FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A professional roofing contractor can let you know if your roof needs to be replaced or not, but here are a few ways you can check yourself: If you have a shingle roof that’s over 20 years old, it’s probably ready to be replaced Visually inspect your roof by walking around it and looking for signs of cracks, missing shingles, or curled up shingles Take a flashlight into your attic and look for signs of water leaks, including wet spots or water damage

Shield Exteriors is your #1 metal roofing contractor in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for an affordable metal roof or the most high-end option on the market, we can install it for you! Metal Roofing in Fort Wayne, IN When it comes to installing a metal roof on your Fort Wayne home, you have a few different options to choose from: Ribbed Metal Roof – A ribbed metal roof is built using large, ribbed metal panels. While it’s the most affordable type of metal roof, it’s still extremely durable and tends to outlast asphalt shingles. Standing Seam Metal Roof – Standing seam metal roofs are a bit more visually appealing than ribbed metal roofs. The name refers to the way the metal panels are connected together; the fasteners are hidden by a seam so nothing is exposed to the elements. Metal Shingles – If you want one of the most durable roofs money can buy, but still love the traditional look of shingles, a metal shingle roof could be perfect!

Yes, a metal roof is proven to increase your home’s value by up to 6%. Plus, you’ll likely recoup up to 96% of the cost to install the metal roof depending on the state you live in. What’s also great for your home’s value is when a roofing company offers a double lifetime warranty. Here at Shield Exteriors, we provide a TRUE, accident-free, double lifetime warranty so you can feel confident with your purchase. We cover anything that might happen to the roof, including weather-related issues, and the warranty transfers to the next owner of your home. Pros & Cons of a Metal Roof Wondering if a metal roof is worth the cost? We can assure you that it is, but here are a few pros and cons so you can decide for yourself. Pros of a Metal Roof Extremely weather-resistant Low-maintenance Last 50+ years Energy efficient, lowers utility bills Variety of styles and colors Easy to install solar panels Cons of a Metal Roof More expensive upfront Higher labor costs compared to asphalt shingles It might be a bit noisy during rainstorms

We don’t want to say you get what you pay for, but… it’s true when it comes to the quality of the roof you install on your home. Metal roofs are absolutely worth the extra cost and here’s why: Metal roofs last longer – A metal roof has 2-3x the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof depending on the material you choose. While an asphalt shingle roof might last 12-30 years, a metal roof can last 50-80+ years and will likely be the last roof you ever have to purchase. Metal roofs require less maintenance – While a metal roof still needs to be maintained, it’s much less intensive than the maintenance of an asphalt roof. Simply keep the metal panels and gutters clean, replace any damaged fasteners and metal panels, and have the roof inspected every 12-18 months. A metal roof increases the value of your home – Whether you plan to stay in your home for a long time or are looking to sell in the next few years, a metal roof is still a solid investment. Why? A metal roof can increase your home’s value by up to 6%, and you’ll likely recoup 96% of the money you put into it. Metal roofs are environmentally friendly – Metal roofs are a great eco-friendly option. They’re usually made out of recycled materials and are easier to dispose of than asphalt. Plus, they help your home be more eco-friendly by lowering electricity bills; reflecting sunlight and heat to keep your home cool during summer, and insulating your heat during winter. Pros & Cons of a Metal Roof Wondering if a metal roof is worth the cost? We can assure you that it is, but here are a few pros and cons so you can decide for yourself. Pros of a Metal Roof Extremely weather-resistant Low-maintenance Last 50+ years Energy efficient, lowers utility bills Variety of styles and colors Easy to install solar panels Cons of a Metal Roof More expensive upfront Higher labor costs compared to asphalt shingles It might be a bit noisy during rainstorms

A metal roof can easily last up to 80 years and could very well be the last roof you ever have to put on your house — it’s extremely durable, weather-resistant, and cost-effective. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely maintenance-free. We’ve installed roofs in the Indiana area for decades, so we know what it takes to properly maintain a metal roof. Here’s what you need to know about how long a metal roof is expected to last and what you can do to prolong your investment. The Average Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof While metal roofs can last around 50-80 years, the average lifespan of a metal roof depends on the type of metal roof you’re having installed. Here’s what you can expect for each type of metal roof material: Ribbed metal roof – 50+ years Standing seam metal roof – 50+ years Metal shingle roof – 80 years This is great news for anyone who needs to put a long-lasting roof on their home or is looking into buying a home that already has a metal roof installed. When you have a new metal roof on your house, it might not ever need to be replaced. Metal Roof Maintenance While a metal roof requires much less attention than an asphalt shingle roof, there are still a few things you should know about how to maintain a metal roof: Schedule annual inspections so a professional roofing contractor can identify any areas of concern, damage, or weakness. Clean off your metal roof regularly. This job is best left to the professionals, as they’ll know how to properly clean your metal roof without damaging the paint or metal panels. Clean out debris gutters, drains, and valleys. If water pools up in these areas, it could start to corrode the metal. Replace any damaged or loose screws, especially if your metal roof has exposed fasteners (like a ribbed metal roof). You might have to repaint it every 20 years or so, as the color will eventually start to fade. Without proper maintenance, you could be left with expensive repairs or need to replace your metal roofer sooner than expected. We always recommend metal roofs to our customers because we know that, in the long run, it’s going to be the best choice. These are a few reasons why metal roofs last so much longer than other types of roofing materials. Metal is More Durable Than Asphalt Whether you opt for a standing seam metal roof with panels or metal shingles, the material is extremely durable. It can withstand strong winds, rain, snow, and potential damage from debris. In general, it’s much less susceptible to damage. A tree branch that could’ve put a hole through asphalt shingles might just leave a small dent in your metal roof. Metal Roofs are Weather Resistant Not only can a metal roof stay strong in the face of water damage threats from rain and snow, but it also does well with extreme temperature changes. If you live in Indiana or Michigan, you know how extreme the seasons can get: we have hot summers and cold winters. These dramatic temperature changes cause your roof to expand and contract, which could easily cause damage if it wasn’t the right material or if it was installed incorrectly. Luckily, the way a metal roof is installed allows for this natural expansion and contraction, so it can keep up with the seasons. Metal roofs are also resistant to mildew, fire, and insects, unlike asphalt shingle roofs.

Have you ever heard of an Accident Free Lifetime Metal Roof Warranty? We’re not surprised. Shield Exteriors is the ONLY roofing company in the Midwest offering this amazing warranty. Our TRUE Double Lifetime Accident Free Metal Roofing Warranty (wow, that was a mouthful!) is unmatched. Other roofing companies don’t touch this kind of warranty because they can’t back it up like we can. How are we able to offer such a strong warranty? Because we believe in our products and services, and we want this to be the last roof you ever have to put on your home. We know it’s a long name for a warranty, but we want you to know exactly what our warranty includes. Here’s some more detail on each part of our unique metal roof warranty. Transferable Metal Roofing Warranty What exactly is a double lifetime warranty? It means the warranty is transferable to the next owner of your home should you decide to sell it. This is a huge pro to prospective buyers when selling your house. Not only will they have the benefits of an incredibly safe, reliable roof, but they’ll have a warranty that covers anything that could happen to it. Accident Free No matter what happens to your roof, Shield Exteriors has you covered. We’re the only roofing company in all of Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio with a warranty that includes accident coverage. Our warranty includes: Accidents Storm damage Did a tree fall during a storm and damage your roof? Did high winds cause damage? We will fix your roof so it’s good as new! Our Roofing Services Do you know your house needs a new roof but aren’t sure which kind to get? Our roofing experts can break down your options. We provide both metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofs. Our roofing services include: Metal ribbed roof – This type of roof lasts nearly twice as long as asphalt shingles and comes at a similar price. Standing seam metal roof – requires less maintenance than other types of roofs, plus it adds a sleek, modern look to your home. Metal shingle roof – A metal shingle roof is durable and looks great. Asphalt shingle roof – while we primarily install metal roofs, we also offer asphalt shingle roofs. These come with a lifetime warranty.

A metal roof is one of the best investments you can make in your home. There’s a reason the demand for residential roofing is on the rise over the last few years — homeowners are finally realizing it’s a much better investment than other types of roofs. Here are some of the best benefits of metal roofs. Learn more about how a metal roof can help you save money and improve the resale value of your home while being environmentally friendly! Top 7 Benefits of a Metal Roof There are many benefits to choosing a residential metal roof. As experienced metal roof installers, we know we’re a bit biased. However, we’re still here to present you with the best information possible! It Can Last 50+ Years (And Might Be the Last Roof You Buy!) It Can Last 50+ Years (And Might Be the Last Roof You Buy!) The longevity of a metal roof is only as good as the contractors who installed it. If your metal roof is installed by a Metal Roofing Alliance Member Contractor (like Shield Exteriors!), it can last 50+ years! This is a HUGE benefit — an asphalt shingle roof usually needs to be replaced every 15-20 years. A metal roof can outlast the lives of 2-3 lower-quality roofs! It could be the last roof you’ll ever need to buy. Work With a Member of the MRA Members of the MRA are held to a high standard and are confirmed to have the training required to correctly install a metal roof. Unlike an asphalt roof, metal roof installation requires a higher level of training and experience to get the job done right. Make sure you pick the best roofing contractors for the job! Metal Roofs Are Extremely Weather-resistant Metal roofs are very weather-resistant. They can withstand high winds, heavy snow, extreme rainstorms, hurricanes, hail, and even wildfires. A metal roof won’t shrink, crack, or erode like asphalt roofs do. They’re also great at shedding rainwater and snow, which means you’ll have less risk of leaks and water damage. They’re Cost-effective While a metal roof is more expensive upfront, it pays off in the long run. Instead of replacing your asphalt roof every 15-20 years, a metal roof can last a solid 50+ years. Even if a metal roof is twice the cost of the asphalt roof you received a quote on, you’ll have to buy two to three asphalt roofs by the time a metal roof needs to be replaced. It could very well be the last roof you ever have to put on your home! Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Here’s what makes a metal roof so cost-effective: Longevity – You won’t have to replace a metal roof nearly as often as an asphalt shingle roof. Save money on energy costs – Metal roofs reflect sunlight and heat, so you won’t have to pay as much to keep your home cool during the summer months. It’s also a great insulator during winter, helping your home retain its heat. Less maintenance than other types of roofs – Metal roofs don’t require much maintenance. You won’t have to replace eroded asphalt shingles, patch leaks, or replace damage like asphalt shingles. That said, we still recommend getting an annual inspection just to make sure everything’s safe and sound. It’s the Most Environmentally-friendly Roof Metal roofs are the most sustainable roofing option available. Here’s why: they’re 100% recyclable. Plus, depending on the metal panels you choose, they’re usually made with at least 25% recycled material. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are difficult to recycle and usually end up in landfills. Metal roofs aren’t replaced as often, meaning less waste in general, and can be recycled when the time comes. Energy Efficiency Metal reflects sunlight and heat, meaning you’ll use less energy to keep your home cool during the summer. Plus, you’ll save on your electric bill! Other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, hold onto heat, making it more difficult to cool down your home when it’s hot outside. Cool-Metal Roofing Cool-metal roofing is a special finish. It’s highly reflective and contains special cooling pigments, allowing the roof to reflect even more solar energy and keeping the surface temperature of the roof low. They’re Easy to Take Care Of Another one of our favorite benefits of metal roofs is they require barely any maintenance, especially when compared to an asphalt shingle roof. Not only is a metal roof able to withstand severe weather, but it’s also resistant to fungus and moss buildup. Instead of having to replace damaged or rotting shingles every year or two, you’ll only need annual inspections! You’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof is one less thing about your home you have to worry about. All that’s involved with metal roof maintenance is: Annual inspection Paint touch-ups Clearing any debris Boosts Your Home’s Resale Value A home with a metal roof can be much more attractive to potential buyers than a home with an asphalt roof. According to the MRA, on average, houses with a metal roof see up to a 6% gain in resale value compared to homes with an asphalt roof. Should you decide to sell your home, you’ll likely recoup 85-95% of the cost of the roof! Drawbacks of a Metal Roof Nothing is ever going to be perfect. While there are a few drawbacks to a metal roof, we believe the benefits far outweigh them. Price It’s true. Metal roofs are more expensive than their asphalt shingle counterparts. However, this depends on the type of metal roof we’re talking about. For example, here’s how the pricing works: Ribbed metal roof – A ribbed metal roof is the most affordable type of metal roof. The price is usually about the same as asphalt shingles but lasts twice as long. Standing seam metal roof – A standing seam metal roof is a great option. It’s more expensive than a ribbed metal roof, however, it has a more modern look. A lot of customers prefer a standing seam over a ribbed metal roof. Metal shingle roof – This is the most expensive metal roof. However, it offers a more traditional “roof” look compared to the modern standing seam option. Noise As you might have guessed, a metal roof will be slightly noisier than other roofing materials. It won’t be anything too loud, but you’ll definitely notice it during a rainstorm. That said, some people actually love the noise of rain on a metal roof! Benefits of a Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles These are the main differences between a metal roof and asphalt shingles. (For an in-depth explanation, check out our guide on metal roof vs. shingles.) Lower energy costs. You will have lower energy costs with a metal roof compared to asphalt shingles. Metal roofs reflect sunlight and heat, so you won’t need to use nearly as much energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside! Less maintenance. Asphalt shingles can be a bit high maintenance, especially if you have a lot of rain, snow, or live under trees that cause debris to build up on your roof. In comparison, metal roofs require barely any maintenance. Stronger durability. Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingles. Whether it’s extreme weather, moss buildup, insects, or rot, a metal roof won’t be bothered by it. Plus, they last 50+ years compared to the 15-20 year life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof. More appealing. There are tons of colors and styles to choose from when it comes to metal roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs don’t have as many options.

If any issues are discovered during your inspection, it’s important to take care of them. If you’re missing a shingle or have a few cracked shingles, it’s best to get them replaced now before they turn into a larger (and more expensive) problem. Getting ahead of the small stuff will help your roof last longer overall, as having a properly-maintained roof means you’re protecting the structure underneath. Plus, one of the huge pros of a shingle roof is that it’s easy and affordable to replace a shingle here and there. How Weather Affects a Roof’s Lifespan While this is out of your control, the weather where you live also plays a large part in how long your roof will last. For example, if you live in a place where it rains all the time, an asphalt shingle roof won’t last as long as it would in a place that’s dryer, as it’ll be more prone to deterioration, leaks, mold, and debris buildup. Also, a metal shingle roof is much more weather-resistant than asphalt shingles. States with extreme temperature changes like we see here in Indiana can be a lot rougher on asphalt roofing. A metal roof will last longer than an asphalt one even in places with more severe weather. Living somewhere with more severe rain and/or snow just means you have to be even more on top of your regular maintenance. After a storm, it’s important to clear off any debris left on your roof, make sure water isn’t pooling up anywhere, and have your shingles inspected for damage.

Choosing Shield Exteriors to install your roof has many benefits, including: Double Lifetime Warranty – We hold a 5-star standard of service and take pride in our work. We provide a TRUE double lifetime warranty on every single metal roof we sell. We Guarantee Our Work – We stand behind our work 100% no matter what happens, whether it is weather-related or accidental. No need to work with your insurance company, we will handle everything for you. Competitive, Affordable Financing – Our flexible financing options include $0 down and interest rates under 5% (based on approved credit). We offer 100% financing, with payments as low as $69/month. Local Roofing Company Serving Fort Wayne Having a metal roof installed on your home is no simple feat. Metal roofing contractors need to be experienced, diligent, and have a promise to back up their work. Here at Shield Exteriors, we’re all of the above and more. Our team is dedicated to protecting your most valuable assets — your home and family. With over 100 years of combined experience, we’ve been serving the state of Indiana for years, with thousands of happy customers.