Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
Totally agree about not skimping on underlayment—I've seen too many expensive homes with gorgeous shingles but terrible moisture issues underneath. One thing I'd add: pay attention to attic ventilation while you're at it. It’s not glamorous, but good airflow can make a huge difference in longevity and comfort. I went with standing seam metal on my last project, and while it was pricey, the energy savings and low maintenance have been worth every penny. Not for everyone, but if you’re staying long-term, it’s worth considering.
I went with standing seam metal on my last project, and while it was pricey, the energy savings and low maintenance have been worth every penny. Not for everyone, but if you’re staying long-term, it’s worth considering.
I get the appeal of metal roofs, but honestly, I couldn’t justify the upfront cost when we built last year. We went with architectural shingles and invested more in ice/water shield and ridge vents. No regrets so far—plus, repairs are way easier if a branch comes down.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Interesting to see both sides here. I’ve been weighing the same options for our place, and honestly, the up-front cost of metal is a tough pill to swallow. But then again, I keep hearing about the long-term savings and how you basically never have to think about it again. I’m curious—has anyone actually tracked their energy bills before and after switching to metal? I’ve seen claims about better insulation and reflectivity, but I wonder how much of that is marketing versus real-world numbers.
On the other hand, architectural shingles seem like a solid middle ground. They look good, aren’t as basic as the old 3-tabs, and like you said, repairs are way less intimidating. I had a friend with a metal roof who had to call in a specialist just to fix a small dent from hail. That’s not something I’d want to deal with every time a storm rolls through.
I guess my question is: for those who went with shingles but invested in higher-end underlayment or ventilation—have you noticed any downsides over time? Any regrets about not going metal? And for the folks who did go metal, did you notice any noise issues during heavy rain or hail? My partner’s convinced it’ll sound like living inside a drum set...
It feels like there’s no perfect answer here, just trade-offs depending on what matters most—cost, aesthetics, hassle factor. Anyone ever try one of those composite or synthetic options? Are they just marketing hype or actually worth considering?
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I get the hesitation on metal, but honestly, I think the noise thing is overblown—modern installs usually have solid sheathing and insulation that cut way down on the drum effect. What bugs me more about shingles is how fast they can look tired, especially in harsh sun or after a couple storms. Composite options are interesting, though... I’ve seen some that mimic slate or shake and hold up surprisingly well, but yeah, the price tag can be wild. Still, if you’re planning to stay put for decades, it might be worth stretching the budget.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I totally get the concern about shingles looking worn out fast—had a client who went with architectural shingles, and within five years, they looked way older than they should’ve. We ended up doing a composite shake on my own place last year. Pricey, yeah, but honestly, it’s holding up beautifully and the curb appeal is next level. If you’re planning to stay long-term, I’d lean toward something that’ll still look good in 15-20 years. The upfront cost stings, but you don’t have to think about it again for ages.
