- Seen so many issues with flashing—often it’s the weak point, even on new installs. Had a client last spring with a brand new metal roof, but sloppy flashing around the skylight led to leaks after the first big rain.
- Metal’s definitely better at reflecting heat, but if attic insulation’s thin, that benefit gets lost fast. I usually recommend beefing up insulation when folks switch roofing types.
- Noise-wise, it really depends on underlayment and attic space. Some jobs I’ve inspected were surprisingly quiet, others almost echo-y during storms.
- If I had to redo my own roof? Probably standing seam metal, but only if I could trust the install crew to get every detail right... especially those tricky penetrations and valleys.
I keep circling back to the whole flashing issue, too. It’s wild how often even “pro” crews get it wrong—especially around skylights and chimneys.
That’s basically what happened on my neighbor’s house. They went all-in on standing seam metal, paid top dollar, but after the first thunderstorm, water was running down their drywall. Turns out the crew skipped a step sealing one corner of the curb flashing. It’s always those little details that get missed.“Had a client last spring with a brand new metal roof, but sloppy flashing around the skylight led to leaks after the first big rain.”
If I had to redo mine tomorrow, I’d probably go green roof or at least some sort of “cool” membrane with solar panels—if only because I’m in the city and heat islands are brutal here in July. But honestly, I’d still lose sleep over those penetrations and edges. Even with all the layers and waterproofing they promise, I’ve seen roots sneak into seams or drains clog up if you don’t keep up with maintenance.
You’re spot on about attic insulation, too. Metal (or any “cool” roofing) is only as good as what’s underneath it. My place had ancient cellulose that had settled way down, so before even thinking about roofing I spent a weekend blowing in new insulation and sealing up gaps. Made a bigger difference than I expected—house stayed cooler in summer, and quieter during storms, too. Metal gets a bad rap for noise but with enough insulation plus a solid underlayment, it’s not much louder than asphalt in my experience.
If I could trust the crew 100%, yeah—standing seam or a living roof would be my picks. But I’d want to be up there double-checking every bit of flashing and making sure they didn’t skimp on the details... Learned that lesson watching my neighbor deal with repairs before their warranty even kicked in.
“But honestly, I’d still lose sleep over those penetrations and edges. Even with all the layers and waterproofing they promise, I’ve seen roots sneak into seams or drains clog up if you don’t keep up with maintenance.”
Totally get where you’re coming from—those details are what make or break a green roof. I’ve helped install a couple, and yeah, you have to be borderline obsessive about flashing and drainage. But if you’re willing to keep an eye on things, the payoff is real: cooler temps inside, less runoff, and it just looks awesome. Maintenance is a thing, but honestly, I’d rather pull a few weeds than patch drywall after a leak.
I hear you on the maintenance—my neighbor’s green roof looked amazing until the sedum started plotting its escape through the gutter. I’m tempted by metal for my next go-round, but is it just me or does hail make it sound like you’re living inside a drum?
- Metal’s tempting for the durability, but yeah,
—that’s not an exaggeration. I’ve got friends who swear by it, but they also complain about the noise.“does hail make it sound like you’re living inside a drum?”
- Asphalt shingles are quieter, but mine started curling after 12 years. Not thrilled.
- Anyone here actually regret going with tile? I keep hearing mixed things about weight and cost...
