If you’re a northern homeowner, you know how hard the weather can be on your roof. Strong winds, hail, and temperatures that swing from freezing to hot can wear down roofing materials fast. At some point, every homeowner faces the same question: Should I stick with shingles or upgrade to a metal roof?
You’ve probably seen your neighbors making the switch to metal roofs one by one. But is the extra cost worth it? And what about concerns like noise, dents, or fire safety?
Equity Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners across Indiana and Michigan decide if a metal roof upgrade makes sense for their home. We cover the pros, the myths, the cost, and the aesthetics, and we know we’re bringing the kitchen-table talk to the interweb.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Main Benefits of a Metal Roof
- Metal Roof Cost
- Common Questions
- What Our Homeowners Love About Metal Roofs
- Energy Savings
- When Metal Roof Isn’t Right for You
What Are the Main Benefits of a Metal Roof Compared to Shingles?
Metal roofs offer longer lifespan, better storm resistance, and lower long-term cost than shingles. They’re no longer just for barns or commercial buildings. For homeowners in Indiana and Michigan who deal with wind, hail, and harsh seasonal changes, these advantages often make metal worth serious consideration.
How Long Do Metal Roofs Really Last?
A properly installed metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, with some standing seam roofs lasting even longer. Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15 to 30 years. This means a metal roof can sometimes outlast multiple shingle roofs on the same home.
Do Metal Roofs Stand Up to Wind and Hail Better?
Metal panels interlock or fasten securely, making them much harder for wind to lift or tear off when properly installed. Shingle roofs are more likely to lose individual shingles during storms, leading to more repair calls and water damage risk.
Are Metal Roofs Environmentally Friendly?
Most metal roofs are made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled when they’re replaced. While full tear-offs are generally recommended, metal roofs can occasionally be installed over existing single-layer shingles, depending on the deck condition and local code. This delays dumping the old shingles into the landfill, as many shingles cannot be fully recycled.
How Does a Metal Roof Compare When You Look at Total Cost?
When you look at cost over time instead of upfront price, metal roofs often cost less per year than shingles. While metal roofing starts higher, its longer lifespan changes the math in a big way.
Homeowners often ask why metal roofs cost more at the start. The table below shows how the total investment compares when spread over the life of the roof.
Metal vs Shingle Roof Cost Per Year
| Roof Type | Average Cost | Max Est. Lifespan | Est. Cost Per Year |
| Asphalt Shingle Roof | $14,000-$44,000+ | 30 | $467-$1,466 |
| Standing Seam Metal Roof | $25,000-$50,000+ | 70 | $357-$714 |
Even though a metal roof may cost more upfront, it often costs less over the long term because it lasts much longer. Though keep in mind that these numbers are simplified examples. Actual pricing varies based on home size, roof complexity, and market conditions.
We cover the cost of a roof in depth in our article, "Roof Replacement Cost in Indiana and Michigan."
Are There Cheaper Metal Options That Still Perform Well?
There are hybrid panel options that look similar to standing seam but install more like traditional pole barn panels. They cost less while still giving many of the benefits of a metal roof. Just remember that panel names vary by manufacturer (for example, we call ours “pro-appearance metal”), so always ask your contractor to explain exactly what material they are using.
What Common Metal Roofing Concerns Do Homeowners Ask About?
Most concerns about metal roofing—like noise, denting, and fire risk—are based on myths or misunderstandings. In real-world use, metal roofs perform much closer to shingles than many homeowners expect.
Let’s address the most common questions homeowners bring up before choosing metal.
Is a Metal Roof Noisier Than Shingles?
This is mostly a myth. Metal roofs are not much louder than shingle roofs if your home has proper insulation. Even in homes with cathedral ceilings and less insulation, normal rain is not noticeable. You might hear a hard downpour, but you would hear that on a shingle roof too.
Will a Metal Roof Dent Easily?
If you choose the right material—like high tensile steel—the answer is usually no. Lower-grade metals or thinner panels can dent more easily, but quality materials resist denting well. We discuss this more in The Impact of Hail on Your Roof: Indiana and Michigan Guide.
Is a Metal Roof Fireproof?
Metal itself won’t catch fire, but this doesn’t make your home fireproof. The structure underneath is what burns in a major house fire. Here’s how the two roof types compare:
| Factor | Asphalt Shingle Roof | Metal Roof |
| Fire-resistant? | Yes | Yes |
| Damage in a house fire? | Melts under high heat | Warps under high heat |
Because neither roof type is inherently flammable, the difference in fire performance isn’t a major advantage either way.
What Do Homeowners Say They Love About Metal Roofs?
Homeowners most often say they love the look and low maintenance of their metal roof. Many are surprised by how much cleaner and more finished their home looks once installation is complete.
Beyond appearance, long-term performance is a major reason homeowners are happy with their decision. Once installed, metal roofs rarely need repairs, especially compared to shingles that may need patching after every storm.
Will a Metal Roof Save You Energy?
A metal roof alone does not guarantee lower energy bills. Energy efficiency depends far more on insulation, ventilation, and proper installation than on roofing material alone.
That said, certain underlayment systems paired with metal roofing can help reduce attic heat in summer. If your roofer installs a reflective underlayment with an air gap, you could see improved cooling performance in warmer months.
Our article on your roof and heating explains in more detail how your roof and ventilation system impact your energy bill.
Are There Situations Where a Metal Roof Isn’t the Best Choice?
Yes—metal roofs are not ideal in every situation. HOA restrictions, roof slope, and personal style preferences can make shingles the better option for some homeowners.
Here are the most common cases where shingles may be a better fit:
- HOA Rules: Some homeowner associations require shingles and don’t allow metal.
- Very Low Slope Roofs: Metal roofs typically aren’t ideal for slopes under a 0.25/12 pitch (we explain why in our guide, Can a Metal Roof Be Installed on a Flat Roof?)
- Personal Style Preferences: Some people simply prefer the traditional look of shingles.
What Should You Do Next?
Your neighbors aren’t just hopping on the latest bandwagon by switching to metal roofing. This sturdy material is more competitively priced than ever before, offers significant benefits to homeowners, and is likely to continue to grow in popularity over the next decade. Lea
If you think a metal roof is the right fit for you, your next step is to compare metal roofing types and see how they fit your home and budget. Understanding the differences between standing seam and exposed fastener helps you make the best choice for your home.
From there, seeing real examples and getting a professional evaluation can clarify whether metal or shingles make more sense for your home. Ready to see what a metal roof would look like on your home? Contact Equity Roofing to schedule a free estimate.
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