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

Materials are only half the battle - attention to detail is what keeps the water out, at least in my neck of the woods.

That’s been my experience too. Fancy roof or not, if the crew cuts corners on prep, you’re just asking for headaches. I went with architectural shingles a few years back, mainly because metal was out of my price range. If I had to do it again, I’d probably make the same call - good shingles with a solid warranty, but I’d be a lot more insistent about ice and water shield coverage. Around here (upper Midwest), skipping it at the eaves or valleys is just asking for leaks once winter hits.

I’ve looked into synthetics, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re worth the extra cost for my situation. The old felt held up fine as long as it was installed right. What really matters is making sure the basics aren’t skipped - proper underlayment, flashing, and especially ventilation. You can spend a fortune on materials, but if you cheap out on install or miss the details, you’ll pay for it later. That’s where most folks get burned.

Couldn’t agree more about the install making or breaking it. I’ve seen neighbors drop big money on “lifetime” shingles, only to end up patching leaks because the crew rushed the flashing or skipped ice barrier in the valleys. I went with architectural too, and honestly, no regrets - especially after seeing how they held up through a couple of nasty winters. Synthetics sound fancy, but I’m with you... if felt’s done right, it does the job. It’s wild how much comes down to just not cutting corners on the basics.

Interesting point about the install - honestly, I see more issues from rushed jobs than from the actual materials failing. Out of curiosity, did your crew use ice and water shield just in the valleys, or did they run it along the eaves too? I’ve seen a lot of leaks start right at those edges, especially after freeze-thaw cycles. I’m always torn on synthetics vs. felt myself... Have you noticed any difference in how your attic breathes since switching to architectural? Sometimes folks forget about ventilation until it’s too late.

Funny you mention the eaves - when we did ours a couple years back, I practically begged the crew to run ice and water shield not just in the valleys but along the eaves too. Northeast winters are brutal, and I’ve seen too many neighbors patching ceilings after ice dams. The crew grumbled about “overkill,” but I’d rather overdo it than deal with water stains in February. I think the extra roll of shield was worth every penny, especially after that polar vortex last year.

On the underlayment debate, I went with synthetic the last time around. I was skeptical at first (felt just seems more “classic,” right?), but the synthetic was lighter and didn’t wrinkle up when it rained before the shingles went on. Only downside: it’s a little slippery if you’re up there yourself, so watch your step. Haven’t noticed any difference in attic moisture, but I made sure the ridge vent was clear and added a couple more soffit vents for good measure. I’m a little paranoid about ventilation after a mold scare in our old place.

Switching to architectural shingles did make the attic a bit cooler in summer, or at least it feels that way. Maybe it’s just the better ventilation, or maybe the old 3-tabs were just cooked. Either way, I’d pick architectural again - looks better, seems to hold up to wind better, and the warranty was decent.

If I had to do it all over, I’d probably still go with asphalt, just because metal was out of my price range and I’m not a fan of the “ping” during rainstorms. But I’d double-check the flashing around every vent and chimney - learned that one the hard way after a surprise drip over the holidays.

Curious if anyone’s tried those new “cool roof” shingles? Supposedly they reflect more heat, but I wonder if it’s noticeable up north.

Funny you mention the ice and water shield - I've had more than one contractor roll their eyes at me for insisting on it along the eaves, but after managing a few properties through some nasty winters, I just don’t see the point in skimping. Last year, one of our older duplexes got hit with a classic ice dam, and the only thing that saved us from a full-blown ceiling disaster was that extra layer. The tenants still complained about a draft, but at least there wasn’t water pouring in.

On underlayment, I used to be all about felt, mostly because it’s what everyone did and it’s cheap. But after a couple jobs where rain hit before the shingles went on, and the felt turned into a wrinkled mess, I switched to synthetic. It’s lighter, goes down faster, and doesn’t soak up water like a sponge. Only catch is, like you said, it’s slick - one of my guys nearly took a ride off the edge last fall, so now I make sure everyone’s got proper shoes and harnesses if they’re up there.

Architectural shingles have been my go-to for a while. They just seem to hold up better, especially with the wind we get here. The old 3-tabs were always curling or blowing off, and I got tired of the patchwork look. I haven’t noticed a huge difference in attic temps, but I do think the ventilation upgrades matter more than the shingle type. I always double-check ridge and soffit vents now - learned that lesson after a moldy attic situation that turned into a real headache with insurance.

As for “cool roof” shingles, I’m skeptical. Maybe in the South or out West, but up here? Not convinced the reflectivity makes a big difference when half the year is cloudy or snow-covered. Plus, the price premium is hard to justify unless you’re really chasing every last energy dollar. I’d rather put the money into better insulation or sealing up air leaks.

If I had to redo a roof tomorrow, I’d stick with architectural asphalt, synthetic underlayment, and go heavy on the ice and water shield. Metal’s tempting for the longevity, but the upfront cost and noise complaints I get from tenants have kept me away. And yeah, flashing - always double-check it, especially around chimneys and vents. That’s where the leaks sneak in, every time.

I’m right there with you on the architectural asphalt. When I bought my place a couple years ago, the inspector basically laughed at my old 3-tabs - said they were “hanging on by a prayer.” I went with architectural and haven’t had a single shingle blow off, even after that nasty windstorm last spring. Metal looked cool but the price tag was a gut punch, and honestly, I like being able to walk on the roof without feeling like I’m in a drumline. Ice and water shield along the eaves was non-negotiable for me too - my neighbor skipped it and ended up with stained ceilings after the first big thaw. Not worth the risk.

I’m leaning the same way on architectural asphalt, but I’ll admit I’m still a little skeptical about how long they’ll actually last. My place is only six years old and already had a couple of 3-tabs curl up after a rough winter, so I’m not exactly sold on “lifetime” warranties. Still, the architectural ones seem to be holding up way better for everyone I know.

Metal looked cool but the price tag was a gut punch, and honestly, I like being able to walk on the roof without feeling like I’m in a drumline.

That’s exactly it for me. I got a quote for standing seam metal and just about spit out my coffee. Plus, my neighbor has metal and you can hear every acorn, squirrel, or even a heavy rain - kind of drives me nuts. Maybe it’s just me, but I like being able to get up there and not feel like I’m announcing it to the whole block.

I agree on the ice and water shield too. I didn’t have it on my old place and after one bad ice dam, I had brown streaks running down my bedroom wall. Never again. It wasn’t even that expensive to add when I finally redid the roof.

If I had to redo mine tomorrow, I’d probably still go with architectural asphalt, but I might look into those synthetic underlayments instead of felt. I’ve heard mixed things - some say it breathes better, others say it can trap moisture. Anyone actually had issues with that? Also, has anyone tried those newer “cool roof” shingles that are supposed to reflect more sunlight? My attic turns into an oven every July and I’m curious if they actually make a difference or if it’s just marketing.

Anyway, for now, as long as my shingles stay put and my ceilings stay dry, I’ll call it a win... but I’m keeping an eye on those new materials just in case.

I’m right there with you on the attic heat. Mine turns into a sauna by mid-July, and I’ve wondered if those “cool roof” shingles actually help or if it’s just a label. I did go with synthetic underlayment when I bought my place last year - no issues so far, but I can’t say I notice a huge difference compared to the felt on my parents’ house. If I had to redo it, I’d probably stick with architectural asphalt too. Metal’s just not worth the noise or cost for me, especially in our climate where hail is a thing.

Metal’s just not worth the noise or cost for me, especially in our climate where hail is a thing.

I hear you on the metal - hail can really do a number on it, and the pinging during storms would drive me nuts. But I will say, cool roof shingles aren’t just hype. I swapped to a lighter color with a reflective coating last year, and my attic temp dropped noticeably. Not a miracle, but enough that my AC isn’t running overtime. If you’re sticking with asphalt, maybe look into those higher-rated “cool” options? It’s not a total game-changer, but every bit helps when July hits...

the pinging during storms would drive me nuts

That’s the part nobody warns you about - metal roofs can sound like a drumline when hail hits. I’ve had customers ask if they can get “quieter” metal, but honestly, physics is physics. Cool shingles are a solid move though. The new reflective ones do help with attic temps, and you don’t have to worry about hail dimples making your roof look like a golf ball. If you’re in hail country, impact-rated asphalt might be worth a look too. Costs a bit more up front, but saves on headaches later.

- Metal roofs are cool, but yeah, the noise during storms is real. I’ve been on a few jobs where folks tried adding extra insulation to muffle it - helps a bit, but not a total fix.
- Impact-rated asphalt seems like a solid compromise. Costs more, but less stress about hail.
- I’m curious if anyone’s tried those synthetic shingles? Supposed to be tough and lighter, but I haven’t seen them much around here.
- Personally, I’d probably go with impact-rated asphalt just for peace of mind. Metal looks awesome, but I don’t think I could sleep through a hailstorm...

- Personally, I’d probably go with impact-rated asphalt just for peace of mind. Metal looks awesome, but I don’t think I could sleep through a hailstorm...

Had to laugh at the “couldn’t sleep through a hailstorm” bit - same here. I spent a summer in a rental with a metal roof and, man, it sounded like someone was throwing rocks at us every time it rained. Even with insulation, I’d still wake up thinking the sky was falling.

I’ve got regular asphalt shingles now (nothing fancy), but after last year’s hailstorm shredded half the block, I’m leaning toward those impact-rated ones too. My neighbor did synthetic shingles a couple years back. They look sharp and he swears by them for hail, but he did mention they were pricier and took some hunting around to find a crew that knew what they were doing.

Honestly, if I had to redo mine tomorrow, I’d probably go impact-rated asphalt just for the balance of cost and not having to worry every time the weather app pings. Metal is tempting for the longevity, but my sleep’s worth something too.

Metal is tempting for the longevity, but my sleep’s worth something too.

Totally get where you’re coming from. I’m in my first place and the roof’s not ancient, but after seeing what hail did to my neighbor’s house last spring, I’ve been thinking about this way more than I expected. Impact-rated asphalt seems like a solid middle ground - doesn’t break the bank, and you don’t have to brace yourself for every thunderstorm.

I looked into metal too, but honestly, I’m a light sleeper and even regular rain on the gutters wakes me up sometimes. Can’t imagine trying to get any rest with hail on a metal roof. The synthetic shingles sound interesting, but like you said, finding someone who actually knows how to install them right is a whole other project.

Feels good to know I’m not the only one weighing cost vs. peace of mind. Roofing decisions are weirdly stressful, but it sounds like you’ve got a good handle on it.

I went through this a couple years back - my old three-tab asphalt shingles were curling up like potato chips. Looked at metal for the same reasons, but the noise was a dealbreaker for me too. Ended up with architectural asphalt, impact-rated, and haven’t regretted it. They cost more than basic shingles but way less than metal, and I sleep fine even in a downpour. If you’re in hail country, those extra bucks are worth it for the peace of mind. Only thing I’d do differently is double-check the installer’s references... learned that one the hard way.

I’m in the same boat right now - first house, and the roof’s already showing its age. I keep hearing mixed things about metal vs. architectural asphalt. Did you notice much of a difference in your energy bills after switching? Also, how bad was the installer situation? That part makes me nervous...

Metal roofs get a lot of hype, but I’m not convinced they’re always the slam dunk people claim - especially for a first-time homeowner. You’ll hear about energy savings, but in my experience, the difference isn’t as dramatic as some marketing suggests. Sure, a light-colored metal roof can reflect more sunlight and might shave a bit off your cooling bill in summer, but if your attic’s already well-insulated and ventilated, you’re probably not going to see huge changes. In colder climates, the energy savings are even less noticeable.

The installer situation is where things can really go sideways. Metal roofing is unforgiving - if it’s not installed right, you’ll get leaks at seams or fasteners, and fixing those isn’t cheap or easy. I’ve seen more than a few botched jobs where folks had to call someone else to redo it. With architectural asphalt shingles, the margin for error is a little wider. There are still plenty of ways to mess it up, but you’re less likely to end up with catastrophic leaks from a minor mistake.

Cost-wise, metal is going to hit your wallet harder up front - sometimes double or more compared to good-quality asphalt. That said, metal does last longer if you plan to stay put for decades. But if you think you might move in 10-15 years, I’d question whether the extra investment pays off.

One thing people don’t talk about enough: noise. Some folks love the sound of rain on a metal roof; others find it drives them nuts. Depends on your tolerance and how much insulation you’ve got between the roof and your living space.

If you’re nervous about installers (and honestly, you should be), I’d lean toward architectural asphalt unless you’ve got a really solid referral for metal work. At least with shingles, there are more crews out there who know what they’re doing.

Just my two cents after seeing both sides of this debate play out over the years...

I’ve seen a lot of folks surprised by how tricky metal can be, especially if the crew isn’t really dialed in. Had a job last year where the homeowner went with a budget installer for standing seam - looked fine at first, but after the first big rain, water started sneaking in at the ridge. Ended up costing more to fix than if they’d just hired someone with real metal experience from the start. I get why people hesitate.

On the flip side, I’ve torn off plenty of old asphalt roofs where the shingles were curling and brittle after 18 years, even though they were “30-year” rated. Metal would’ve lasted, but that initial sticker shock is real - especially if you’re not planning to stick around long-term.

Curious if anyone’s tried one of those newer synthetic shake or slate options? I haven’t installed many yet, but they claim to split the difference on cost and longevity. Wondering how they hold up in real-world weather...

Ended up costing more to fix than if they’d just hired someone with real metal experience from the start. I get why people hesitate.

Had a client go with synthetic slate last fall - looked sharp, but I’m still a bit wary. The install was straightforward, but I noticed the fasteners seemed more exposed than I’d like. Jury’s out on how it’ll handle freeze-thaw cycles here. Metal’s great if done right, but yeah, the learning curve is real.

the fasteners seemed more exposed than I’d like. Jury’s out on how it’ll handle freeze-thaw cycles here.

That’s my worry too. Synthetic slate looks good, but I’ve seen those exposed fasteners turn into leaks after a couple rough winters. Metal’s solid if you get someone who knows what they’re doing - big “if” though. I’d probably still go standing seam metal for myself, but only because I know who’s installing it. Otherwise, asphalt’s boring but reliable around here.

I keep hearing about standing seam metal, but is it really that much quieter than regular metal roofs? My neighbor’s place sounds like a drumline every time it rains. I’m in the Midwest, so freeze-thaw is definitely a thing here too. Anyone ever regret skipping the “boring” asphalt for something fancier, or does the extra cost actually pay off in less hassle down the road?