Somewhere in your roof quote, you’ll probably see two numbers. One is for shingles. The other, for metal, is bigger, and you’re wondering whether it’s worth it.

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Fair question. The answer has less to do with the roof than you’d think. It is closer to your personal interests.

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Starting With: How Long Are You Planning to Stay in This House?

Forget the materials for now and think of this house after ten years. Still there? Twenty?

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If you plan to move in a few years, a long-lasting roof pays you back in a way you may never collect. When considering your future in your home, the financial picture changes altogether. Therefore, keep your mind on that because this informs everything that follows.

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Understanding What the Money Buys

Roofing made from asphalt shingles is cheaper in direct costs. They’re the most common roof in the Raleigh area, which also means nearly every roofer knows how to install and repair them.

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Metal costs more. How much more depends on the kind of metal, the panel style, and how complicated your roof is, so I won’t toss out a figure that might not fit your house. Ask for both prices in writing.

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Here’s the tradeoff. Shingles commonly last around 20 to 30 years. Metal is generally quoted over 40. These are general time ranges, which is why we recommend that you read the details carefully. In case the metal roofing survives two shingle roofs, the cost may go to zero. If you leave first, it won’t.

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What Raleigh Throws at a Roof

Summers here are long, hot, and damp. Shingles slowly lose their gritty surface in all that sun, and that’s just normal aging. Metal doesn’t shed grit, and some light-colored finishes reflect heat. Whether that lowers your cooling bill depends a lot on your attic insulation and ventilation, so I’d call it a possible perk, not a promise.

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Wind and thunderstorms are fine for either one when the install is good. A sloppy job fails with any material.

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Hail is the one to think about. Shingles can bruise and lose grit. Some metal can dent while still keeping water out. Ask about impact ratings, and call your insurance company to find out whether they treat different roofs differently. Policies vary quite a bit.

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The Noise Question

Everyone brings up rain on metal. In reality, a properly constructed metal roofing system combined with a strong decking and underlayment will usually be quieter than expected. Nonetheless, in case you’re a light sleeper or work from home, make sure to contact your roofing contractor to understand the specifics of your situation.

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Looks, HOAs, and Resale

Metal comes in more styles than most people realize. Some panels have bold vertical ribs. Others are designed to look like roof shingles when viewed from the street.

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However, should you be part of an HOA community, it would be wise to ensure that your enthusiasm for a particular color does not run away with you by verifying whether your community allows a particular color of roof before proceeding.

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As for resale, a newer roof of either kind helps. Some buyers love the long lifespan of metal. Others just want a roof that doesn’t leak. On a street full of shingles, metal will stand out, and that cuts both ways.

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The Repair Factor

Nobody thinks about this until something goes wrong. A lifted shingle is a routine fix for most crews. Metal roof repair is a job that requires a person who knows how to work with metal in all sorts of ways. As such, you should check first if the installer will also be able to do the repairs in case there is leakage near the pipes and seams.

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A Quick Gut Check

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Answer these honestly, and you’ll probably know which way you lean.

• Will I live here for the next 15 years or more?
• Would I rather spend more now to avoid another roof later?
• Does the look of metal appeal to me, and does my neighborhood allow it?
• Do I have a roofer I trust to maintain it?

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Mostly yes? Metal deserves a real look. Mostly no? Shingles are probably doing you a favor.

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What to Ask Before You Pick a Roofer

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Whichever way you’re leaning, bring these to the conversation:

• What’s the full installed price for each option, written out?
• What does the warranty cover, and who provides the warranty?
• What goes into underlayment and ventilation?
• Have you installed this exact type of roof, and can I see a finished one?

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You’ll learn more from how they answer than from any brochure.

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So Which Is It?

Shingles are the practical choice with the lower price tag. Metal is the long-haul investment with the higher price tag. Neither is wrong for Raleigh, and neither is magic. Your plans for the house decide it.

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If you’d like help sorting through the options, A&M Premium Roofing can look at your roof and talk through what makes sense for your home. Call (919) 219-0422 or request an estimate on our website. ㅤ