Materials · 7 min read
Metal Roof vs Shingles: An Honest Cost and Performance Comparison
Published
Both are good roofs. They're good in different ways, and the right answer depends more on how long you're staying than on which material is objectively better.
Cost
Architectural shingles on an average Troy home run $9,500 to $18,000. Standing seam on the same home typically runs $25,000 to $45,000. Exposed-fastener ag panel is cheaper than standing seam but has a shorter life and visible screws that need periodic attention.
Lifespan
Shingles: 22 to 30 years in Ohio with good ventilation. Standing seam: 50 years or more with essentially no maintenance. Over a fifty-year horizon, metal wins on cost per year — but only if you're the one still owning the house.
Performance
Metal sheds snow and prevents ice dams, reflects heat, and won't be damaged by wind that removes shingles. Shingles absorb hail impact better than thin-gauge metal, which can cosmetically dent. In hail country, 24-gauge steel is the minimum we'll install.
Repairs and resale
A damaged shingle is a $400 fix. A damaged metal panel is a specialty job. On the other hand, a new metal roof is a genuine selling point and a documented insurance discount with many carriers.
If any of this applies to your own home, our metal roofing crews handle it every week, and you can see how we work in your area on our Troy, Ohio roofing page. Inspections and written estimates are free either way — call 937-749-7767.