if you had to redo your roof tomorrow, what material would you pick?

I get where you’re coming from with the noise thing. I was worried about that too when we redid our roof a few years back. Ended up going with metal because the wind here just shreds shingles every couple winters, and I was tired of patching things up after every storm. Honestly, the rain isn’t as loud as I expected - guess it depends on your attic insulation and what kind of metal panels you use. Ours is standing seam over a solid deck with a good underlayment, and it’s not much different than before.

One thing I didn’t think about until after was how much cooler the attic stays in summer. That’s been a nice bonus - AC doesn’t have to work as hard. Price-wise, metal was more upfront, but I’m hoping it’ll pay off since I probably won’t have to mess with it again for decades.

If you’re sensitive to sound, maybe see if you can check out someone’s house during a rainstorm? Or ask your neighbor if you can listen in next time it pours. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for me, the trade-off has been worth it.

Honestly, the rain isn’t as loud as I expected - guess it depends on your attic insulation and what kind of metal panels you use.

I’ve noticed the same thing with metal roofs - proper insulation makes a huge difference. On a few properties, we switched from asphalt to standing seam metal, mainly because of wind issues. The upfront cost stings a bit, but the long-term savings on repairs and energy are real. Noise-wise, it’s been fine unless you’re right under a skylight or have minimal attic space. I do wish more people realized how much installation details matter for both noise and durability.

Couldn’t agree more about the insulation making or breaking the whole experience. We did a metal roof a few years back - honestly, I was bracing for thunderous rain, but with decent attic insulation, it’s barely noticeable. I get what you mean about the cost, though. It’s a hit upfront, but after dealing with shingle blow-offs every storm season, I’d do it again. The install details really do matter... I learned that the hard way after a botched flashing job led to a leak over the kitchen. Live and learn, right?

The install details really do matter... I learned that the hard way after a botched flashing job led to a leak over the kitchen. Live and learn, right?

That’s rough - flashing can be such a pain if it’s not done right. Did you end up fixing it yourself or call someone in? I’ve seen a few metal roofs go up where the flashing was almost an afterthought, and it always comes back to bite. Curious if you noticed any difference in your energy bills after switching from shingles to metal? I keep hearing mixed things about that.

I totally get what you mean about flashing - my neighbor had a similar mess after a quick “weekend project” turned into a full-on ceiling repair. I’ve always wondered why some installers seem to treat flashing like an afterthought, when it’s the one thing that keeps water out. When I switched to metal a few years back, I was super picky about the details, especially around the chimney and valleys. Still, I had to call the crew back once because they missed a spot near the vent pipe... lesson learned.

About energy bills, mine actually dropped a bit in summer, but not as much as I’d hoped. Maybe it’s because my attic insulation isn’t great? Winter bills didn’t change much at all. I do like how the metal roof reflects heat though - my upstairs used to get way hotter with asphalt shingles. If I had to do it again, I’d probably still go metal, but maybe look into those “cool roof” coatings or even solar tiles if the price ever comes down. Anyone else notice noise differences during rain? Mine’s not bad, but some folks say it’s loud.

- 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.

“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,

“does hail make it sound like you’re living inside a drum?”

Tile’s a mixed bag, honestly. I’ve put in a lot of tile roofs - looks great, holds up forever if installed right, but man, the weight is no joke. Had a client last year who needed to reinforce their rafters before we could even start. Not cheap, either. On the upside, you’re not dealing with that drumline effect you get from metal when it hails. If you’re in a spot with heavy storms or snow, though, think twice about the extra load.

If you’re in a spot with heavy storms or snow, though, think twice about the extra load.

That’s exactly what made me skip tile when we redid our roof last year. I love the look, but between the cost and the weight, it just didn’t make sense for us. We ended up going with architectural shingles - maybe not as fancy, but way easier on the wallet and no need to mess with extra support. Plus, they’ve held up fine through a couple of nasty hailstorms so far. I get the appeal of tile, but for my budget, it was a stretch.

Honestly, I think you made a smart call. Tile looks amazing, but that weight is no joke, especially if you’re in a spot that gets hammered by storms. I’ve seen too many folks run into trouble with sagging or leaks after a rough winter. Architectural shingles might not have the same curb appeal, but they’re tough and way less hassle if you ever need repairs. Sounds like you dodged a headache.

Architectural shingles might not have the same curb appeal, but they’re tough and way less hassle if you ever need repairs.

That’s what sold me, honestly. I got quoted for tile at first (because it looks fancy, right?), but once I saw the weight and extra framing needed, nope. My place is old and already creaks when it’s windy. Plus, I’m in the Midwest - hail is basically a season here. Shingles aren’t glamorous but at least I won’t be up there every spring patching leaks. Maybe someday I’ll splurge on metal, but my wallet says “not today.”

I hear you on the weight thing - my neighbor did tile and had to reinforce half his attic, which turned into a whole saga with permits and surprise costs. I stuck with architectural shingles too, mostly because I don’t trust my old rafters to handle anything heavier. Midwest hail is no joke either... I’ve patched up enough dings over the years. Has anyone here actually switched from shingles to metal? Curious if it’s as noisy in storms as folks say, or if that’s just one of those myths.

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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“The upfront cost is a punch in the gut, but I’m tired of replacing shingles every time the wind picks up.”

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...