Shingle or metal roof: which one makes sense for your home?
Straight answers for Erlanger, KY homeowners from a local metal roofing contractor.
You need a new roof and you keep going back and forth. Shingles are cheaper now. Metal costs more but lasts longer. In Erlanger, with our humid summers, ice storms, and spring winds off the I-275 corridor, the wrong choice can cost you twice.
Asphalt shingles and metal roofs handle Northern Kentucky weather very differently. Shingles absorb moisture. Over time, the freeze-thaw cycles near Doe Run Lake Park and Flagstaff Park cause them to curl, crack, and lose granules. Metal sheds snow and ice fast. It does not soak up water. That means less chance of leaks and rot in the decking underneath.
Upfront cost is the big difference. A shingle roof on a typical Erlanger ranch or split-level often runs lower. Metal can be two to three times more. But shingles may need replacement in 20 to 25 years here. Standing seam metal often lasts 50 years or more. If you are near US Route 641 and get strong crosswinds, metal's interlocking panels hold tight when shingles tear off.
If you plan to stay in your home five years or less, shingles usually make more sense. If this is your long-term home, get a metal roof quote from TruRoof. We walk you through material options, color choices, and what the install timeline looks like for your street. No pressure, just numbers you can use.
Once the job is done, you stop worrying about every storm that rolls through Kenton County. You get a roof that looks clean, stands up to wind, and does not need constant repairs. One decision, handled right, and you move on.
What people in Erlanger 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 Erlanger 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
Asphalt shingles cost less upfront and are easy to repair. Metal roofs last much longer, reflect heat, and stand up to high winds. Think about how long you plan to stay in the home. A metal roof pays off over time, but shingles are still the most common choice in Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Ready to talk?
TruRoof handles metal roofing in Erlanger and the area around it.