how loud is “a little more noise” when it’s pouring?
Honestly, it depends on the attic insulation and how the panels were installed. On my last job, the homeowner said it was “background rain” rather than a full-on concert—definitely louder than asphalt, but not earplugs-loud. As for heating/cooling, metal reflects more sun, so in summer you might see a slight drop if you’ve got decent attic insulation. In winter, no big difference unless you’re missing insulation or have a lot of gaps. The real win is not picking up shingles out of your neighbor’s flowerbeds after every storm...
I’ll admit, I was pretty skeptical about the noise thing too. We went with metal last year and it’s more noticeable than shingles, but it’s not like you need to pause the TV when it rains. If anything, it kind of grew on me—like white noise. What I didn’t expect was how much less debris ends up in the yard after a storm. No more chasing bits of shingle around, which is a win in my book. Cost was higher up front, though. If I had to do it over, I’d probably still pick metal just for the low maintenance.
I get the appeal of metal, especially with how much less mess you get after a storm. But honestly, I went with architectural shingles a couple years back and haven’t regretted it. The noise factor was a dealbreaker for me—my partner’s a light sleeper, and even with insulation, metal just seemed too loud during hail or heavy rain. Plus, in our area (Midwest), the upfront cost difference was pretty steep. I do have to keep an eye out for the occasional loose shingle after a big wind, but repairs are cheap and easy enough to DIY. If I had to redo it, I’d probably stick with what I’ve got, just for the peace and quiet.
I get where you’re coming from on the noise—metal roofs definitely aren’t for everyone, especially if you’ve got a light sleeper in the house. But I’ll throw in a counterpoint: I’ve inspected a ton of homes in our area with newer metal roofs, and honestly, with the right underlayment and attic insulation, most folks say the sound isn’t much worse than shingles. Plus, the longevity is tough to beat. I’ve seen 40-year-old metal panels still holding strong, while shingles usually need swapping out way sooner. Upfront cost is real, though... no arguing with that. Still, if you’re planning to stay put for decades, it might pay off in the long run.
- Agree on the noise factor—metal can be loud, but it’s not always a dealbreaker.
- Underlayment makes a huge difference. I’ve seen jobs where they used a high-quality synthetic underlayment and dense attic insulation, and honestly, you barely notice rain noise unless it’s a real downpour.
- Longevity is a big plus. Metal roofs outlast asphalt by decades if installed right. I’ve seen some panels with just a bit of surface rust after 35+ years, still watertight.
- Upfront cost is definitely higher. Around here (Midwest), metal can run 2-3x the price of basic shingles. That’s a lot if you’re not planning to stay long-term.
- Maintenance is less with metal—no granule loss, less moss/algae, and you don’t have to worry about curling or blown-off tabs after storms.
- One thing I’d add: metal sheds snow way better. If you’re in a snowy area, that’s a huge plus. But you might need snow guards to keep it from dumping all at once.
- On the flip side, repairs can be trickier. If you get a dent or need to replace a panel, it’s not as simple as swapping out a shingle.
- Energy efficiency is another angle—some metal roofs have reflective coatings that help with summer cooling costs. Not a game-changer, but it adds up over time.
- If I had to pick for my own place? I’d probably lean metal for the long haul, but I get why folks stick with shingles—especially if budget’s tight or you’re not planning to stay forever.
- One last thing: warranties on metal are usually better, but read the fine print. Some only cover paint, not leaks or rust.
Just my two cents from what I’ve seen on jobs and talking to homeowners. Every roof’s got its trade-offs...
