Choosing the right roof is a crucial decision for any homeowner in Northeast Indiana. With the area’s unpredictable mix of hot, humid summers, heavy snowfall, icy winters, and sudden storms, your roof isn’t just a cosmetic feature—it’s your home’s first line of defense against the elements.

Homeowners in Auburn, Fort Wayne, Kendallville, and surrounding towns often find themselves weighing two reliable roofing options: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. While both provide strong protection and visual appeal, they differ significantly in cost, lifespan, performance, and maintenance.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons of each, compares them side by side, and helps you choose the roofing system that best matches your needs and budget.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing: A Proven Favorite

Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material across the U.S.—and for good reason. They are cost-effective, versatile, and backed by decades of proven performance, particularly in residential neighborhoods throughout Northeast Indiana.

Advantages of Shingle Roofing:

• Affordable Upfront Cost: Shingle roofingis more budget-friendly to install. Labor is typically less expensive, and the material itself is widely available.
• Style Variety: Whether you want a classic three-tab look or more dimensional architectural shingles, asphalt offers endless design options. Premium designer shingles can even replicate slate or cedar.
• Easier to Repair: When only a few shingles are damaged (e.g., by a branch or hail), they can be replaced individually, avoiding full panel replacements.
• Quieter Indoors: Asphalt’s layered structure absorbs sound well, reducing rain and hail noise.
• Widespread Availability: Nearly every roofing contractor has experience installing asphalt shingles, making scheduling and pricing more flexible.

Disadvantages of Shingle Roofing:

• Shorter Lifespan: Standard shingles last 15–20 years, while high-quality architectural options may reach 30 years. This often means a second roof replacement within a home’s lifetime.
• Vulnerable to Weather: Indiana’s hailstorms and high winds can dislodge or damage shingles. Granule loss over time also reduces UV protection.
• Higher Maintenance: Shingles can develop moss, algae, or curling—especially in shaded or humid areas.
• Environmental Concerns: Made from petroleum-based materials and often non-recyclable. Most old shingles end up in landfills.

Metal Roofing: A Modern, High-Performance Upgrade

Long associated with commercial or agricultural buildings, metal roofinghas evolved into a sleek, durable option for residential homes. Today’s metal roofs are not only weather-tough—they’re stylish, sustainable, and energy-efficient.

Advantages of Metal Roofing:

• Exceptional Lifespan: Most metal roofs last 40–70 years with minimal wear. Many come with 50-year manufacturer warranties.
• Superior Weather Protection: Designed to handle snow loads, hail impacts, and wind gusts up to 140 mph. Perfect for Indiana’s storm-prone seasons.
• Energy Savings: Reflective coatings bounce solar heat away from the home, reducing cooling costs during peak summer months.
• Minimal Maintenance: Metal roofs don’t warp, crack, or support moss/algae growth. Just occasional cleaning is typically needed.
• Eco-Friendly: Most panels are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of life.
  
  
• Lightweight Yet Strong: Puts less stress on rafters, making it ideal for older or historic homes undergoing upgrades.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

• Higher Upfront Investment: Material and installation costs are steeper than shingles. However, you typically save over time due to longevity and lower upkeep.
• Noise Potential: Metal can be noisier in storms, though this is largely mitigated by proper underlayment and attic insulation.
• Denting: Very large hailstones can occasionally dent panels—though most modern metal roofing systems are rated highly for impact resistance.
• Aesthetic Misconceptions: While some homeowners still envision a “barn roof” look, modern metal roofs come in standing seam, shingles, and even shake-style profiles.
• Specialized Installation Required: Choose a contractor experienced specifically in metal roofing to avoid issues with fastener placement, flashing, or ventilation.

Metal vs. Shingle: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Northeast Indiana

1. Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Shingles: Lower initial cost. Great for short- to mid-term ownership.

Metal: Higher upfront, but rarely needs replacing. Long-term savings through energy efficiency and fewer replacements.

2. Lifespan & Durability

Shingles: 20–30 years with architectural-grade options.

Metal: 40–70+ years, highly resistant to Indiana’s ice storms, snow, and hail.

3. Weather Protection

Shingles: Can be lifted or cracked by high winds and hail. Prone to granule loss.

Metal: Withstands extreme conditions with fewer performance issues.

4. Maintenance Needs

Shingles: May need moss removal, granule monitoring, and periodic shingle replacement.

Metal: Virtually maintenance-free aside from cleaning debris and checking fasteners over time.

5. Energy Efficiency

Shingles: Standard options absorb heat; reflective varieties available but less common.

Metal: Deflects radiant heat, helping reduce attic temps and energy bills.

6. Sustainability

Shingles: Petroleum-based and often non-recyclable.

Metal: Eco-conscious and recyclable, with minimal environmental footprint.

JMS Exteriors: What We Offer (and Don’t Offer)

At JMS Exteriors LLC, we specialize in new roof installations only. We do not offer repairs of any kind. If you’re replacing a storm-damaged or aging roof, we’re here to help you upgrade your entire system with expert craftsmanship and premium materials.

Important Inspection Note:

We only provide inspections for shingle roofs—specifically GAF-certified shingles. Metal roofs are not part of our inspection service.

If you’re considering GAF architectural shingles, we’ll help you evaluate your current system and guide you toward the best possible replacement.

When to Choose Shingle vs. Metal

Choose Asphalt Shingles if:

• You’re working within a modest budget
• You prefer a traditional look
• You’re not planning to stay in the home longer than 15–20 years

Choose Metal Roofing if:

• You want to make a long-term investment
• You prioritize low maintenance and high durability
• You’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability

No matter your choice, professional installation is key to long-term performance. That’s where JMS Exteriors comes in.

Why Homeowners Across Northeast Indiana Trust JMS Exteriors

With years of experience serving Fort Wayne, Auburn, and surrounding areas, JMS Exteriors LLC is committed to delivering honest guidance and top-tier workmanship. We don’t pressure you into one roofing type—we help you understand your options, whether you’re leaning toward the dependable appeal of architectural shingles or the long-lasting strength of a metal roof.

We use only premium roofing materials, follow strict manufacturer guidelines, and take pride in clean, timely installations that stand the test of time.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between metal and shingle roofing in Northeast Indiana. Your decision depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, your style preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

Asphalt shingles offer traditional charm and lower upfront costs, while metal roofs deliver unmatched longevity, energy savings, and strength in extreme weather. Whichever path you choose, trust JMS Exteriors LLC to guide you through the process and deliver a roof you can count on for decades to come.

FAQs: Roofing in Northeast Indiana

Q1: Do you offer inspections for metal roofs?

A1: No. We only inspect shingle roofs.

Q2: Will a metal roof be loud during storms?

A2: Not with proper insulation and underlayment.

Q3: How long will asphalt shingles last?

A3: Usually 20–30 years with proper care.

Q4: Is metal roofing really more energy-efficient?

A4: Yes—it reflects sunlight and reduces cooling costs.

Q5: Does JMS offer roofing repairs?

A5: No. We install new roofing systems only.