North Idaho Home Architecture, (was: North Idaho Roofs) (Sandpoint, Clark Fork: new home, pros and cons)

[DanoftheMountain]

We are in the start of a build in North Idaho, Sagle area. We were considering a metal roof, but our builder tried to talk us out of it. Neighbors said metal because of snow issues. Cost of metal is more but will last longer and reduce price over time. Need some help making the decision. Pros and cons of metal over standard comp.
Thanks!

[Clark Fork Fantast]

We're in the final stages of building a cabin over in Clark Fork. The snow load is going to be slightly heavier than in Sagle, but not by much. There was no doubt that we should go with metal, and a steep roof angle. The snow just slides off. Our builder mentioned a very cool, but expensive solution, Cor-ten steel, which is naturally oxidized (looks kind of rusty), but we decided against it, because it was (1) very costly, and (2) a little too trendy for our taste. So we got a beautiful grayish-green metal roof from Sandpoint Building Supply. They have a huge selection of available colors. We love our roof color because it blends in with the pine trees and the sky.

[Cnynrat]

I think metal is the preferred roofing material in this climate for the reasons CFF stated above. Note that a steep pitch is also important to encourage snow shedding off the roof.

I'd be interested to know what the reasons where for doing something other than metal (besides cost).

Dave

[mistyriver]

I’d question the builder that tried to talk you out of a metal roof. All of our buildings have dark green metal roofs and they look great, shed snow and have no maintenance.

[javatom]

A metal roof makes more noise in a rain storm.

[Cavalry_Chief]

The noise from a metal roof isn't bad at all. Just depends on the thickness of metal used and insulation used under it.

I prefer metal roofs for durability, fire protection and even like how they look. The only issue I have had is that you need to control the snow slide. If your roof pitches down into an area you need to access, you can expect large snow berms in inconvenient locations. This is easily remedied.

Since I am in the same situation as DanoftheMountain, building a new home in Bonner County and being advised by my builder to select composite over metal, I too would like to read the advice from local experts on these forums.

[mistyriver]

Originally Posted by Cavalry_Chief

The noise from a metal roof isn't bad at all. Just depends on the thickness of metal used and insulation used under it.

I prefer metal roofs for durability, fire protection and even like how they look. The only issue I have had is that you need to control the snow slide. If your roof pitches down into an area you need to access, you can expect large snow berms in inconvenient locations. This is easily remedied.

Since I am in the same situation as DanoftheMountain, building a new home in Bonner County and being advised by my builder to select composite over metal, I too would like to read the advice from local experts on these forums.

Exactly, we have no issues with noise and our metal roofs. There is a slight pleasant patter from rain but not loud like you’d see with old metal roofs in the south (that I was familiar with).

[Cnynrat]

We don't have gutters on our house (they can be challenging in snow county like NID), and the sound of rain dripping off the roof is much louder than the sound of rain hitting the roof. I wouldn't let a concern about noise stop you from getting a metal roof if you decide that's the direction you want to go.

Dave

[Shaner]

Metal roof all day, like said, I would question your builder if he is talking you out of it.

[mistyriver]

You do hear it when the snow pack decides to let loose off the roof ...though I’ve always thought that was fun.
We have a monitor style metal roof on our big horse barn and that can be quite an adventure with horses when the top roofline lets go, hits the bottom roofline and the it all slides.