I hear you on the metal roof noise—my aunt’s place sounds like a drumline during storms, and her cat hides for hours. I went with the recycled Class 4s two years back, and while we haven’t had a monster hailstorm since, they’ve shrugged off a couple of pretty rough wind events. No claims yet, but I’m cautiously optimistic. The upfront cost stung a bit, but seeing my old shingles in the landfill after every storm was getting old. If you’re planning to stay put, I think it’s worth it for the peace of mind alone.
The upfront cost stung a bit, but seeing my old shingles in the landfill after every storm was getting old.
Couldn’t agree more. Class 4s aren’t cheap up front, but I’ve seen way too many standard shingles shredded after just one bad hailstorm. Step-by-step, here’s what tends to matter: First, check your local code—some insurers want proof you really have Class 4. Second, make sure the install crew doesn’t cut corners (I’ve seen folks skip nails or rush flashing). Third, keep tabs on your attic ventilation; sometimes folks forget that part and it shortens shingle life.
Metal’s tough but that noise is real—especially with steep slopes. For most folks staying put, Class 4 asphalt is a solid call.
Metal’s tough but that noise is real—especially with steep slopes.
That noise is no joke... I tried to convince my partner to go metal, but after a hailstorm last year, we both realized we’d never sleep again. Ended up with Class 4 asphalt too. Anyone else notice they seem to run a bit hotter in summer? I’m always wondering if the heat offset is worth it compared to the landfill waste from old shingles.
We had the same debate about metal vs. asphalt, and honestly, the noise factor was a dealbreaker for us too—especially with how often we get hail and heavy rain. I’ve noticed the Class 4 shingles do seem to absorb and hold heat more than our old three-tabs did. Maybe it’s the extra thickness or the darker color? I do wonder about the environmental trade-off, though... the durability is great, but tossing all those old shingles doesn’t feel great either. Anyone tried lighter colors to help with the heat?
We went with the Class 4s too, mainly for hail, but I’ve noticed the same thing with heat—our attic’s definitely warmer in the summer now. Ours are a medium gray, so not even the darkest option, but they still soak up a lot more sun than I expected. I’ve wondered if a lighter color would help, but then you hear about algae stains and it makes me hesitate. Anyone else notice the granules coming off faster on these thicker shingles, or is that just me?