Renovation, remodeling, and home improvement are designed to make something better by raising its overall quality and standard. You’ve probably heard of kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling, but have you ever thought of giving your roof a boost in both aesthetics and functionality? While asphalt roofs and metal roofs have been long-standing competitors in the home improvement industry, there are many things about metal roofs that make them superior than their counterpart. Here are five major differences you should know:

1) Financial Investment: Minimal Repair

It’s common for proponents of asphalt shingles to point out that metal roofs are expensive and incur a hefty upfront cost. This is true. However, the financial investment of a metal roof ends once you wrote your check. One of the main reasons to invest in a metal roof is its longevity. A metal roof can last fifty years or more with little maintenance.

2) Home Expenditure: Saves on Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance has steadily increased in the United States, and up to 50% in the last 10 years alone, reports Value Penguin. While multiple factors are considered in the price of your insurance, having the right type of roof can significantly lower your cost. As Family Handyman.com shares, “standard asphalt shingles take a beating during wind and hail storms. That’s why insurance companies offer big discounts (up to 45 percent) for tougher materials.” According to Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing usually gives you the largest discount—sometimes as much as 30% — for its amazing longevity, durability, and fire-retardant characteristic.

3) Energy Efficiency: Lowers Energy Bills

Energy saving is a strong selling point for metal roofs. This is because a metal roof reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. Because heating and cooling contribute to 48% of a household’s utility bill, a metal roof can dramatically slash back your summer energy bill anywhere between 25 to 40 percent. As a result, investing in a cool roof will effectively block heat transmission into the home and stop your hard-earned money from leaking out.

4) On-Going Returns: Recoups Your Investment

A metal roof not only saves you money throughout the year, but also at the end of the year. In mid-December 2015, the 114th Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 and the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. The law allows a 10% tax credit (up to $500) to be applied to metal roofs as well as other qualifying energy efficient installation. With the ongoing tax benefits, energy savings, and insurance discount, it’s no wonder that homeowners with metal roofing can potentially recoup an average of 85.9 to 95.5 percent in their investment.

5) Aesthetics: Improves the Beauty of Your Home

Have you ever wanted to buy something nice but can’t find a style or color that fits your expectation? You will never have the same problem with metal roof. While asphalt shingles are restricted in styles, textures, and colors, metal roofs offer a variety of customization options that transcend all roofing materials. Put simply, you can create a metal roof with the look of shakes, slates, and even the timeless shingles. Metal roofs can come in vertical panels, pieces, and curved. All in all, metal roofing has transformed roof shopping from a dry and annoying process to one that can be fun and relaxing.