I’ve actually inspected a few metal roofs after big storms, and honestly, the noise thing seems overblown—at least with modern installs. If there’s decent insulation or an attic space, it’s not much louder than shingles. What I do notice is hail can dent the panels, which doesn’t always mess with function but can look rough. Shingles get shredded by hail, though, so it’s kind of a trade-off. I’d be more worried about how metal handles those wild Midwest temperature swings... expansion and contraction can loosen fasteners over time if it’s not installed right.
“expansion and contraction can loosen fasteners over time if it’s not installed right.”
That’s the part that always makes me pause with metal, especially around here where we go from 90s to freezing in a week. I’ve seen a couple of roofs where the panels started to rattle or even shift a bit after a few years because the installer didn’t account for all that movement. Not a fun call to get from a tenant, trust me.
But honestly, I’m still tempted by metal. The last hailstorm we had, my neighbor’s asphalt shingles looked like someone took a weed whacker to them, while the metal roof across the street just had a few dings. Cosmetic, sure, but at least no leaks. And the insurance adjuster didn’t even blink at the metal one—meanwhile, half the block was getting tarps.
Noise-wise, I agree, it’s not the old barn roof situation anymore. Most folks don’t notice anything unless there’s zero insulation. I actually had a tenant who said she liked the sound of rain on the metal, called it “cozy.” Go figure.
If I had to pick tomorrow, I’d probably lean metal, but only if I could get a crew that really knows what they’re doing. The upfront cost is a punch in the gut, but I’m tired of replacing shingles every time the wind picks up. That said, I’d want to see the warranty in writing and make sure they’re using the right fasteners and underlayment for our wild weather.
I do wish there was a perfect roof. Every material seems to have its own “gotcha.” Maybe I’ll just move into a cave and call it a day...
- That “move into a cave” idea is looking better every time I see another shingle in my yard.
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— same here. My last windstorm turned my roof into a patchwork quilt.“The upfront cost is a punch in the gut, but I’m tired of replacing shingles every time the wind picks up.”
- Metal’s tempting, but I keep picturing myself chasing down runaway panels after a freeze-thaw cycle. Maybe irrational, but I’ve seen it happen.
- Noise doesn’t bother me. Honestly, rain on metal sounds like free white noise.
- If I had to choose tomorrow, probably metal too... as long as I can find someone who won’t install it upside down. Still, that price tag hurts.
I’m still recovering from the trauma of my first shingle flying off mid-thunderstorm, so I get the cave idea. Here’s my rookie process: 1) Google “roofing materials that don’t hate wind.” 2) Realize metal is expensive but tempting. 3) Picture myself explaining to neighbors why my roof is in their yard after a blizzard. 4) Remember how much I love rain sounds. If I had to pick tomorrow, I’d probably go metal too... as long as someone else is footing the bill.
If I had to pick tomorrow, I’d probably go metal too... as long as someone else is footing the bill.
- Been there with the shingle drama. Lost a whole patch in a windstorm last spring. Not fun, especially when you’re up there with a tarp at 2am.
- Metal’s tempting for sure. Price tag stings, but you get what you pay for—less maintenance, way better wind resistance (assuming it’s installed right). I’ve seen neighbors’ metal roofs hold up just fine through some nasty storms.
- That said, metal isn’t perfect. It’s loud in the rain (which you might actually like), and snow slides off fast—can be a hazard if you’ve got walkways or decks below. Also, hail can dent it, though that’s more cosmetic than anything.
- Shingles are cheaper up front but yeah, they just don’t last as long in rough weather. I went with architectural shingles last time—better than the basic 3-tab, but still not as tough as metal.
- If you’re worried about your roof ending up in the neighbor’s yard, metal’s probably your best bet. Just make sure whoever installs it knows what they’re doing. Bad install = problems no matter what material.
- For what it’s worth, my insurance company gave me a small discount for switching to metal. Not huge, but every bit helps.
Honestly, if money wasn’t an issue, I’d go standing seam metal and not look back. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind replacing shingles every 15 years or so, architectural asphalt isn’t terrible either.
You’re not alone in overthinking this stuff. Roofs are expensive and mistakes stick around for decades...
