In Illinois, your roof has to do more than look good. It has to stand up to heavy snow, spring hailstorms, summer heat, and strong winds that can roll in without much warning. Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home. It affects not only how your house looks, but how well it’s protected for decades to come.
At Great Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve clear, steady guidance instead of being pressured. Let’s take a thoughtful look at asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing, and what makes the most sense for homes across Illinois.
A Simple Overview: Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles
Both asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing are great choices. Each has strengths, and each serves a different type of homeowner and budget.
Metal roofing is known for its durability and long lifespan. It sheds snow easily and can resist high winds. Many homeowners are drawn to its modern appearance and extended performance.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, remain the most widely used residential roofing material in Illinois. They are versatile, cost-effective, and well-suited to our climate. With proper installation and ventilation, they provide dependable protection year after year.
At Great Roofing, we focus exclusively on asphalt shingle systems and low-slope roofing solutions. That focus allows us to refine our craftsmanship, maintain strict quality control, and ensure every project meets the high standards we’ve built over multiple generations in this industry.
Why We Specialize in Asphalt Roofing
Metal roofing certainly has its place. But in Illinois, asphalt shingles continue to offer one of the best balances of cost, performance, and long-term value.
By concentrating on asphalt systems, we are able to:
- Deliver consistent, high-quality installations
- Offer a range of shingle styles to match different homes
- Provide dependable storm repair and insurance claim support
- Ensure long-term performance through detailed workmanship
Our role isn’t to sell what we don’t install. It’s to protect homes the right way, with materials we trust and experience we stand behind.
Asphalt Shingle Options We Offer
Not all asphalt shingles are the same. At Great Roofing, we install several types to meet the needs of Illinois homeowners.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are the most popular option today. They offer dimensional depth, enhanced wind resistance, and improved durability compared to basic three-tab shingles. They’re a strong, dependable choice for most homes in our region.
Premium Shingles
For homeowners looking to elevate curb appeal, premium shingles provide enhanced texture and design. They can copy the look of slate or wood shake while maintaining the performance advantages of asphalt.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Illinois sees its share of hailstorms. Impact-resistant shingles are engineered to better withstand hail impact and flying debris. While no roof is indestructible, this option can add an extra layer of protection in storm-prone areas.
Granulated Modified Bitumen (Low-Slope Roofing)
For low-slope sections or certain residential applications, we install granulated modified bitumen systems. These are designed to handle water runoff properly and provide durable performance where traditional shingles aren’t appropriate.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: A Practical Comparison
When comparing asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing, it helps to look at the factors that matter most.
Cost
Asphalt shingles usually will have a lower upfront cost. For many Illinois homeowners, that makes them a practical, budget-conscious choice.
Metal roofing often requires a higher initial investment, which can be substantial depending on the size and complexity of the home.
Longevity
Metal roofs can last longer than asphalt in ideal conditions. However, modern architectural shingles offer impressive durability and can provide decades of dependable protection when properly installed and maintained.
Storm Performance
Metal roofing handles snow shedding well and performs strongly in wind.
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are specifically designed to handle hail, which is a common concern in Illinois. When installed correctly and supported by proper ventilation, asphalt systems perform reliably in our climate.
Repairs and Insurance Claims
One advantage of asphalt shingles is repair accessibility. If storm damage occurs, affected sections can often be repaired without replacing the entire roof.
At Great Roofing, we also provide insurance claims assistance. We work directly with insurance companies to help ensure homeowners receive fair settlements after storm damage. That support can make a stressful situation far more manageable.
Appearance
Metal offers a distinctive, modern look.
Asphalt shingles provide versatility. With architectural and premium options, homeowners can achieve traditional, dimensional, or upscale appearances that complement nearly any home style in Illinois neighborhoods.
What Matters Most in Illinois
In our experience, the most important factors aren’t just the material; they’re the installation quality and long-term protection strategy.
A roof that is installed carefully, ventilated properly, and inspected thoroughly will outperform one that is rushed or poorly executed, regardless of material.
That’s why our process emphasizes:
- Clear, consistent communication
- Complimentary estimates
- Detailed production quality control
- Honest evaluations
- Long-term protection, not quick fixes
We are a family-owned and operated company built on multiple generations of roofing experience. Our role is to guide homeowners through decisions with steadiness and clarity, not urgency.
Let’s Protect Your Home the Right Way
If you’re weighing asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing for your Illinois home, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
While we specialize in asphalt roofing systems, we’re always happy to discuss your options, explain the differences clearly, and provide a complimentary estimate tailored to your home. Whether you’re planning a replacement, recovering from storm damage, or navigating an insurance claim, Great Roofing stands ready to walk alongside you.
Because in the end, it’s not just about roofing materials. It’s about protecting your home and your peace of mind for years to come.