Shingle roof vs metal roof: which one actually makes sense?
Straight answers for Alexandria, KY homeowners from TruRoof, your local metal roofing contractor.
You drive through Old Town Alexandria or a newer subdivision off US-27 and see both shingle and metal roofs. Friends say metal lasts forever but costs more. You need to replace your roof and don't want to make the wrong call. The humid summers and winter ice in Campbell County make this choice feel even bigger.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof you see around here. They cost less to install and are easy for any crew to repair. But they absorb heat, wear out faster in direct sun, and can curl or lose granules after big storms. Metal roofing reflects sunlight instead of soaking it up. That keeps your attic cooler in July when your AC is already working hard.
Shingle roofs in Alexandria usually last 15 to 20 years. A standing seam metal roof often lasts 40 to 50 years with almost no upkeep. Upfront cost for metal runs about two to three times more than shingles, depending on roof size and pitch. Think about how long you plan to stay in the home. If this is your forever house, metal pays off. If you will move in five to ten years, shingles still make sense and bring good resale value in this market.
Get two quotes from local contractors so you compare real numbers. Ask each one about wind resistance. Near I-71 and open areas like A.J. Jolly Park, gusts hit harder. A metal roof handles 140 mph winds. Shingles can tear off at far lower speeds. If you want metal, TruRoof can walk you through standing seam options and metal shingle styles that match the historic look of the Licking Riverside district. Call us for a free inspection this week.
Once the new roof is on, you stop worrying every time a thunderstorm rolls through. Your home stays cooler in summer. You will not climb a ladder to patch missing shingles. Whether you chose shingles or metal, you made the call that fits your budget and your future.
What people in Alexandria say
"I'm reviewing my two new roofs, on my house and my garage, installed by TruRoof. The company, and Damon Chuke, their representative, helped me work with the insurance company, and with understanding all the details of the whole process. They took out an obsolete chimney, were on time and professional, and the finished roofs and flashing are beautiful. Many compliments from neighbors. Highly recommended by me."
"We have a beautiful condo in a historic building from the 1840s. Late November had a bad leak in the dining room area. I called Britt at TruRoof who came out and inspected the entire roof of the building. He said to do the entire roof could be around $50,000. But then he started laughing and said you need to caulk the area around one of the chimneys. I thought he was nuts, but I did the caulking, which cost me about 25 bucks worth of outdoor caulk, and there are no more leaks. I cannot express my appreciation for his diligence and his honesty. That kind of a company and a person is rare these days. Highly, highly, highly recommend these guys."
"TruRoof did an outstanding job from start to finish. Communication leading up to the start date was great. Once on site and the project started, everything went as discussed, and the crew was very professional."
Other things people in Alexandria ask
what is the biggest problem with metal roofs
Standing seam avoids most of it. We explain where metal shines and where it does not on your house.
is it cheaper to do a metal roof or shingles
Metal costs more today and lasts two to three times longer. We price both so you can decide on the numbers.
standing seam metal roof vs screw down
Exposed fasteners are cheaper and need re-screwing over time. Standing seam hides the fasteners and lasts longer.
shingle vs metal roof for home
Asphalt shingles cost less upfront and last 20 to 30 years. Metal lasts 40 to 70 years and handles high winds better. If you plan to stay in the home long-term, metal often wins. If you're selling soon, shingles make more sense.
Ready to talk?
TruRoof handles metal roofing in Alexandria and the area around it.