Should I get a metal roof or a shingle roof in North Texas?
Shingles are the most common choice for homes in North Texas because they cost much less up front, and an insurance claim will usually pay to replace what was there before. Metal roofing can make sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or have low-slope sections of roof. Metal can dent in heavy hail, but it is much harder to puncture than a shingle, and stone-coated steel hides small dents better than flat metal panels.
Cost
A metal roof typically costs several times as much as a comparable shingle roof. In return, a well-installed metal roof can last much longer than a shingle roof.
If you plan to move within the next several years, the extra cost of a metal roof may not pay off.
How Each Roof Handles Hail
Hail can crack the mat inside a shingle, which shortens the life of the roof even if it does not leak right away. That is why hail damage often leads to a full shingle roof replacement.
Hail can dent a metal roof. A dented metal roof is usually still watertight, but some insurance policies include a cosmetic damage exclusion for metal roofs. Stone-coated steel such as Decra tends to hide small dents better than flat standing seam panels.
Insurance, Noise and Other Common Questions
Some insurance companies offer discounts for metal or impact-rated roofing, and others add cosmetic damage exclusions. Ask your insurance agent before you decide.
A residential metal roof installed over a roof deck is generally not much louder than a shingle roof.
Metal roofs do not attract lightning.
When Metal Roofing Makes Sense
Low-slope roof sections, where shingles do not shed water well.
Modern and farmhouse-style homes with long, simple roof lines.
Homes where the owners plan to stay for many years.
Related Questions
Can a metal roof be installed over shingles?
Some metal roofing systems allow it, but removing the old roof lets the decking be checked before the new roof goes on. We can go over the options during your inspection.
Does a metal roof make a house hotter?
No. Metal roofs with reflective finishes can reflect more heat than dark shingles.
Will my HOA allow a metal roof?
Many North Texas HOAs allow stone-coated steel roofing, and some allow standing seam. Check your HOA guidelines before you order materials.
How long does each type of roof last?
A shingle roof in North Texas typically lasts 15 to 20 years, and hail can shorten that. A metal roof can last for decades when it is installed correctly.
