I’ve seen this a lot—metal roofs are only as good as their seams, especially on anything less than a 3/12 pitch. One job I remember, the panels looked perfect but the installer skipped the butyl tape at the laps. First big storm, water found every gap. With shingles, you can usually spot and patch trouble areas, but with metal, if the prep isn’t meticulous, you’re chasing leaks for ages. It’s all in the details...
That’s a good point about the seams—metal’s only as watertight as its weakest joint, especially on low slopes. Ever notice how even a tiny shortcut in prep can turn into a nightmare later? I’ve seen folks blame the material, but it’s almost always the install details. Out of curiosity, did you ever try a standing seam system with factory-sealed joints? I’ve heard those can be a game changer, but I wonder if they’re worth the extra cost for residential jobs.
I’ve actually seen a couple of those factory-sealed standing seam installs, and yeah, they’re pretty slick—especially for tricky low-slope spots. The upfront cost is definitely higher, but if you’re in a spot with heavy rain or snow, it can save a ton of headaches down the line. I get why some folks hesitate though. For a typical residential roof, it’s a tough call unless leaks have been a recurring nightmare. Personally, I’d rather pay more once than patch leaks every few years... but not everyone’s budget agrees with me.
I get the appeal of standing seam, but I’m still not convinced it’s always worth the premium—especially in milder climates. My neighbor went metal after a nasty hailstorm, and sure, it held up well, but the noise during rain is legit. Plus, if you ever need a roof repair or addition, matching that exact panel profile years later can be a pain. I’ve patched my asphalt shingles a couple times and honestly, as long as you keep up with maintenance, they’re not as unreliable as some folks make them out to be.
I’ve patched my asphalt shingles a couple times and honestly, as long as you keep up with maintenance, they’re not as unreliable as some folks make them out to be.
That’s been my experience too. I manage a few older properties, and the ones with asphalt shingles have held up surprisingly well—especially when the owners don’t let little issues slide. I do get the draw of standing seam metal, especially after seeing a few roofs get shredded by hail last spring. But I’ve also watched a client try to match a 12-year-old panel profile for an addition, and it was a wild goose chase. The supplier had changed the design just enough that nothing lined up right.
Noise is one of those things people either learn to love or just tolerate. One tenant said she found it “cozy,” but another swore she’d never sleep through a rainstorm again. Guess it comes down to what bugs you more: the occasional patch job or the sound of rain pinging overhead.
In milder climates, I’m with you—shingles seem like less hassle, and way easier on the wallet upfront. As long as you’re not dealing with constant wind or hail, regular maintenance really does go a long way.
