Is a metal roof loud when it rains?

On a house with a solid roof deck, insulation, and an attic between you and the roof, a metal roof is not noticeably louder than shingles. The loud-rain reputation comes from metal over open framing, like barns and porch roofs.

Can you put a metal roof over existing shingles?

Sometimes, depending on local code and the condition of the existing roof. We generally prefer a full tear-off so we can inspect and repair the decking. A roof-over hides problems you may want to know about.

What is the difference between standing seam and exposed-fastener metal?

Standing seam panels lock together with concealed clips, so no screws are exposed to the weather. Exposed-fastener panels are screwed down through the face of the panel. Standing seam costs more and is lower maintenance; exposed-fastener is more affordable and still a good roof when installed correctly.

Metal Roof or Shingles? How to Choose in East Tennessee

I put on both. I don’t have a dog in this fight. Here’s how I walk a homeowner through it.

Start with how long you’re staying

If you plan to be in the house less than ten years, shingles usually make more sense. You’ll pay less, you’ll get a good roof, and a new shingle roof is a strong selling point.

If this is the house you’re staying in, or a cabin or rental you’ll own for decades, metal starts to pay for itself. You’re buying one roof instead of two.

Cost

Metal costs more up front than architectural shingles. How much more depends on the panel type, the complexity of the roof, and the current price of steel. Standing seam is the premium option. Exposed-fastener metal sits between shingles and standing seam.

[FILL IN: a rough range or a “call for current pricing” line, your choice]

Lifespan and maintenance

A properly installed metal roof will outlast shingles. The trade-off is that exposed-fastener metal needs its screws and washers checked as they age, because the washers eventually weather. Standing seam has no exposed fasteners, which is a big part of what you’re paying for.

Shingles need less specialized attention but will need replacing sooner. See my post on how long a roof lasts in East Tennessee.

Weather

Both handle our weather fine when installed right. Metal sheds snow and heavy rain quickly, which is one reason you see so much of it in Sevier County on cabins and mountain homes. Shingles handle wind well when the nailing and the starter courses are done correctly, which is where a lot of cheap installs fall short.

Looks and resale

Some houses look right in metal and some don’t. A farmhouse, a cabin, or a modern build usually looks great in standing seam. A brick ranch in a subdivision of shingle roofs may look out of place. There’s no wrong answer, but drive your neighborhood and look.

Noise, lightning, and other myths

Noise. Over a solid deck with an attic underneath, you won’t notice it.
Lightning. Metal does not attract lightning. If struck, it actually disperses the energy better than a combustible material.
Rust. Modern coated steel panels are made not to rust. Scratches and cut edges are where problems start, which is why installation matters.

My honest take

Most homes I quote end up in shingles, and that’s the right answer for most people. The homeowners who choose metal are usually the ones who plan to stay put, want to do the roof once, and like the look. If you’re on the fence, ask for both prices and compare them against how long you’ll own the house. That’s the whole decision.