Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof

Honestly, you’re spot on about insulation making a difference. I’ve seen plenty of folks blame the roof itself when it’s really the lack of proper attic work that causes most of the headaches. If you’re already tearing into things, I’d say go step by step: check the decking, upgrade insulation, and don’t skip on a solid underlayment. It’s not glamorous, but it pays off in comfort and lower bills down the line. Metal roofs get a bad rap for noise, but with the right prep, it’s barely noticeable - especially compared to the old leaky stuff. Good call thinking long-term.

- 100% agree on the insulation front - people always want to blame the shingles, but it’s usually what’s underneath causing the real issues.
- One thing I’d add: don’t forget about ventilation. Even with top-notch insulation, if your attic can’t breathe, you’ll get moisture problems and shorten the roof’s life.
- I’ve seen folks skip drip edge or skimp on flashing, thinking it’s not a big deal... but water finds every little gap.
- Metal roofs are quieter than people think, especially with a good underlayment. My own place has one, and storms barely register.
- Curious - anyone tried those newer synthetic underlayments? I’ve heard mixed things, but haven’t used them much myself.

I’d push back a bit on the noise with metal roofs - depends a lot on the structure and attic space. In some older homes with minimal insulation, you really do hear the rain. Not a dealbreaker, but worth considering if you’re sensitive to sound. As for synthetic underlayments, I’ve specified them a few times and haven’t seen any major issues yet, though I still prefer traditional felt for certain projects. Sometimes new tech isn’t always better...

“depends a lot on the structure and attic space. In some older homes with minimal insulation, you really do hear the rain.”

That’s spot on. I worked on a 1920s bungalow last year where the owner swapped their old shingles for a standing seam metal roof. The first big rainstorm sounded like someone drumming on pots and pans overhead - turns out, there was barely any insulation up there. We wound up rethinking the attic layout and adding a layer of sound-dampening insulation, which made a surprising difference. I’ve noticed even small tweaks (like dense-pack cellulose or even just thicker drywall in the ceiling) can change the whole vibe. If you’re sensitive to noise, it’s definitely worth factoring in those details before committing.

I hear you on underlayments too. I’ve seen synthetic stuff hold up well, but I still get a little nostalgic for felt, especially on projects where the roof needs to “breathe.” There’s something reassuring about sticking with materials that have been around forever, even if the new ones are supposed to be “better.” Sometimes it just depends on the house and what feels right for the space.

Honestly, every roof project seems to come with its own quirks. One client was dead set on metal but hated the idea of rain noise. We ended up doing a hybrid: metal over the porch (for looks and durability), architectural shingles over the bedrooms. Not a textbook solution, but it worked for their lifestyle.

If you’re weighing options, it’s worth thinking through how you use each space and how changes might affect daily life - not just resale value or curb appeal. Sometimes it’s those little daily details that make all the difference in long-term comfort.

“If you’re weighing options, it’s worth thinking through how you use each space and how changes might affect daily life - not just resale value or curb appeal.”

This is what I keep circling back to. I’m leaning toward shingles for the bedrooms because I’m a light sleeper, but part of me wonders if it’s worth the extra cost to add sound-dampening insulation under a metal roof instead. Has anyone actually compared the price difference between beefing up insulation vs just going with quieter roofing materials? Trying to figure out where the money’s best spent.