Also, I learned the hard way that “tear-off included” can mean “we’ll leave the mess in your yard for you.” Ask about cleanup, too... nobody wants to pick up nails for months.
That’s a good call—I’ve heard horror stories about pets getting hurt on leftover nails. Did anyone here go with metal roofing instead of shingles? Wondering if it’s worth the extra upfront cost or just overkill for most homes.
Metal roofing caught my eye too, but when I priced it out, the sticker shock was real. Here’s how I broke it down: 1) Got quotes for both metal and shingles. 2) Checked warranties—metal lasts longer, but shingle warranties are decent now. 3) Factored in resale value (some buyers love metal, some don’t care). 4) Looked at local weather—metal’s great for hail, but noisy in rain unless you insulate. In the end, I stuck with shingles to keep costs down, but if you plan to stay put for decades, metal might pay off. Just my two cents...
METAL VS. SHINGLES: WORTH THE HYPE?
I hear you on the sticker shock—metal roofing prices can feel like highway robbery at first glance. I’ve had a few clients swear by metal, but honestly, it’s not always the obvious winner everyone thinks. Here’s how I usually break it down with folks:
First thing—budget isn’t just about the install cost. Metal roofs are like buying a fancy espresso machine: way more up front, but they’re supposed to last and “pay off” in the long run. That’s IF you’re planning to stick around for 20+ years and don’t mind the look.
Aesthetically, I’m picky (maybe too picky). Some metal roofs look sharp and modern, but on certain houses they just clash with the vibe. If you’ve got a classic colonial or a cute craftsman, sometimes shingles just suit the style better. I know, durability matters more than curb appeal when your roof is leaking... but still.
Noise is another thing people gloss over. Everyone says “just insulate,” but unless you go all-in with heavy insulation, you’ll still hear rain pinging around up there. Some folks love it—like living in a cozy cabin—but others find it distracting, especially during storms. One client called me after her first hailstorm and said it sounded like she was inside a popcorn popper.
Warranties are tricky too. Sure, metal lasts longer *if* it’s installed right and you don’t get unlucky with dents or scratches that lead to rust. Shingle warranties these days aren’t terrible either if you go for the higher-end stuff.
If you’re planning to move in ten years? I’d say shingles make more sense—save your money for nice lighting or new floors instead. But if this is your forever house and you want to avoid ever thinking about roofing again (who doesn’t?), maybe metal is worth stretching for.
Long story short: There’s no magic answer, but anyone who says metal is “always better” probably hasn’t lived through one of those popcorn storms...
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
This is super helpful, honestly. I’ve been spinning my wheels over the whole metal vs. shingles thing for weeks now—feels like there’s no “right” answer, just trade-offs. The “popcorn popper” description made me laugh... and also kinda freaked me out, since I’m a light sleeper and storms are no joke here.
I totally get what you mean about the look, too. I love the idea of metal (and never having to think about it again), but my place is an old farmhouse with a lot of character. Part of me worries a shiny new roof would just look out of place, like putting a spaceship on top of a barn. But then again, the idea of not patching leaks every spring is pretty tempting.
Appreciate the real talk about warranties and long-term value. Sometimes it feels like everyone’s pushing metal just because it’s trendy, but it’s nice to hear both sides. At the end of the day, I guess it’s about what fits your life and your house, not just what’s “supposed” to be better.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Had a client in a similar spot—old farmhouse, tons of character. We ended up going with a matte-finish metal in a classic barn red. Surprisingly, it blended right in and the noise wasn’t bad after adding extra insulation. It’s really about matching the style and tweaking the details. If you go metal, just look at finish options—doesn’t have to be shiny or modern-looking.
