Shingle roof or metal roof? How to decide.
Honest comparison from a local metal roofing contractor in Erlanger, KY.
You hear metal roofs last 50 years. But shingles cost less up front. You’re in Erlanger, maybe near I-275, and you’re stuck: which roof is right for your home? You don’t want to overpay, but you also don’t want to replace it again in 15 years. Kentucky weather adds pressure—hot summers, hail, and storms that tear off shingles.
Most Erlanger roofs use asphalt shingles. They’re easy to install and cost less. But after 15–20 years, you see curling, missing tabs, or granule loss in your gutters. Metal roofing—either standing seam or metal shingles—can last 40 to 60 years. It reflects the sun, stands up to 140 mph winds, and never rots. The trade-off is the price tag.
A shingle roof for a typical Erlanger ranch or two-story home might run $8,000 to $12,000. A metal roof can be two to three times that. The price depends on roof complexity, pitch, and tear-off. But think long term. If you stay in your home 20 years or more, metal pays for itself. You avoid a second shingle replacement and the labor costs that come with it. Plus, your insurance may give you a discount for impact-resistant roofing.
Your next step: get a real look at your current roof. Check the attic for signs of leaks. Then call TruRoof for a free inspection. We’ll measure your roof, talk about your goals, and give you numbers for both shingle and metal. No pressure. If you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, we help you run the numbers so you decide with confidence.
Once your new roof is on, you stop worrying every time a storm rolls in. Your house stays cooler in summer. You know you made the right choice for your home and your budget. And you can enjoy your backyard by Doe Run Lake without eyeing the roof for missing shingles.
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 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 Erlanger and the area around it.