Metal Roof vs. Shingles in Tulsa: Hail, Wind and Heat Compared
Metal comes up more after every hail season. Here is how it compares with shingles in northeast Oklahoma.
Most new roofs in the Tulsa area are architectural asphalt shingles, but metal comes up more every year, especially after a bad hail season. Here is how the two compare on the things that matter in northeast Oklahoma.
The Main Types
- Architectural shingles: the usual choice; available in standard and Class 4 impact-resistant lines.
- Standing seam metal: long vertical panels with raised seams and hidden fasteners.
- Exposed-fastener metal panels: common on barns and outbuildings, less so on houses.
- Stone-coated steel: metal shingles or panels with a granule finish that look like shingles, shake or tile.
Hail
Hail is the biggest roof risk in the Tulsa metro. Class 4 shingles are tested to resist cracking from impacts. Metal rarely cracks or leaks from hail, but large stones can dent smooth panels, and the dents stay. Stone-coated and textured finishes hide them better. See Class 4 impact-resistant shingles.
Wind
Properly fastened standing seam handles high wind well, and architectural shingles installed with the maker's high-wind nailing pattern do too. In both cases, the edges and ridge are where installation quality shows. See wind and your roof.
Heat
Light-colored and coated metal reflects much of the summer sun. Shingles absorb more heat, though lighter colors and good attic ventilation help. See roof color and Tulsa heat.
Lifespan and Installation
Metal generally has a longer service life than asphalt shingles, but it takes a crew trained on the specific system, and the trim, flashing and fasteners have to be right. Shingles are quicker to install and easier to match on a later addition.
Which One Fits Your House?
- Want the look most Tulsa homes have, with strong hail resistance: Class 4 architectural shingles.
- Want long life and summer heat reflection, and the HOA allows it: standing seam.
- Want a shingle or shake look in metal: stone-coated steel.
More in roofing materials for the Tulsa climate and impact-resistant roofing.
