When building a home, many people find themselves debating the differences between metal vs shingles for roofing options. Both types have their advantages and drawbacks. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective and sturdy roof that can weather the elements, asphalt shingles could be right for you. Although durable, energy-efficient metal roofs are an up-and-coming trend, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which is the best fit for you. Whenever it’s time to replace your roof with metal or shingles, you should understand both in order to make the best decision for your home.

Roofing Shingles

Roofs with shingles are more affordable. They are typically the cheapest roofing option upfront and with repairs. Unlike metal roofs, they don’t get damaged as easily. If they are damaged, repairs cost less than they would for metal roofs. Asphalt shingles offer superior protection and fare well against flooding, meaning you won’t have to pay for repairs as often. Asphalt roofs are very effective at protecting your home and keeping it insulated while still being the most cost-effective roofing solution.
Shingles come in a variety of colors and styles. While the most typical colors are asphalt gray or a dull brown, there are other brighter and more vibrant options that allow you to have green, blue, red, and even white shingles. Depending on the color and style of your home, you can select the appropriate shingle color to match, or to offer a refresher for your home’s appearance.
Shingles are the traditional look for most homes. A lot of homes throughout various neighborhoods have asphalt roofs, meaning your house would likely fit the look and feel of your neighborhood if you opt for an asphalt roof.
Some roofing shingles are known to have a shorter lifespan than other roofing options like metal, but here at DMG Exteriors, we work with Timberline HDZ roofing shingles. Equipped with layerlock technology and strength to last a lifetime, you never have to worry about the lifespan of your shingles again. That said, repairs on other asphalt shingle roofs are generally less expensive than with metal roofs. Consequently, maintenance can be more affordable with asphalt shingles.

Metal Roofing

A metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, meaning they have similar durability to Timberline HDZ shingles. However, they’re more expensive to fix if repairs are needed.
Another difference with metal roofs vs asphalt roofs is that metal can endure the elements. Most metal roofs are rated to withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour. They’re built to withstand corrosion and rust.
They’re a sustainable roofing alternative to asphalt shingles made from petroleum. Most metal roofs are made of recycled materials and are 100% recyclable themselves. Steel roofing can be repeatedly recycled to produce more roofing without any loss to quality, durability, or strength.
There are a variety of metals and materials to pick from, which give a wide selection of potential designs to fit any home. You can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Many of these materials can be ordered in an array of colors, which allows you to create the look you desire.
The material involved in making and manufacturing a metal roof is costly. Metal roofs are very difficult to install and require the help of trained roofing professionals when it comes to installation, repair, and replacement. When metal roofs are damaged, they are quite expensive to repair.
Metal roofs can produce a lot of unwanted noise. Although some people love listening to the sound of rain pounding on a metal roof or the white noise that comes with it, others find this to be wildly unpleasant. Even with multiple layers of sheathing or insulation to minimize the sound, it’s hard not to hear the rain during a strong storm.
Different metal roofing materials vary in hardness. Softer metal roofs are prone to denting from hail or strong winds that cause branches to break off and fall on your roof. These damages will require professional repairs and sometimes call for full replacements. Some types are so malleable, you might not be able to walk on them without damaging your roof.

Does a Metal Roof Add Value to a House?

When you’re deciding which is better regarding a metal roof vs shingles, it’s wise to consider the overall impact it will have on the value of your home. A flashy new, high-quality metal roof can add value to a house and its overall curb appeal. As a national average, you should expect to recoup about 61% of your investment in the value of your home when you install a metal roof, but you can recoup about 66% when you do a shingle replacement.

Choose DMG Exteriors

Once you make the metal roof vs. shingles decision for your Indiana home, make sure the job is done by the experienced roofing contractors at DMG Exteriors. Contact us for a free and accurate quote today for service you can trust.