Types of Roofing for Homes and Businesses

You want a new roof? You’ve got options. And we’ve got the information to help you do your research, whether you’re looking for a new roof for your home or your business.

Let’s jump into the nitty gritty of each type of roof, their pros and cons, how long they last, how much they cost — you know, all the stuff you should know before you pick your next roof.

METAL FLAT + LOW-SLOPE SHINGLE

METAL ROOFING

Equally at home out in the boonies and in hip neighborhoods like Fountain Square, metal roofing has made a big splash in recent years.

No wonder — it looks great, lasts even longer, and is completely recyclable. That’s a big win for the planet and an even bigger win for your roof.

PROS

Rustic, timeless look
Super long-lasting
100% recyclable

CONS

Can be pricier than other roofing materials

We’re Real Metalheads.

Good: the pitter-patter of rain on a metal roof.

Bad: the drip-drip of leaks after you get your metal roof installed by someone who doesn’t know what the heck they’re doing.

Metal roofing is real easy to get real wrong — trust us, we’ve seen it in action. We won’t name names, but what we WILL say is that we’ve been called in to fix metal roofs that the other guys installed the wrong way.

Our metal roofs are made, coated and fabricated right here in the state by Indiana Metal. They’re custom-made to be watertight, so the only leaks you’ll have are tears of joy when your metal roof gets done the right way the first time around.

Metal Roofing Made For Hoosiers, By Hoosiers

Anyone can slap a metal roof on your house, even the big, national roofing guys. But it takes a true Hoosier to do metal roofs the right way to withstand whatever weather Indiana can throw at it.

When we say we’re local, we mean it right down to the materials we use. Our metal roofs are sourced from 3 major metal manufacturers right here in Indiana — in Lawrence, Greenfield and Bainbridge, for those playing along at home.

That means our metal roofs are born and bred for the highs and lows of Indiana weather. During the sweltering summer, your Hoosier-made metal roof will reflect heat to keep your energy bill down. And come wintertime, you’ll avoid the leaks and ice damming that can come with asphalt roofs.

When it’s time to pick your metal roof, pick one that was built to weather it all — just like any born-and-bred Hoosier.

TYPES OF METAL ROOF

Ready to get full-on custom? There are all sorts of decisions you can make about your metal roof, from the materials it’s made from to the way it’s installed on your home or business. Here are the major choices you’ll make when choosing your metal roof.

PROS

First things first, not all metal roofs are built equal. Choosing the thickness and strength of the steel panels is one of the most important choices you’ll make about your new roof. There are different panel widths, rib heights, and thickness gauges to choose from, all of which have an impact on how your metal roof will look.

STYLE

Just like other roofing types, metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles that you can completely customize. There are a wide variety of color coatings available, including premium and special-order colors that will help your roof stand apart. You also have customizable trim options, like rake and hip metal pieces.

INSTALLATION

Last but not least, you get to choose how your metal roof will be installed. There are two options here to be aware of: exposed fastener systems and concealed fastener systems.

Exposed fastener systems (a.k.a “ag” or “barn” panels)

Visible screws and fasteners across panels and trim
Less expensive
Panels are top-screwed into the roof deck

Concealed fastener systems (a.k.a. standing seam panels)

No visible screws or fasteners
More expensive
Panels are fastened directly to the roof deck or to clips onto the roof deck
In our humble opinion, the best way to install a metal roof

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last?

Here’s probably the coolest thing about metal roofs — they last a long time. Like, a LONG, long time. We’re talking somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 to 70 years. That’s nearly 4 times as long as shingle roofs can last on the high side.

That super long lifespan is because metal roofs don’t crack or corrode like some other types of roofing. Your metal roof isn’t a purchase, it’s an investment that will last a lifetime. Unless you’ve got more than 70 years left in you, but by then roofs will probably be made from lasers or something.

How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost?

You’d think that metal would cost a ton more than traditional asphalt shingles, right? You’d be surprised! At the end of the day, the cost of an entry-level metal roof is actually pretty comparable to shingles, give or take a few hundred bucks.

If you’re looking for a top-shelf metal roof using higher-grade metal, that’s where things start to get pricey. A top-of-the-line metal roof could end up costing you twice as much as a shingle roof, but that’s only if you want to go full pinkies-out fancy.

Installation costs also vary, depending on whether you want screws to be visible on your metal roof. Exposed fastener systems will run you less than concealed fastener systems since they’re quicker and easier to install.

If you want a better idea of how much a metal roof will set you back, schedule a free inspection with Bryant Roofing. The inspection, the service call, the estimate — it’s all on the house (much like your new metal roof will be).

Let’s Put The Pedal To The Metal

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FLAT ROOFING

Homes, businesses — flat roofing is popping up everywhere lately. For good reason, too! Flat roof systems are an affordable option that offer tons of benefits.

Aside from the modern aesthetic, flat roof systems offer energy efficiency and ease of installation that can’t be beat. Whether you call ‘em flat roofs, rubber roofs or low-slope roofs, we can help you pick the right system for your needs.

PROS

Modern look
Room for entertainment space. Rooftop party, anyone?
Affordability
Energy efficiency

CONS

Require more maintenance (recommended every 5 years)

Types of Flat Roof

There are all sorts of options when it comes to flat top and low-slope roofs, but here are the absolute basics to help you understand your choices.

For residential jobs, we use a snap-lock flat roof system. They’re affordable, easy to install, and offer great energy savings throughout the years.

For commercial jobs, we use mechanically seamed low-slope systems. Compared to commercial flat roofs, these are heavier-duty with a longer life and longer warranty. We offer TPO, EPDM and metal panel systems — bonus points if you already know the difference!

How Much Does Flat Roofing Cost?

Flat roofs are becoming popular for a handful of reasons, and their affordability is definitely a selling point. Compared to other roof types, flat roofs are generally less expensive to install and have lower repair costs. That’s more money in your pocket today and down the road.

A TPO roof costs a bit more upfront, but the cost evens out over the years thanks to energy savings. EPDM roofs won’t cost you as much out of pocket, but don’t offer the energy savings of a TPO system.

Schedule a free inspection with Bryant Roofing and we’ll give you a better idea of how much a flat roof might cost you. We don’t charge any inspection fees, service fees or any of that BS — so get your free flat roof estimate and let’s get this party started.

How Long Does A Flat Roof Last?

Residential flat roofs can last up to 25 years if they’re well taken care of. It all depends on how much of a beating they take from storm damage and other wear and tear.

For commercial low-slope systems, a TPO roof generally lasts between 10-25 years and an EPDM roof can last up to 40 years. That’s quite the difference, and it all comes down to the fact that EPDM has been around for decades longer than TPO. TPO may be the new kid on the block, but EPDM is a tried and true solution that goes the distance.

The big thing for flat roofs of all varieties is maintenance. Flat roofs rely on seams and penetration flashings to remain 100% weathertight, so it’s a good idea to have a professional hop up there and ensure everything is working as it should every 5 years or so.

Flat Roof Estimates In No Time Flat

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SHINGLE ROOFING

They call them “classics” for a reason. Shingle roofs are tried, true, most of what we do here at Bryant Roofing.

Shingle roofs are durable, affordable and super customizable, so you can get the roof of your dreams without breaking the bank.

PROS

Classic look
Tons of color and style options
Durable
Affordable
Energy efficient

CONS

Susceptible to storm damage
Critters love to gnaw on ‘em

Types of SHINGLE Roof

Holy moly, there are a lot of options when it comes to shingle roofs! Picking from a wide array of colors and shades is probably your first priority, but the customization goes a few levels deeper when it comes to shingles.

First up, we’ve got shingle styles. There are 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles that mimic cedar shake, designer shingles that mimic slate tiles — long story short, you’ve got plenty of options for customizing how your shingles will look.

Next up, there’s price point. Shingles are broken into a few different categories, from your standard or entry-level shingles to designer and luxury ones. Designer and luxury options carry a higher price tag for good reason: not only are they made out of higher-quality materials, they also boast better impact ratings and may have algae resistance and other warranties to consider.

So there you have it. Color, style and price point are all things to consider when choosing a shingle roof for your home or business. If you need help picking a design, Bryant has an eye for great-looking roofs. We’re happy to help!

How Long Does A SHINGLE Roof Last?

When you work with the other guys? 30 years tops. When you work with Bryant Roofing? A lifetime. Literally.

Bryant Roofing is a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator. That means our shingle roofs for residential properties are backed by the manufacturer’s Lifetime Limited Warranty. We’ll show you all the fine print before we start the job, but suffice it to say that you’re covered for a long, long time.

How Much Does SHINGLE Roofing Cost?

Shingle roofs are the gold standard for affordability. The cost of installation is lower than other types of roof, and their durability means they don’t need expensive repairs that often.

If you’re shingle and ready to mingle, let’s kick things off with a free estimate. We can give you a better idea of the cost of your new shingle roof, without any of the service or inspection fees the other guys charge.

MEET HOT SHINGLES IN YOUR AREA

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