasteners, and after a particularly nasty storm, we ended up with leaks everywhere. It was a mess to sort out, and definitely not something I'd wish on anyone.
I agree shingles are easier for quick DIY fixes, but I'm curious—has anyone here had experience with architectural shingles versus standard three-tab shingles in heavy weather? I've heard architectural shingles are supposed to be more durable and wind-resistant, but in practice, do they really hold up significantly better? I've got a couple of properties due for roof replacements soon, and I'm weighing whether the extra cost is justified.
Also, regarding metal roofs shedding snow efficiently—totally true, but I've noticed that can sometimes create another issue: snow sliding off suddenly in large chunks. Had a tenant's car get damaged once because of that. Has anyone found a good solution for managing snow slides from metal roofs, like snow guards or something similar? Curious how effective those actually are in real-world conditions.
Anyway, props to everyone brave enough to climb up there themselves. Heights aren't my favorite either... I'll stick to inspections from the ground whenever possible.
Architectural shingles do tend to hold up better, especially in high-wind situations. I've inspected plenty of roofs after storms, and the difference can be pretty noticeable. Three-tabs often lift or tear off completely in strong gusts, while architectural shingles usually stay put due to their thicker construction and better sealing strips. Of course, proper installation is still key—I've seen architectural shingles fail badly when nailed incorrectly or if the adhesive strips don't seal properly.
As for snow sliding off metal roofs, snow guards can definitely help. I've seen them installed on several buildings in snowy areas, and they do a decent job breaking up large sheets of snow into smaller, safer chunks. But placement matters a lot. If they're spaced too far apart or not installed at the right angle, you'll still get big slides. Has anyone tried heated roof edges or cables? I've heard mixed opinions on those and wonder if they're worth the hassle and energy cost...
