If I had to redo it tomorrow? Probably still asphalt, unless I win the lottery... then maybe metal, just for bragging rights.
I get the appeal of metal, but honestly, I see more issues with installation than with the material itself. Asphalt’s not fancy, but it’s forgiving—easy to repair, and you can spot problems before they get out of hand. Last spring, I inspected a place where a poorly flashed metal roof led to a slow leak that nobody caught for months. That kind of hidden trouble is rare with shingles. For most folks, asphalt’s still the practical call unless you’re in a spot with crazy hail or you really want to avoid ever touching your roof again.
That kind of hidden trouble is rare with shingles. For most folks, asphalt’s still the practical call unless you’re in a spot with crazy hail or you really want to avoid ever touching your roof again.
I’d agree—shingles make it easier to spot and patch issues before they get ugly. Metal’s great if you’ve got a solid installer, but even then, one missed detail can mean headaches down the line. I’ve seen more than a few “forever roofs” with rusted fasteners or bad seams after just a few years. For most people, asphalt’s the safer bet unless you’re dealing with wild weather or just hate ladders.
Had to make this call myself a couple years back when a hailstorm tore up my old roof. I really wanted to go metal for the “set it and forget it” factor, but the price tag was just too much. Plus, a neighbor went that route and ended up fighting leaks around the chimney because the crew missed some flashing details. He spent more patching it than I did on my whole shingle job.
I stuck with asphalt shingles—mid-grade, nothing fancy. They’re cheaper up front, and if a few get damaged in a storm, I can swap them out myself without calling in a pro. Sure, they won’t last forever, but I’d rather put the savings toward other projects around the house. And honestly, with how often our weather swings from hot to freezing, I’m not convinced any roof here is truly “forever.” If you’re on a budget or just want something you can keep an eye on yourself, shingles still make sense.
I hear you on the sticker shock with metal roofs. I had a similar debate with myself last year when my old shingles finally started curling up and dropping granules everywhere. I’d been reading up on all these “forever roof” options, but the price tags were enough to make me sweat. Plus, like you mentioned, I’ve seen a few neighbors go metal and end up chasing leaks or dealing with noise they didn’t expect. One guy down the block said his attic sounded like a drumline during hail season.
But here’s where I went a little off-script: I ended up going with a green roof—literally, as in plants and all. Not the cheapest route upfront, but I was tired of the heat baking my upstairs rooms every summer. My place has a pretty low slope, so it worked out structurally. It took some extra work to get the waterproofing right (I triple-checked every seam after hearing too many horror stories), but now my roof acts like an extra layer of insulation. The house stays cooler, my AC runs less, and I get this little patch of wildflowers that the bees love.
It’s definitely not for everyone—maintenance is more about weeding than shingle replacement, and you have to be sure your structure can handle the weight. But for me, it’s been worth it. The upfront cost was higher than asphalt but still less than a good standing seam metal job around here. Plus, I feel better about runoff since it slows down rainwater and keeps some of it out of the storm drains.
If I had to do it again tomorrow, I’d probably still go green, but only because our climate isn’t too extreme (just hot summers and mild winters). If we got more hail or snow load, I might rethink it. Anyway, just another option if you’re ever looking to try something different than the usual suspects.
That’s a gutsy move going with a green roof. I’ve seen a few around here, but most folks stick to the usual suspects—shingles or metal. You nailed it about the structure needing to handle the weight. I’ve been called out to inspect a couple where the joists started sagging after a few years, especially when we had a wet spring and the soil soaked up extra water. Not a fun fix.
“It took some extra work to get the waterproofing right (I triple-checked every seam after hearing too many horror stories), but now my roof acts like an extra layer of insulation.”
That’s the part that always makes me nervous. I’ve seen more leaks from failed membranes under green roofs than just about any other system. Once water gets in, it’s a pain to track down, and you end up tearing up all that planting just to find the source. But if you’re on top of maintenance and inspections, I can see the appeal—especially for cooling and runoff.
I’m in a hail-prone area, so I lean toward impact-resistant shingles or even concrete tile if the budget allows. Metal’s great for longevity, but like you said, the noise during storms is no joke. I’ve had clients call me convinced their roof was coming apart, when it was just hail pinging off the panels. Plus, repairs can get tricky if you ever need to replace a section.
Curious—how’s your insurance treating the green roof? Around here, some carriers get twitchy about anything outside the norm, especially if it complicates repairs after a storm. Did you have to jump through extra hoops, or was it pretty straightforward?