Good points on shingles—I've had similar experiences. A couple extra thoughts from my own shed projects:
- Architectural shingles are definitely quieter and pretty durable, but don't overlook basic three-tab shingles if budget is tight. They're cheaper, still hold up decently, and sheds usually don't need the same lifespan as a house roof anyway.
- If you do lean toward metal, adding insulation or foam board underneath can really cut down on noise. Did this on a storage shed near my house, and it made a noticeable difference during heavy rain.
- Totally agree on ventilation—can't stress enough how important airflow is. I've seen sheds rot out prematurely because moisture got trapped inside. Ridge vents or even simple gable vents can save you headaches later.
Sounds like you're already on the right track though... good luck with the project!
"If you do lean toward metal, adding insulation or foam board underneath can really cut down on noise."
Couldn't agree more on this. I built a metal-roofed shed a few years back and skipped the insulation at first—big mistake. Every rainstorm sounded like someone was throwing gravel at it. Ended up retrofitting some foam panels underneath, and it made a huge difference. Lesson learned the hard way, I guess.
Also, good call on the three-tab shingles. People tend to dismiss them because they're basic, but honestly, for a shed, they're usually more than enough. I've seen plenty of sheds with three-tabs last 15+ years without issues. Just make sure you nail them down properly—seen a few blow off in storms because someone skimped on nails.
Sounds like you've got your bases covered though... ventilation especially. I've torn down sheds that were practically compost inside because moisture had nowhere to go. Ridge vents are great, but even just some basic gable vents can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Good luck with your build!
"Ended up retrofitting some foam panels underneath, and it made a huge difference."
I get the logic behind insulating metal roofs, but honestly, is noise really that big of a deal for sheds? Unless you're planning to spend hours in there during storms, I'd question if the extra cost and effort is worth it. Might be better off putting that money into higher-quality roofing screws or weatherproofing... just a thought.
