Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

That “ping” in the attic during a downpour is just part of the charm, right? Kidding, but I know exactly what you mean. Even with all the fancy underlayment and insulation, metal roofs can still have that signature sound—especially in older homes where things aren’t as tight as new builds. Doesn’t bother me much, but I get how it could drive some folks nuts if they’re sensitive to noise.

You nailed it on the fasteners.

“Had a neighbor go with exposed fasteners because it was cheaper up front, and three years later he was chasing leaks around every season.”

As for composite shingles, I actually put them on a guest house a couple years back. They look pretty sharp—almost like slate from the street—and definitely quieter than metal when it rains. Install was straightforward, and they’re lighter than real slate or tile, so no worries about extra support. Only downside is you’re right about lifespan; they won’t outlast metal if that’s your main concern. But for folks who want something traditional-looking without the maintenance headaches of wood or the noise of metal, they’re a solid middle ground.

Honestly, there’s no perfect roof—just depends what trade-offs you’re willing to live with. If you love the farmhouse vibe and don’t mind a little rain music, metal’s hard to beat for durability. If you want quiet and curb appeal without going full luxury tile or slate, those composites are worth a look.

Either way, sounds like you’re thinking it through and not just chasing the cheapest option. That alone saves a ton of headaches down the line... ask me how I know.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

- Love that you’re not just chasing the cheapest fix. That’s huge.
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“Hidden fasteners might cost a bit more at install, but you’re buying peace of mind.”

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

- Not knocking composite shingles—they do look good—but have you thought about recycled metal roofing? Costs a bit more up front, but it’s crazy durable and fully recyclable at end of life.
- Noise with metal is a thing, but with proper insulation, it’s not as bad as people say. My neighbor switched last year and actually said rain sounds soothing now.
- Hidden fasteners are great, but I’d double-check the installer’s warranty. Sometimes the “peace of mind” only lasts as long as the crew does a solid job.
- Curb appeal matters, but so does heat reflection. Some of these newer materials can really cut summer cooling costs... something to factor in if you’re in a hot spot.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

Noise with metal is a thing, but with proper insulation, it’s not as bad as people say. My neighbor switched last year and actually said rain sounds soothing now.

I’ve got to chime in here—metal roofs are definitely getting more popular, but I’m not totally convinced they’re the best fit for every situation. The noise thing? Sure, insulation helps, but it’s not always a magic fix. We had a metal roof on our old workshop (with what I thought was decent insulation) and the rain was still pretty loud. It didn’t bother me much, but my partner hated it. Guess it comes down to personal tolerance.

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is how metal roofs handle snow and ice, if that’s a concern where you are. In our area, metal sheds snow fast, which can be good for avoiding ice dams, but I’ve also seen some pretty gnarly avalanches off the roof that dented gutters and wrecked a couple shrubs. Just something to think about if you’ve got landscaping close to the house.

I’m also a little skeptical about the “fully recyclable” pitch. In theory, yeah, but when it actually comes time to replace, not every local recycler takes old roofing, especially if it’s got paint or coatings. Worth checking what’s available in your area before banking on that benefit.

Composite shingles aren’t perfect, but they’re tried and true. Easier to patch if you get a stray branch or storm damage, and most roofers know how to work with them. Not saying don’t go metal, just make sure you’re weighing the practical stuff for your climate and neighborhood. Sometimes the “newer” options come with their own quirks.

Anyone else run into issues with insurance rates after switching to metal? Ours actually went up a bit, which caught me off guard.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

If you’re trying to keep costs down (like me), here’s how I tackled the “leaky roof dilemma” last year—maybe it’ll help someone else avoid my rookie mistakes.

First thing: get a few quotes, even if you think you know what you want. I was all set on metal at first because of the “never replace again” promise, but once I saw the numbers, my wallet started sweating. Metal was almost double what mid-range shingles cost, and that didn’t even include the extra insulation the installer recommended for noise. The sound doesn’t bug me much, but my partner’s a light sleeper... so, yeah, we factored that in.

Second step: check with your insurance before making any decisions. I thought metal would be cheaper since it’s fire-resistant and all that, but our premium actually went up. Something about hail risk? Didn’t see that one coming. Shingles would’ve kept us at the same rate.

Third: think about repairs down the road. With shingles, if a branch comes down or you get a weird leak, you can usually swap out just a section and call it good. Metal panels are tougher to patch without it looking obvious (or so I’ve heard). Plus, not every roofer around here works with metal—could be different where you are, but worth checking.

One thing nobody warned me about: snow sliding off metal like a mini avalanche. My neighbor’s new metal roof dumped a load right onto his deck stairs… he spent an hour digging himself out after the first real snowfall. Shingles seem to hold the snow better (for better or worse), so there’s less drama in winter.

Last tip: ask around locally about recycling options if that’s important to you. My town doesn’t take painted/treated metal roofing at all, so that “fully recyclable” part felt a little misleading when I dug into it.

In the end, we went with architectural shingles—mid-range price, decent warranty, and easy to find someone who knows what they’re doing. Not as flashy as metal, but my bank account and my sleep schedule are both happier for it. If you’re on a budget or just want fewer surprises... sometimes sticking with what works isn’t such a bad thing.