Jump To: Metal Roofs Vs. Shingle Roofs | Cost | Durability | Design | Environmental Friendliness | Maintenance | Weather Resistance | Home Value | Metal Roof Pros and Cons | Shingle Roof Pros and Cons | FAQ
For most homeowners, an asphalt shingle roof is what comes to mind when they picture a roof. It’s the more traditional option in most parts of the country, and it’s the most common roofing material available.
However, metal roofs have some serious upsides that many property owners don’t realize when deciding on which material is right for them. Industry expert and roofing installer, Todd Miller3, recommends metal shingles to many homeowners because roof systems that incorporate a “thermal break, such as metal shingles is usually a very energy efficient option.”
In the sections below, we’ll compare metal and shingle roofs and discuss their primary differences. This comparison, followed by a comprehensive but concise list of pros and cons for each material, should help you decide which is best when you’re installing a new roof on your home.
Which is More Affordable for Roofing: Metal or Asphalt?
Most homeowners first want to know which roof material is more affordable: asphalt or metal. The answer is actually a bit more complicated than you might think.
Upfront Cost
For a typical 1,500-square-foot home, you can expect the cost of an asphalt roof to be around $9,000.
A metal roof is significantly more expensive, primarily because:
- The materials are more expensive, especially if you choose a high-end metal
- There are fewer contractors that can handle the work, and less competition means slightly higher prices
- The installation process is a bit more complicated, and more time required means higher costs
Material for metal roofs can vary in price based on what kind of metal you choose — steel and aluminum are the most common, but you could also get tin, copper and other options.
The typical cost is around $3.50 per square foot for the material alone, although this could reach over $6 per square foot for something like copper or zinc. Installation is more specialized and expensive, averaging around $8 per square foot.
A metal roof for a standard 1,500-square-foot home can be expected to cost around $17,250. As you can see, a metal roof will be around twice as expensive as an equivalently sized asphalt shingle roof.
Keep in mind that these estimated installation costs don’t include the removal of your existing roof. Taking off an old roof before roof installation could cost several thousands of dollars in addition to the prices above.
Long-Term Cost
While metal roofs are far more costly than shingle varieties up front, you should also consider the long-term cost of your roof. As we’ll explain below, metal roofs can last for up to around 70 years, which is nearly four times the maximum expected lifespan of an asphalt roof.
Although the cost of a metal roof is higher, you could save quite a lot of money not having to replace it as often as you would a shingle roof. Shingles cost more over time because they need more frequent replacements.
Additionally, it might be worth it to consider how each roofing product affects your gutter system. Metal roofs won’t shed granules into your gutters or downspouts, which means fewer clogs and less money spent on gutter guards or gutter cleaning services over time.
Here’s a quick sample comparison of the cost of a metal roof vs. shingles:
Are Metal or Asphalt Roofs More Durable?
Metal roofing systems are, far and away, more durable than asphalt shingle roofs in most cases.
The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years, while the typical lifecycle of a metal roof can be between 40 and 70 years. If you choose a metal like copper, your roof could last up to 100 years or more.
Metal is much more durable than asphalt and will almost certainly last at least twice as long.
However, metal can be dented by hail, falling tree limbs, or other debris, which is an important downside to consider if you live in an area with extreme weather. Metal will stand up to high winds and is more leak-proof, but it can dent.
Design Options for Metal and Asphalt Roofs
Both metal and asphalt roofs come in multiple design options, so both materials will let you customize your home’s appearance.
If you want a metal roof, you can choose from several metals that each look and perform slightly differently. These include:
- Steel
- Galvanized steel
- Aluminum
- Tin
- Zinc
- Copper
Steel and aluminum are the most common options for metal roofs and are some of the most affordable materials.
In addition to different types of metal, you can also choose from a variety of colors and patterns, the most common of which include standing seam metal roofs, corrugated metal, metal shingle and metal slate roofs.
Asphalt roofs also come in many colors and styles, and there are three types of shingles you can choose from. These include three-tab shingles, dimensional shingles (also called architectural shingles), and luxury shingles (most of which are made using a durable and fire-resistant fiberglass base).
It’s up to you to decide which option you prefer in terms of curb appeal, but the variety of options for both means you can customize each to your preference.
Are Metal Roofs More Eco-Friendly Than Traditional Shingle Roofs?
As an environmentally focused site, we put a lot of weight on how eco-friendly roofing materials are, and metal roofs are your best option if you’re concerned about your impact on the environment.
The metal used for roofing is 100% recyclable (so it won’t sit in a landfill after it’s removed) and is sometimes made of recycled material. Asphalt roofs are petroleum-based and can only be recycled into specific products, like asphalt pavement.1,2
Additionally, if you plan to install solar panels in the future, a metal roof is a better option. Roofing sometimes needs to be replaced prior to solar panel installation to minimize future roof replacement costs, and a metal roof is less likely to require replacement down the road when you’re ready to install solar panels.
Finally, metal roofs tend to be better insulators than asphalt roofs, primarily because they reflect rather than absorb a lot of the sunlight that hits them. They can also insulate well in the winter, so they’re all around a better option for energy efficiency and energy savings.
In fact, many homeowners find that their energy bills go down after installing a metal roof and that their living spaces are more comfortable overall. According to Marty Ford, shingles expert and president of Bullet Proof Roof Systems4, advocates for metal roofs because it “reflect[s] heat away from your home, keeping it cooler in the summer. This helps lower your energy bills.”
Metal Roof Vs. Shingles: Maintenance Requirements
Both metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs are quite low-maintenance, so this generally isn’t a deciding factor for most homeowners. Metal is more durable than shingles, so it will likely need less roof maintenance, although all roofs will require some.
Over time, you might need to address the following:
- Minor leaks
- Worn flashing
- Underlayment damage
- Moss buildup
- Damaged shingles (only with asphalt)
- Missing shingles (only with asphalt)
- Backed-out fasteners (only with metal)
- Rust (only with metal)
Which Roofing Material is Best for Extreme Weather: Asphalt or Metal?
In terms of keeping your home protected from the elements, a metal roof will perform better than shingles.
Metal roofing panels can resist winds up to around 150 mph, while most shingles can stand up to 110-mph winds. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms or tornadoes, a metal roof will likely be a better option.
Metal is also less prone to leaking than shingles, especially as the roof ages, so heavy precipitation is best combated with a metal roof.
There are two downsides to having a metal roof in an area with extreme weather. First, as mentioned above, the metal can be dented by hail storms or flying debris.
Second, rain or hail falling on a metal roof will produce much more noise than it would falling on a shingle roof, so it will sometimes make your interior living space louder.
Do Metal Roofs Add More Home Value Than Asphalt Roofs?
In general, metal roofs will add more value to your home than asphalt roofs, primarily because metal roofing can last about four times as long as a shingle roof.
If buyers understand that they have 40 to 70 years before they need to lay out money for a new roof, they might be willing to pay a bit more for your property, especially if your metal roof is still under warranty.
However, some buyers don’t like the appearance of a metal roof, so it can actually lead some people to be less interested in your home. Overall, though, metal roofing is a better option for maximizing resale value.
Below, we’ve outlined a comprehensive list of pros and cons for metal roofs so you have all the information you need at a glance.
Metal Roof Pros:
- Lasts up to 70 years or more depending on material
- Stands up well to extreme weather
- Extremely durable
- Better leak resistance than shingles
- Many design options available
- Generally adds more home value than asphalt roofs
- Low maintenance
- 100% recyclable
Metal Roof Cons:
- High short-term cost
- Fewer roofers can handle installation
- Can dent from hail or falling tree debris
- Produces more interior noise during hail or heavy rain
Asphalt Roof Pros and Cons
For comparison, we’ll include all of the pros and cons you can expect from a shingle roof below.
Shingle Roof Pros:
- Lasts up to 20 years
- Resists moderate weather
- Many design options available
- Low maintenance
- Much lower upfront cost than a metal roof
- Lower labor costs and more contractors available
Shingle Roof Cons:
- Not as durable or long-lasting as metal
- Not recyclable
- Higher long-term costs
- More prone to leaks than metal roofs