3 Best Metal Roofing Shingles We Actually Install in 2026 (A Contractor's Honest Review)

When choosing metal roofing shingles, the options that actually hold up long term are the ones that balance good looks with real durability — we're talking steel or aluminum cores that can handle whatever Northeast Ohio throws at them.

We've been installing metal roofing shingles on homes in Cleveland, Bedford Heights, and all across the region for years. And honestly, after all those installs, three products keep coming out on top every time.

The three residential metal roofing shingles we recommend and install most are Gerard Stone Coated Steel, Boral Steel (formerly Decra), and Classic Metal Roofing Systems. Below we'll break down why — and which one probly fits your house best.

Why Metal Shingles In The First Place?

I get this question all the time. "Why not just do asphalt again?" Fair question. Here's what I tell people:

"My neighbor replaced her asphalt roof three times in 18 years. The ice dams kept coming back every winter, the shingles blew off in wind storms, and she spent close to $30k total. She finally switched to metal shingles. That was six years ago. She hasn't thought about her roof since."

That story isn't unique. We hear it constantly from homeowners in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding areas. Northeast Ohio is rough on roofs — heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, summer hail, wind gusts off Lake Erie. Metal roofing just handles all of that better than traditional shingles.

But not all metal shingles are the same. That's what this post is about.

What Makes a Good Metal Shingle? (The Short Version)

• Wind resistance — At minimum 120 mph rating for our area

• Ice & water performance — Critical in Northeast Ohio winters

• Looks like a real roof — Homeowners don't want something that looks like a barn

• Warranty that actually means something — Some warranties are paper-thin

• Can we get the material? — Supply chain matters. We only recommend what we can actually source reliably

With those things in mind, here's our honest breakdown.

1. Gerard Stone Coated Steel — Our Most Recommended

If somebody asks me "just pick one" I almost always say Gerard. They've been making stone coated steel shingles since 1960 and honestly the product shows it. The stone coating gives it that classic shingle look but underneath it's steel — so it's not going anywhere.

We've installed Gerard on probably 40+ homes across Cleveland and the surrounding area in the last couple years alone. The feedback from homeowners is consistently good.

What We Like About It

✅ Pros

• Looks almost identical to asphalt from the street

• Rated for 120 mph winds

• Class 4 hail impact rating (best you can get)

• Steel core doesn't crack or curl

• Lifetime limited transferable warranty

• Handles ice dam conditions well — we've written about ice dam prevention here

❌ Cons

• More expensive than basic asphalt upfront

• Stone granules can loosen if improperly installed (this is why contractor experience matters)

• Heavier than some other metal options

Best For:

Homeowners who want the look of asphalt with the performance of metal. Great for traditional-style homes in Bedford Heights, Parma, Strongsville, and similar neighborhoods.

Rough Cost Range:

Installed, expect roughly $10–$15 per square foot depending on your roof's complexity and current condition. Want a number for your specific house? Use our free roof calculator here.

2. Boral Steel (Formerly Decra) — Best for High-End Homes

Decra got bought by Boral a while back but honestly the product quality didn't change — in fact some of the newer profiles look even better. This is what I'd call the "premium pick" for homeowners who want their roof to stand out a little more.

We did a Boral installation in Pepper Pike last fall on a home with a steep pitch and a lot of valleys — complicated roof. The homeowner was nervous the whole time. When we finished she said it looked better than the original roof the house was built with. That reaction never gets old.

What We Like About It

✅ Pros

• Multiple profiles — shake, slate, tile, and shingle looks

• Really good color retention over time

• Class 4 impact, Class A fire, 120+ mph wind

• Proven track record across 60+ countries

• 50-year warranty on most products

❌ Cons

• Most expensive option on this list

• Longer lead times sometimes — plan ahead

• Overkill if you're on a tighter budget

Best For:

Higher-end homes where curb appeal really matters. If you're in a neighborhood where roofs get noticed, Boral makes people stop and ask questions. Also excellent if you want a slate or shake look without the actual maintenance of those materials.

Rough Cost Range:

Installed, roughly $13–$18 per square foot. Premium product, premium price — but the longevity math works out for most homeowners who stay in their homes long-term. Check out our financing options if upfront cost is a concern.

3. Classic Metal Roofing Systems — Best Budget-Friendly Metal Shingle

Classic Metal Roofing Systems is an Ohio company — they're based in Greenfield. That matters to us. Local manufacturer, easier to get product, and they actually understand what Ohio winters do to a roof.

This is the option we recommend when someone says "I want metal shingles but I can't go crazy on budget." It's not a cheap product — it's just more approachable than the first two.

What We Like About It

✅ Pros

• Made in Ohio — great for supply chain and local jobs

• Solid performance numbers — 110 mph wind rated

• Lighter weight than stone coated options

• Good color variety

• More accessible price point

❌ Cons

• Not as "premium" looking up close as Gerard or Boral

• Slightly lower wind rating than the others

• Less profile variety

Best For:

Budget-conscious homeowners who still want the durability upgrade over asphalt. Also great for rental properties or homes you plan to sell in 5–10 years where resale value matters but you don't want to over-invest.

Rough Cost Range:

Installed, roughly $8–$12 per square foot. Most accessible of the three. Get a quick estimate for your roof here.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Note: These are rough ranges. Your actual cost depends on roof size, pitch, existing condition, and any needed repairs underneath. Use our calculator for a closer number.

How Metal Shingles Compare to Regular Asphalt

We get asked this all the time so let's just put it out there plainly:

The insurance discount thing is real by the way. A lot of homeowners in Cleveland and surrounding areas save 20–30% on their homeowner's insurance after going to a Class 4 impact-rated metal roof. Over 20 years that adds up.

What About Standing Seam vs. Metal Shingles?

This comes up a lot so quick answer: standing seam metal is what you see on commercial buildings or very modern homes. Metal shingles look like... shingles. Most residential homeowners in our area prefer the shingle look because it fits the neighborhood better.

We've written a full comparison on standing seam vs. traditional panels here if you want to go deeper on that.

Common Questions We Get

Are metal shingles loud when it rains?

Not really, no. This is probably the #1 myth about metal roofing. Stone coated steel especially — the granule texture and the solid decking underneath makes it quiet. Most homeowners say they can't tell the difference from inside the house.

Can you walk on metal shingles?

Yes, but technique matters. We train our crews specifically on this. Improper walking can dent certain profiles. Don't let a general handyman who's never worked with metal walk around up there.

Do metal shingles attract lightning?

Nope. Lightning hits the highest point — a tree, a chimney. Metal doesn't attract it more than anything else. And if lightning did strike, metal is way less likely to catch fire than asphalt or wood.

How long does metal shingle roof installation take?

For most residential homes in our area, 2–4 days. Bigger or more complex roofs can be a week. We always give a realistic timeline upfront — no sugarcoating.

What's the metal shingle roof installation cost in Northeast Ohio?

For most homes, between $15,000 and $35,000 total depending on size, product choice, and condition of the existing roof. Our online calculator gives you a personalized estimate without having to call anyone first.

Our Honest Opinion After Years of Installs

"Metal shingles are not for every budget right now. But if you plan to stay in your home more than 10 years, and your asphalt roof is getting close to end of life, metal shingles will save you money in the long run — and a lot of headaches along the way."

That's just the truth. We don't push people into products they don't need. If asphalt makes more sense for your situation, we'll tell you that. But for most homeowners dealing with Northeast Ohio winters and wanting to be done replacing their roof every 15 years? Metal shingles make a lot of sense.

The three products above are what we'll actually show up and install — not whatever has the highest margin for us. They perform, the homeowners are happy, and we stand behind the work. That's the whole story.

Ready to Get a Real Number For Your Roof?

You can use our free roof calculator to get a ballpark estimate right now — no phone call needed. Or if you want to talk through options, reach out to us here and we'll set up a time to take a look.

We serve homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio — Cleveland, Bedford Heights, Parma, Strongsville, Solon, Pepper Pike, and surrounding areas. Financing options are available if upfront cost is the main thing holding you back.

📞 No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest roofing advice from people who do this every day.

Related Reading From Our Blog

• Ice Dam Resistant Metal Roof Installation in Bedford Heights

• Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Traditional Panels

• Our Residential Roofing Services

• Full Metal Roofing Services Page