Have you ever been told that metal roofs always leak, or that you shouldn't finance your new roof? Have you gotten two totally different roofing quotes and thought, “Someone has to be wrong”?
As roofers, we see how easy it is for homeowners to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Some contractors say one thing, online forums say another. And too often, you're left wondering who to trust and whether you're being told the whole story.
At Equity Roofing, we’re determined to bring transparency to the roofing industry. As Platinum Preferred Contractors with Owens Corning, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Central PA, Indiana, and Michigan understand the truth about their roofing options.
In this article, we’ve gathered the most common roofing myths, red flags, and truths shared by real homeowners and roofers across Reddit and the Central PA area. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and what questions to ask so you can protect your home and your budget.
Clickable Table of Contents
Choosing between a shingle or metal roof depends on what you value most: upfront savings, long-term durability, or low maintenance.
Shingle roofs are the most common choice for Central PA homeowners—they’re familiar, affordable, and quick to install. Their strong warranty options can make them appealing to homeowners in their forever homes.
Metal roofs can offer longer lifespans and better protection, especially when installed properly. Some homeowners are hesitant because of outdated myths, but the truth is, a well-installed metal roof is highly reliable and leak-resistant.
The price of a metal roof depends on the type of metal roofing. In our experience (and backed by HomeAdvisor.com), standing seam metal roofs usually cost more than asphalt shingles, while exposed fastener panels may be more affordable.
What affects the price:
We’ve compared metal roofs and shingles in terms of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and more in the table below:
| Feature | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing (Standing Seam) | Metal Roofing (Exposed Fastener) |
| Average Cost per Sq. Ft. | $5.80 – $8.20 | $8.60 – $15.90 | $5.80 – $9.20 |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years | 40–70+ years | 20–40 years |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Installation Complexity | Low | High | Moderate |
| Common Warranty Length | 25–50 years (limited) | Up to 40 years for paint finish | Up to 50 years for Pro Z Fasteners |
Ultimately, no roof is guaranteed to last if it’s installed incorrectly. We’ve seen shingle roofs fail within five years and metal roofs leak after two years due to poor workmanship.
If a contractor is pushing one material over the other without explaining your options or walking you through the pros and cons for your home, that’s a red flag.
Your roofer should inspect your attic because it can show signs of roof problems that aren’t visible from the outside. A full inspection should always include the attic to check for things like leaks, mold, poor ventilation, or multiple roof layers—all of which affect the roof's condition and warranty.
A proper attic inspection can reveal:
If no one has looked inside your attic, your inspection isn't complete. We dive into this topic more in our guide, Why Good Roofers Inspect Your Attic Before Replacing Your Roof.
Yes, using roofing parts from different brands can void your enhanced manufacturer's warranty. Most major roofing systems require a minimum of components (like underlayment, starter strips, and ventilation) to come from the same brand to qualify for full coverage.
For example, the Owens Corning warranty guidelines require a minimum of four branded components, including one hip and ridge, one underlayment, and two other parts, to qualify for extended coverage.
A complete system usually includes:
Ask your roofer if your system qualifies for full coverage. If you need more information on roofing warranties, explore our video and blog, What Your Roof Warranty Covers and How to Keep It, for more details!
Financing can be a smart option for many homeowners. It allows you to invest in higher-quality materials or a full replacement without draining your savings. Some contractors discourage it only because they don’t offer financing, not because it’s a bad idea for you.
Why financing can make sense:
If a contractor discourages financing, ask why. Make sure you know all of your roof financing options (available in our homeowners' financing guide) and discuss them with your roofer.
Sometimes you can trust online roofing advice from forums like Reddit, but take it with a grain of salt. Homeowners on Reddit often give helpful advice or share warning signs to look out for, but without seeing your roof in person, online opinions are limited. Use them as a guide, but rely on in-person inspections for real answers.
Things online discussions often get right:
Where online advice falls short:
Always ask for photo documentation before, during, and after a job.
Yes, small issues like moss, nail pops, or patched repairs can lead to bigger problems if ignored.
Watch out for:
A reputable contractor will fix the root cause, not just patch over issues.
While it’s normal to see exposed nails in your attic ceiling (as asked by one Reddit user), uneven decking is not ideal and often not up to best practices. Wavy roof lines or soft spots can mean the sheathing is too thin, spaced too far apart, or installed with shortcuts. Just because it's common doesn’t mean it's acceptable or safe.
Cost-cutting during construction is common, especially in newer homes. A homeowner in Texas, unfortunately, discovered this firsthand.
Signs of poor underlying construction:
A good roofer should spot these problems with a thorough inspection and tell you upfront before installing a new roof.
In a day and age where we have endless information at our fingertips, it's easy to get overwhelmed and miss key details that impact your roof’s performance and warranty. We’ve cleared up the biggest myths, from whether metal roofs leak to why an attic inspection matters, so you can feel more confident about what’s actually true.
Now that you’ve debunked the myths and learned what to watch for, your next step is to read our guide on What to Expect During a Roof Replacement, so you can confidently plan your next move.
At Equity Roofing, we're here to give you the truth about your roof—even if it’s not what you expected—because that’s how trust gets earned.