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.

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!