That's a really good observation about spray foam filling gaps in older framing. I've seen similar results myself—had a project a while back with an old cottage-style home, and the difference after switching insulation was night and day. It wasn't just quieter during storms; it felt more solid overall.
You're totally right though, insulation alone doesn't solve everything. I've noticed that even minor details like shingle installation quality or underlayment choice can make a surprising difference. Had one roof job where the crew rushed through nailing shingles, and you could actually hear them flapping slightly in strong winds—ended up having to redo that section later on.
Still, your experience is spot-on: insulation upgrades can be a real game-changer, especially when combined with careful attention to those smaller construction details. Good luck with your roofing project—sounds like you're already on the right track.
I've definitely noticed the same thing about shingles flapping if they're not nailed down properly. Had a similar experience on my garage roof a few years back—thought I was saving time by hiring a cheaper crew, but ended up regretting it. Every windy night, I'd lie awake listening to that annoying fluttering sound... drove me nuts until I finally climbed up there and redid it myself.
On the insulation front, spray foam is great, but I've also found that attic ventilation plays a bigger role than most people realize. Even with top-notch insulation, if your attic isn't venting properly, moisture and heat buildup can still cause issues down the line. Had a neighbor who went all-in on spray foam but completely overlooked ventilation, and within a year he was dealing with mold problems and warped plywood sheathing. Ended up having to tear out sections of his roof decking—total nightmare.
One thing I'm still skeptical about, though, is whether premium underlayments like synthetic felt or peel-and-stick membranes are always worth the extra cost. I've used both, and honestly, in most cases regular felt paper has held up just fine as long as it's installed correctly. Maybe in extreme climates or steep roofs the premium stuff makes sense, but for typical residential roofs I'm not totally convinced.
Curious if anyone here has tried metal roofing instead of shingles? I've heard mixed things about noise levels and installation difficulty, but the longevity seems appealing. Wondering if it's worth considering for an older home like the OP's cottage-style place.
I put metal roofing on my own place about 8 years ago—older farmhouse style—and honestly, noise hasn't been an issue at all. People warned me it'd sound like a drum during rainstorms, but with decent insulation and attic space, it's barely noticeable. Installation was a bit trickier than shingles, mostly because cutting metal panels can be a pain if you're not used to it. But the peace of mind knowing I won't have to climb back up there anytime soon is worth it. Wonder if anyone's tried those metal shingles instead of panels...seems like a good compromise?
- Metal shingles can look great, especially on older homes—definitely more traditional than panels.
- But from experience, they're not always the best compromise. Installation can actually be more tedious because each shingle needs precise alignment.
- Also, metal shingles tend to cost more upfront and repairs can be trickier if one gets damaged.
- Panels might seem less charming, but they're simpler and quicker to install and maintain...just something to consider before deciding.
I went with metal shingles on my last roof replacement, thinking they'd blend better with the older style of my house. They definitely looked great at first, but I ran into some headaches later on. One shingle got dented during a storm, and replacing it was a real pain—had to carefully remove surrounding shingles without damaging them, which took way longer than expected. Plus, aligning everything back perfectly was tricky.
On another project for a friend's place, we used panels instead. Honestly, I was surprised how much quicker and simpler the installation went. Sure, they didn't have quite the same charm as shingles, but maintenance-wise they've been hassle-free so far.
If you're leaning toward metal shingles purely for aesthetics, just keep in mind the extra effort and potential repair headaches down the road...panels might save you some frustration in the long run.
