NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
- Cedar shakes look cool, but man, once they start leaking, it’s like your money just evaporates every winter.
- Insulation matters a ton, but if water’s getting in or air’s just whooshing right through the roof, you’re fighting a losing battle.
- I swapped out my old shakes for architectural shingles last year—cheaper than metal, still a big jump in comfort and way less drafty. Not as “forever” as metal though.
- Metal roofs + insulation panels are definitely next-level, but yeah, the price tag stings. Unless you’re planning to die in that house (kidding... sort of), it takes a while to break even.
- Don’t forget about attic ventilation—bad airflow can undo even the best insulation and new shingles.
- One thing I didn’t expect: tearing off old shakes is messy. Like, “find cedar bits in your socks for weeks” messy.
If you’re handy and up for some DIY, there are ways to save a bit on labor, but I learned the hard way that roofing is not for anyone afraid of heights or raccoons.
Metal roofs + insulation panels are definitely next-level, but yeah, the price tag stings. Unless you’re planning to die in that house (kidding... sort of), it takes a while to break even.
That’s my hesitation with metal too—great long-term, but the upfront cost is a hurdle. For those who went with architectural shingles, did you notice much difference in noise during rain or hail compared to shakes? I’m weighing cost savings, but don’t want to trade one headache for another.
Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
I get where you’re coming from—metal is tempting, but that initial bill is a gut punch. I went with architectural shingles last year after debating shakes and honestly, the noise difference isn’t huge. During heavy rain it’s a bit louder than shakes, but nothing crazy or distracting. Hail’s another story, but unless you’re in a real hail-prone area, I wouldn’t sweat it. For me, the cost savings outweighed the minor uptick in noise. Plus, with decent attic insulation, it’s barely noticeable.
Metal’s upfront cost is definitely a hurdle, but I’d push back a bit on the idea that shingles are always the better value long-term. I get that the noise factor isn’t a dealbreaker for most people—especially with good insulation—but there’s more to it than just sound. Metal roofs tend to last two or three times as long as architectural shingles, and they’re way less prone to issues like algae, rot, or even fire. That’s not nothing, especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while.
I’ve seen folks regret going with shingles after a decade or so when they start curling or losing granules, and then you’re back at square one. Plus, metal can be recycled at end of life, which is a big plus in my book. The sticker shock is real, but sometimes stretching for the longer-lasting option pays off down the road... even if it stings at first. Just my two cents—sometimes “cheaper” ends up costing more in the long run.
I hear you on the longevity and recyclability—those are big selling points for metal, especially if you’re thinking about resale value down the line. I’ve noticed in higher-end neighborhoods, metal roofs are almost expected now, partly for that modern look but also because buyers see them as “set it and forget it.” That said, I’ve heard some folks complain about hail dents or color fading over time. Has anyone here actually dealt with those issues? Curious if that’s just marketing noise or a real concern.