- Have to agree, green roofs are way less of a hassle than people think once they’re established. The first season was a learning curve, but now the sedum’s basically on autopilot.
- Noise-wise, I’ve managed properties with all sorts of roofing—metal, shingles, even a couple with green roofs. Metal is definitely the loudest during hail or heavy rain. Shingles are quieter, but you still get that steady drumming if there’s no attic insulation.
- The green roof units have been noticeably quieter during storms. Tenants barely mention rain noise, which is wild considering how much folks complain in the metal-roofed buildings.
- Upfront cost is steep, but I’ve noticed less wear and tear from temperature swings too. That might help offset some long-term costs.
- Has anyone noticed a difference in cooling bills? I swear our sedum roof keeps the top floor way cooler in July compared to shingle or metal. Wondering if that’s just me or if others have seen it too...
Has anyone noticed a difference in cooling bills? I swear our sedum roof keeps the top floor way cooler in July compared to shingle or metal. Wondering if that’s just me or if others have seen it too...
You’re not imagining things—my neighbor put in a green roof last year and now he won’t shut up about how his attic is “like a cave” in the summer. Meanwhile, I’m over here with asphalt shingles and my upstairs feels like a toaster oven by mid-July. I’ve been tempted to stick a thermometer up there just to prove how much hotter it gets.
Noise-wise, totally agree about metal being loud. One hailstorm and you’d think someone was dropping bowling balls on the house. Shingles are quieter, but still not exactly silent unless you’ve got insulation for days.
The upfront cost of green roofs is what’s kept me from making the leap, but hearing about the lower cooling bills and less temperature swing damage is making me reconsider. Maybe I’ll start saving up (or just plant some moss on my shed as a test run).
Meanwhile, I’m over here with asphalt shingles and my upstairs feels like a toaster oven by mid-July. I’ve been tempted to stick a thermometer up there just to prove how much hotter it gets.
That’s exactly my situation. I’ve got the classic black shingles (came with the house, thanks previous owner), and once July rolls around, it’s like the sun decided to move in upstairs. I did actually try the thermometer thing last summer—my attic was pushing 120°F on a few afternoons. Downstairs was bearable, but that top floor? Forget it.
I’ve looked into metal roofs too, but honestly, the noise is a dealbreaker for me. We get some wild thunderstorms here and I already have trouble sleeping. My cousin did metal on his place and swears by it for durability, but he also jokes about needing earplugs during hail. I guess if you’re a heavy sleeper or love the sound of rain, maybe it’s not so bad.
Green roofs are intriguing, though. The upfront cost is no joke, but if you’re planning to stay put for a while, I can see how it pays off. Plus, less wear and tear from all the temperature swings—my shingles are curling at the edges after just 12 years. Not sure moss on the shed would do much for me (unless it comes with a fairy tale cottage vibe), but hey, gotta start somewhere.
One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is maintenance. My neighbor’s sedum roof looks great from the street, but he’s out there every spring picking weeds and checking drainage. Not sure I’m up for another yard project on top of everything else.
Anyone else tried those “cool roof” coatings? I keep seeing ads for them, but I’m skeptical they’d make much difference compared to just biting the bullet and going green or metal.
Anyway, if anyone figures out how to make shingles less of a solar oven without spending a fortune, let me know... or invent it and make millions.
Black shingles really are brutal in the summer. I’ve managed a few properties with them, and the heat gain is no joke—attic temps over 120°F aren’t uncommon, especially if there’s not much ventilation. It’s wild how much that impacts upstairs rooms, even with decent insulation. I’ve seen some folks try attic fans or radiant barriers, but results are mixed and it’s not always a cheap fix.
On the metal roof front, the noise factor is real, but it depends a lot on the installation. If there’s solid sheathing and insulation underneath, it can be quieter than people expect. Still, during hail or heavy rain, you’ll notice it. Durability-wise, though, metal outlasts shingles by a mile—less maintenance too, aside from the occasional check for fastener issues.
Cool roof coatings are interesting. I’ve had a couple of owners try them on older shingle roofs. They do reflect more sunlight and can drop attic temps by maybe 10-15 degrees, but they’re not a miracle cure. Plus, they don’t last forever and can peel if the shingles are already curling or degraded.
Maintenance is always the kicker with green roofs. They look great and help with insulation, but you’re trading one kind of upkeep for another. If you’re not into yard work, it’s probably not worth it unless you really want the aesthetic or environmental benefits.
If someone figures out a low-cost way to keep shingles cool without major work, I’d be first in line too...
If someone figures out a low-cost way to keep shingles cool without major work, I’d be first in line too...
I hear you on that. Black shingles just bake in the sun—my parents’ house in central Texas has them, and even with a ridge vent and decent insulation, the upstairs is always a few degrees hotter than downstairs. We tried adding an attic fan last summer. It helped a little, but honestly, the difference wasn’t dramatic unless we ran it all day (which isn’t cheap on the electric bill).
I’ve seen some folks swear by those reflective foil radiant barriers stapled up in the attic rafters. Mixed bag there too. If your attic’s already tight or has weird angles, installing that stuff is a pain. Plus, if you’ve got any ductwork up there, it’s still going to get blasted by the heat coming off those shingles.
On metal roofs—yeah, the noise can be a surprise if you’re used to shingles. My uncle put one on his cabin and said rain sounds like someone’s drumming on pots and pans unless you’ve got good insulation underneath. But he hasn’t had to touch it in 15 years except for tightening a few screws after a windstorm.
Cool roof coatings are interesting, but I’ve only seen them work well when the shingles are still in decent shape. Once they start curling or cracking, the coating just peels off after a season or two. Not sure it’s worth the money unless your roof’s still got some life left.
Green roofs look awesome but yeah... my neighbor tried one and now spends more time up there weeding than he does mowing his actual lawn.
If I had to pick between black shingles and metal for heat alone, I’d lean metal every time—especially with lighter colors. But cost is no joke; metal was almost double what I was quoted for architectural shingles last year.
Anyone tried those synthetic “cool” shingles? Supposedly they reflect more sunlight but I haven’t seen them installed around here yet. Curious if they actually make a dent in attic temps or if it’s just marketing fluff...
