When I purchased our current home in 2023, I knew that within five or six years it would need a new roof. This asphalt shingle roof was installed in 2011 so it’s not yet at the end of its life, and there is no immediate urgency, but a new roof will be a major expense and (hopefully) the largest home project I have remaining in my life. Given my current age, a new 20-25 year roof should easily cover me to the end of my journey. I have started collecting prices and ideas for what will come next, probably in 2027 or thereabouts.

House with a metal roof

Metal roofs aren’t new though they have been popping up all over the neighborhood and I like the look of them. From my brief investigation it seems these are more expensive than shingles, but installation is fast and the metal cover provides a little extra protection from hail storms and fallen limbs. But the big attraction is these are billed as a “lifetime” roof though actual warranties are more like 50 years.

Still, a homeowner has got to like the notion of a one and done roofing solution.

Given its many advantages, I’m leaning toward a metal roof, but being an amateur shortwave radio operator I have questions about the impact of a large metal surface in proximity (under) to my antennas. I posed that question on a ham radio mailing list and discovered from that feedback, there was no consensus on the matter. Some maintained it improved the performance of verticals, while others said the installation of a metal roof completely ruined their radio experience.

One fellow from the Land Down Under replied:

I personally will never be going down that track again. I had a TH-3 about 6 meters top-dead-centre above my 10x10m metal shed on a pop-up mast. An absolute waste of effort!

There is a lot to consider and fortunately, plenty of time to do it. My current antenna farm includes verticals and wire antennas, but I’ve been considering adding a Hex-Beam to the mix so this may add some complexity to the equation.

One other note does give me pause. It wasn’t about how a metal roof impacts existing outdoor antennas, but how it would eliminate the possibility of an attic antenna. And while that would never be my daily driver, I do like the idea of an attic antenna for limited/emergency use when required. Though I’ve yet to install one in this house, I’ve always had a back-up antenna in the attic wherever we have lived.

If you are an active HF operator and have a metal roof on your home, I’d like to get your feedback too. Drop me a note. Thanks!