Good points about overtightening—I learned that lesson the hard way myself. Still, I'm not totally sold on stainless being the only go-to option. I've had decent luck with coated screws, even near the coast, as long as they're quality brands and installed correctly. The key is checking periodically and catching any issues early. It's worth considering if you're trying to balance cost and durability... stainless isn't always necessary for every DIY situation.
"I've had decent luck with coated screws, even near the coast, as long as they're quality brands and installed correctly."
Fair enough, coated screws can definitely hold their own if you're diligent about maintenance. I've seen them perform surprisingly well on some coastal properties I manage, but I've also had a couple of headaches when tenants didn't report issues early enough. Speaking of durability, has anyone noticed if metal roofs significantly outperform shingles after heavy storms? Curious if the upfront cost difference is justified long-term...
"Curious if the upfront cost difference is justified long-term..."
I've seen metal roofs hold up impressively after storms, but honestly, shingles can surprise you too—especially architectural ones. Had a property with shingles weather a hurricane better than the neighbor's metal roof... installation matters a ton.
"installation matters a ton."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen both metal and shingles do great—or fail miserably—depending on how well they were put in. But if you're thinking long-term, metal roofs do have some solid advantages. They tend to last decades longer than shingles, and they're usually better at shedding water and snow, which can save you headaches if you're in a rainy or snowy climate.
That said, architectural shingles have gotten way better lately. Had a friend whose house took a beating in a pretty nasty storm last year, and his newer shingles held up surprisingly well. No leaks, no missing pieces... he was pretty relieved, especially since his neighbor's older metal roof ended up needing repairs.
One other thing to think about is energy efficiency. Metal roofs, especially lighter-colored ones, can reflect sunlight and help keep your home cooler in summer. Might save you a bit on cooling costs over time, which could help offset that initial price difference. Just something else to consider...
Good points overall, but I'd also add a quick plug for green roofs if you're open to alternatives:
- Green roofs (living roofs) handle heavy rainfall exceptionally well—plants and soil absorb and slow runoff, reducing drainage issues.
- They help insulate your home naturally, lowering heating and cooling bills year-round.
- Bonus: they extend the lifespan of the roof membrane underneath by protecting it from UV rays and weather extremes.
Of course, installation matters here too—poor drainage design can cause issues. But when done right, they're surprisingly durable. My cousin put one in about five years ago (nothing fancy, just native grasses and sedums), and it's handled some intense storms without a hitch. Plus, wildlife loves it... birds nesting up there every spring.
Not saying metal or shingles aren't solid choices—they definitely are—but if you're already weighing options like energy efficiency or storm resistance, might be worth at least looking into green roofing too.
