Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof

That's a good point about insulation making a difference, but honestly, even with proper insulation, metal roofs can still have their moments. We replaced our shingles with metal about five years ago and went pretty heavy on the insulation too. Most of the time it's great - quiet enough that we barely notice rain. But during really intense storms, especially hail or heavy downpours, it still gets noticeably louder than our old roof ever did. Not unbearable or anything, just... noticeable.

I think part of it might be personal sensitivity or even the pitch of the roof itself. Our neighbors have a similar setup and swear they never hear a thing. Maybe I'm just more tuned into it? Either way, I'd still recommend metal for durability and longevity, but if you're super sensitive to noise, it's worth keeping in mind that insulation helps a lot - but might not completely eliminate the sound factor.

I agree with your observations on metal roofs. It could definitely be sensitivity or roof pitch, but another factor I've noticed is the type of metal used and how it's installed. Standing seam roofs seem quieter than corrugated panels, probably due to fewer exposed fasteners and tighter seams. Also, attic ventilation can influence sound transmission - better airflow sometimes reduces noise resonance. Still, like you said, nothing totally eliminates noise during heavy storms...but durability usually outweighs occasional noise concerns for most people.

Good points about standing seam roofs - I went with one on my new build and haven't regretted it yet. Honestly, the noise isn't as bad as some people make it out to be, even during heavy rain. But I think you're onto something with attic ventilation. When we first moved in, the attic wasn't vented properly, and storms sounded way louder than they do now after we added some ridge vents.

One thing I'm still curious about though is insulation type. We used spray foam insulation under the roof deck, and I swear it made a noticeable difference in sound dampening compared to my neighbor's house (he used traditional fiberglass batts). Has anyone else noticed insulation choice affecting noise levels, or am I just imagining things?

I've used both spray foam and fiberglass insulation in different homes, and honestly, I didn't notice a huge difference in noise levels. Maybe my ears aren't as sensitive, but to me, the biggest factor was always attic ventilation and roof decking thickness. Could it be your neighbor's decking is thinner or installed differently? Just a thought... insulation matters, sure, but sometimes it's the little construction details that make the real difference.

Interesting point about decking thickness - I hadn't really considered that before. But from my experience, insulation type can actually make a noticeable difference, especially in older homes. A few years back, I renovated a 1950s bungalow that had fiberglass insulation originally. When we switched to spray foam, the noise reduction was pretty significant, particularly during heavy rainstorms. Maybe it's because the older decking and framing weren't as tight or solid as newer builds, so the foam filled in those gaps better?

But you're right, construction details definitely matter. I've seen cases where even small things like the type of underlayment or how tightly shingles are nailed down can affect noise levels. So yeah, insulation isn't the whole story - but I wouldn't discount it entirely either.

That's a really good observation about spray foam filling gaps in older framing. I've seen similar results myself - had a project a while back with an old cottage-style home, and the difference after switching insulation was night and day. It wasn't just quieter during storms; it felt more solid overall.

You're totally right though, insulation alone doesn't solve everything. I've noticed that even minor details like shingle installation quality or underlayment choice can make a surprising difference. Had one roof job where the crew rushed through nailing shingles, and you could actually hear them flapping slightly in strong winds - ended up having to redo that section later on.

Still, your experience is spot-on: insulation upgrades can be a real game-changer, especially when combined with careful attention to those smaller construction details. Good luck with your roofing project - sounds like you're already on the right track.

I've definitely noticed the same thing about shingles flapping if they're not nailed down properly. Had a similar experience on my garage roof a few years back - thought I was saving time by hiring a cheaper crew, but ended up regretting it. Every windy night, I'd lie awake listening to that annoying fluttering sound... drove me nuts until I finally climbed up there and redid it myself.

On the insulation front, spray foam is great, but I've also found that attic ventilation plays a bigger role than most people realize. Even with top-notch insulation, if your attic isn't venting properly, moisture and heat buildup can still cause issues down the line. Had a neighbor who went all-in on spray foam but completely overlooked ventilation, and within a year he was dealing with mold problems and warped plywood sheathing. Ended up having to tear out sections of his roof decking - total nightmare.

One thing I'm still skeptical about, though, is whether premium underlayments like synthetic felt or peel-and-stick membranes are always worth the extra cost. I've used both, and honestly, in most cases regular felt paper has held up just fine as long as it's installed correctly. Maybe in extreme climates or steep roofs the premium stuff makes sense, but for typical residential roofs I'm not totally convinced.

Curious if anyone here has tried metal roofing instead of shingles? I've heard mixed things about noise levels and installation difficulty, but the longevity seems appealing. Wondering if it's worth considering for an older home like the OP's cottage-style place.

I put metal roofing on my own place about 8 years ago - older farmhouse style - and honestly, noise hasn't been an issue at all. People warned me it'd sound like a drum during rainstorms, but with decent insulation and attic space, it's barely noticeable. Installation was a bit trickier than shingles, mostly because cutting metal panels can be a pain if you're not used to it. But the peace of mind knowing I won't have to climb back up there anytime soon is worth it. Wonder if anyone's tried those metal shingles instead of panels...seems like a good compromise?

- Metal shingles can look great, especially on older homes - definitely more traditional than panels.
- But from experience, they're not always the best compromise. Installation can actually be more tedious because each shingle needs precise alignment.
- Also, metal shingles tend to cost more upfront and repairs can be trickier if one gets damaged.
- Panels might seem less charming, but they're simpler and quicker to install and maintain...just something to consider before deciding.

I went with metal shingles on my last roof replacement, thinking they'd blend better with the older style of my house. They definitely looked great at first, but I ran into some headaches later on. One shingle got dented during a storm, and replacing it was a real pain - had to carefully remove surrounding shingles without damaging them, which took way longer than expected. Plus, aligning everything back perfectly was tricky.

On another project for a friend's place, we used panels instead. Honestly, I was surprised how much quicker and simpler the installation went. Sure, they didn't have quite the same charm as shingles, but maintenance-wise they've been hassle-free so far.

If you're leaning toward metal shingles purely for aesthetics, just keep in mind the extra effort and potential repair headaches down the road...panels might save you some frustration in the long run.

"Sure, they didn't have quite the same charm as shingles, but maintenance-wise they've been hassle-free so far."

That's a fair point about panels being easier maintenance-wise. I've found that clients who initially hesitate about panels often end up appreciating the simplicity later on. Still, aesthetics matter, especially for older homes... Have you considered composite shingles? They can offer a nice balance - classic look without the metal shingle headaches. Curious if anyone here's had experience with them long-term.

Composite shingles are definitely worth considering. I've used them on a few projects over the past 8-10 years, and here's what I've noticed:

- Aesthetically, they're pretty convincing. From street level, most people can't tell they're not traditional shingles, especially if you pick a good brand with realistic textures and color variations.
- Maintenance-wise, they're a solid choice. They don't warp or crack as easily as wood shingles, and they handle weather extremes better than asphalt. I've had fewer callbacks for leaks or damage compared to traditional materials.
- Cost-wise, they're usually somewhere between asphalt shingles and metal panels. Not the cheapest option upfront, but the durability tends to balance things out long-term.

One thing I'd caution about is installation quality - it's critical. Composite shingles aren't forgiving if installed incorrectly. I had one project where the homeowner insisted on using their own roofing contractor (against my advice), and we ended up with some issues around flashing and valleys within just a couple of years. Proper installation techniques really matter here.

Also, keep in mind that composite shingles can vary widely in quality depending on the manufacturer. Some brands have held up beautifully for me; others faded or showed wear sooner than expected. I'd recommend checking out some homes in your area that have had them installed for at least 5 years to see how they're holding up visually.

Overall though, composite shingles can be a great compromise between aesthetics and practicality - especially if you're dealing with an older home where metal panels might look out of place.

Good points on composite shingles. I went with them about 6 years ago, and they've held up nicely through some nasty storms. Only downside was finding a roofer who really knew their stuff - definitely don't skimp there, trust me... learned that the hard way.

You're spot on about finding a roofer who knows their stuff - seen way too many homeowners burned by going cheap or hiring someone inexperienced. Composite shingles are solid, no doubt, but they're only as good as the installation. I've had clients insist on premium materials, then try to cut corners on labor... never ends well. One guy I worked with had to redo half his roof after just two years because the first crew botched the flashing around the chimney. Nightmare scenario.

Also worth mentioning: ventilation. Even the best shingles won't last if your attic isn't properly vented. Heat and moisture buildup can shorten your roof's lifespan dramatically, and I've seen plenty of cases where homeowners blamed the shingles when poor ventilation was the real culprit.

Bottom line, invest in quality installation and make sure whoever you hire understands ventilation and flashing details thoroughly. It'll save you headaches (and cash) down the road.

"Composite shingles are solid, no doubt, but they're only as good as the installation."

Good points overall, but I'd add that material choice can matter more than you're implying. Even with perfect installation and ventilation, cheaper shingles can degrade pretty quickly in harsh climates. I went mid-range thinking I'd save a bit upfront, but after a few storms and hot summers... I'm already seeing signs of wear. Installation matters a ton, sure, but sometimes paying extra for higher-quality materials can make a real difference.

Totally agree that materials can make or break a roof, especially in tough weather. I've seen clients regret skimping on quality shingles later on. Curious though, has anyone tried metal roofing? Heard it's pricier upfront but holds up really well long-term...

Metal roofing's definitely worth considering, especially if you're thinking long-term. A buddy of mine switched to metal about five years ago after dealing with constant leaks and shingle replacements. He grumbled a bit about the upfront cost (it wasn't cheap...), but honestly, he's been pretty happy ever since. Says it's quieter than he expected during rainstorms and hasn't had a single leak or issue yet.

One thing to keep in mind though - metal roofs can be tricky if your attic ventilation isn't set up right. I've heard some folks complain about condensation issues underneath if the airflow isn't good enough. Anyone here run into that problem? Curious how common it actually is...

"One thing to keep in mind though - metal roofs can be tricky if your attic ventilation isn't set up right."

This is spot-on. When we redid our roof a few years back, we went metal specifically for durability and aesthetics (love the sleek look). But we ran into exactly this issue with condensation. Turns out our attic ventilation wasn't sufficient, and we started noticing moisture buildup underneath the panels during colder months. Had to get a pro in to install additional vents and tweak the airflow setup.

Since then, zero issues. Honestly, metal roofing is fantastic - durable, looks premium, and it's held up beautifully through some rough storms. Just make sure you address ventilation properly from the start... saves you headaches down the road.

"Had to get a pro in to install additional vents and tweak the airflow setup."

Good call on bringing someone in. I've seen a few DIY attempts at attic ventilation go sideways pretty quickly... moisture issues aren't something to mess around with. Curious though, did you go with ridge vents or something else? I've heard mixed opinions on ridge vents with metal roofs - some swear by them, others not so much.

Ridge vents can be great, but honestly, metal roofs can be a bit finicky with them. I've seen cases where ridge vents weren't installed quite right, and wind-driven rain became a real headache. Personally, I prefer pairing soffit vents with gable-end vents or even powered attic fans for metal roofs - just seems to give more consistent airflow. But hey, if your pro knows their stuff and installs it properly, ridge vents can still do the trick nicely... just gotta make sure it's done right.