Key takeaways
– Metal usually costs more up front than asphalt shingles, but cost isn’t the whole picture. Lifespan, maintenance and how long you’ll own the home all matter.
– Many “myths” about metal, like noise, come down to how the roof is installed, not the material itself.
– The best choice depends on your home, your budget and your plans. A free roof inspection is a good place to start.
Replacing a roof is a big decision, and the metal versus shingle question comes up in almost every conversation. Both can protect your home well. They just do it in different ways, and the details are worth understanding before you decide.
At SmartHome Roofing, we install both asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs for homeowners across Kentucky, including near Somerset and Lake Cumberland. Here’s a plain-language look at cost, lifespan and the most common myths.
The Basics: What You’re Comparing
Asphalt shingles are the most familiar roofing material in most neighborhoods. They range from basic 3-tab shingles to high-definition architectural shingles that add depth and a more finished look. They’re a practical, widely used choice with a lot of style options.
Metal roofing is made from metal panels or shingles that are fastened to the roof deck. It’s known for its durability and its clean, modern or traditional looks, depending on the profile and color. It’s also installed differently, so the crew’s experience matters.
Myth 1: “Metal Is Always Way More Expensive”
Metal typically costs more up front than asphalt shingles. That part is true. But the real question is what you get for the price and how long you’ll live in the home.
Metal roofs are designed for a long service life, so some owners look at the cost over many years rather than the day-one number. Shingles can be the right call if you want a lower upfront cost or you may sell sooner. We’ll give you a written estimate for both options so you can compare for your own home.
Myth 2: “Metal Roofs Are Loud in the Rain”
Many people picture a barn with a tin roof. A modern residential metal roof is installed over solid roof decking with underlayment, and that assembly helps dampen sound. Attic insulation helps too.
Noise depends on the product and the installation, so ask about it. If this is a concern, we’ll talk through what to expect for your home.
Need a free roof inspection in Somerset? Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team
Myth 3: “Metal Roofs Attract Lightning and Get Too Hot”
Neither is a reason to rule metal out. Metal isn’t generally considered to make a home more likely to be struck, and a roof is only one part of how a house handles lightning. As for heat, many metal roofs are finished with coatings designed to reflect sunlight, which may help with summer cooling.
Your actual results depend on your home’s insulation, ventilation and the color and coating you choose. Ask for the specifics on any product we propose.
Myth 4: “Hail Will Ruin a Metal Roof”
Metal is built to handle severe weather, but very large hail can still leave dents. Some products carry an impact rating, so it’s worth asking. Even if the dents are only cosmetic, check your policy and have the roof looked at after a major storm.
Asphalt shingles respond differently. Hail can knock off granules or crack the fiberglass mat, and that damage isn’t always easy to see. Our guide to spotting hail damage shows what to look for on shingles.
Lifespan: What to Expect
Asphalt shingles and metal roofs are both designed to last for years, but metal is generally built for a longer service life. How long yours lasts depends on the product, the quality of the installation, ventilation, and local weather. Fallen limbs and storms can shorten the life of any roof.
We don’t quote a single number, because no honest roofer can for every roof. Instead, our inspections include a life expectancy estimation based on your roof’s actual condition.
Side-by-Side at a Glance
| Asphalt shingles | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Style options | Wide range, from 3-tab to architectural | Panels and profiles, many colors |
| Service life | Varies by product and care | Generally built to last longer |
| Installation | Familiar to most roofers | Specialized; crew experience matters |
| Hail | Granule loss or bruising possible | Dents possible; ask about impact ratings |
| Best for | Budget-conscious projects; classic looks | Long-term ownership; severe-weather concerns |
Prices, lifespans and performance vary by product and home. We’ll provide a written estimate for your property.
How to Choose for Your Home
A few questions will narrow it down quickly:
- How long will you stay? A longer stay may favor metal’s higher upfront cost.
- What’s your budget today? Shingles can make a replacement more approachable.
- How does your neighborhood look? Some communities have style rules, so check with your HOA if you have one.
- Is your roof shape complicated? Valleys, dormers and penetrations affect the work and the price of both materials.
It’s a System, Not Just a Surface
Whatever you choose, a new roof is more than shingles or panels. It’s an integrated system, and underlayment, flashing, ventilation and installation all play a part. Our Total Protection Roofing System® approach, and our work as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor for shingle roofs, reflect that thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install metal over my existing shingles?
Sometimes, but it depends on your roof’s condition, local code and the product. We’ll tell you what makes sense after an inspection.
Is metal harder to repair than shingles?
Repairs are usually possible, but they can need specialized parts and skills. That’s another reason experience matters when choosing an installer.
Which is better for Lake Cumberland homes?
Either can work well. Mature trees, wind and temperature swings are the factors to weigh, and we’ll go over them with you.
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. Your initial consultation, quote and professional inspection report are provided to homeowners free of charge.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection in Somerset
Comparing roofing materials is easier with someone looking at your actual roof. Our Somerset roofing team serves Pulaski County and the Lake Cumberland region, including towns like London, Monticello, Stanford and Russell Springs. Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team.
Closer to Glasgow or Bardstown? Our Glasgow and Bardstown teams can help too.
