We upgraded to metal roofing about 4 years ago and noise hasn't really been an issue for us—good insulation made all the difference. But yeah, denting is legit...had a branch fall during a storm once, left a noticeable mark. Still glad we switched overall though.
We went with metal roofing about 6 years ago, and yeah, insulation really does help with the noise. Denting hasn't been a huge issue for us, but we did get some hail last year that left a few small dings—not super noticeable unless you're looking closely. Overall, durability and low maintenance have made it worth the extra upfront cost for us...but definitely something to consider if your area gets frequent storms or falling branches.
"Overall, durability and low maintenance have made it worth the extra upfront cost for us..."
Yeah, totally agree with this. We manage a few properties with metal roofs, and honestly, the low maintenance alone has been a lifesaver. But I'm curious—did you go with a specific type or finish? We've noticed some finishes seem to handle hail and debris better than others. Also, insulation definitely helps with noise, but have you noticed any difference in energy bills since switching? We've seen some decent savings, but it varies quite a bit...
We went with a standing seam metal roof about four years ago, and I can definitely echo the sentiment about durability and low maintenance. Before that, we had asphalt shingles, and honestly, every storm season was a bit nerve-wracking—always checking for loose shingles or leaks. Since switching, we've had a couple of pretty intense hailstorms, and the roof held up remarkably well. We chose a matte finish rather than glossy, mostly because our contractor mentioned it tends to hide minor dents and scratches better. So far, that's proven true.
On the insulation front, we did invest in a layer of rigid foam insulation beneath the metal panels. Initially, I was skeptical about how much difference it would actually make, but it turned out to be a smart move. Noise-wise, it's noticeably quieter during heavy rain compared to our neighbor's metal roof (they skipped the insulation). Energy-wise, we've seen some modest savings—nothing dramatic, but enough to notice on the monthly bills. I'd estimate around 10-15% lower cooling costs in the summer months, which adds up over time.
One thing I didn't anticipate was how much snow slides off metal roofs. If you're in an area with heavy snowfall, it's something to consider. We ended up installing snow guards after the first winter because the snow sliding off was pretty intense—almost took out our gutters. Just a heads-up if you're in a snowy region.
Overall, I'd say the upfront cost was justified for us, especially considering the peace of mind and reduced maintenance hassle. But it's definitely worth researching finishes and insulation options carefully to get the most out of your investment.
We considered a metal roof when we replaced ours last year, but honestly, the upfront price difference was pretty steep. Ended up sticking with architectural shingles instead. I get the appeal of low maintenance and durability, but for our budget, it just didn't make sense to spend almost double right out of the gate.
We've had a couple of rough storms since then, and no issues yet—though I do admit, I still check for loose shingles after heavy winds. Still, if you go with quality shingles and a reputable installer, they can hold up surprisingly well. My brother-in-law's had his shingle roof for over 15 years now without major problems, and he's in an area with plenty of hail and snow.
Noise-wise, I was concerned about metal roofs being loud during rainstorms, but your insulation comment makes sense. Glad to hear it worked out. Still, adding insulation means even more cost upfront...something else to factor into the decision.
The snow sliding thing is interesting—I didn't realize it could be that intense. We get some decent snowfall here, so that would have been another added cost for snow guards or reinforced gutters. Seems like the costs keep stacking up when you start factoring in extras like insulation and snow guards.
I guess for me it boils down to how long you're planning to stay in your current place. If it's your forever home, maybe splurging on metal makes sense. But if there's any chance you'll move within 10-15 years...I don't know if you'd fully recoup the extra investment. Just something to think about before jumping in.
