Thinking of upgrading to a metal roof but not sure if it's worth it? You're not alone. At Best Roofing Now, we hear this question almost daily from homeowners facing the big roofing decision.
Your roof isn't just another home improvement project—it's a long-term investment that affects everything from your monthly energy bills to your home's resale value. Making the right choice means understanding how each option fits your specific situation.
Let's break down the metal vs. shingles debate in plain English so you can make the smart choice for your family's home.
The Quick Comparison: Metal vs. Shingles at a Glance
Before diving into details, here's what you need to know about these popular roofing materials:
| Feature | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $10,000-$20,000 (average home) | $5,000-$12,000 (average home) |
| Lifespan | 40-70+ years | 15-30 years |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Regular |
| Energy Efficiency | High (can save 10-25% on cooling) | Moderate |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent | Good (but more vulnerable) |
| Noise During Rain | Can be louder (unless properly insulated) | Quieter |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Installation | More specialized | Widely available |
Metal Roofing: The Long-Term Investment
The Pros of Metal Roofing
1. Exceptional Durability
Metal roofs are built to last. With proper installation, you're looking at 40-70+ years of protection—possibly the last roof you'll ever need to buy. They stand up remarkably well against what Mother Nature throws their way:
- Winds up to 140 mph
- Heavy snow loads
- Fire resistance (Class A rating)
- Impact resistance (especially important in hail-prone areas)
2. Energy Efficiency That Pays You Back
Metal roofs reflect solar heat instead of absorbing it, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% during summer months. This reflective quality has earned them an ENERGY STAR rating and makes them an excellent choice for warmer climates.
"I installed a metal roof five years ago, and my summer cooling bills dropped by about $50 per month. The roof essentially started paying for itself right away." – Michael T., Best Roofing Now customer
3. Eco-Friendly Options
If sustainability matters to you, metal roofing delivers:
- Most contain 25-95% recycled content
- 100% recyclable at the end of their life
- Reduce landfill waste (can often be installed over existing shingles)
- Help qualify for LEED credits and other green building incentives
4. Low Maintenance Requirements
Metal roofs need minimal attention over their lifetime. A simple visual inspection once or twice a year and clearing debris from valleys is typically all that's required.
The Cons of Metal Roofing
1. Higher Initial Investment
The elephant in the room: metal roofing costs more upfront. Expect to pay roughly twice what you'd spend on asphalt shingles. However, this cost difference often evens out when considering the longer lifespan.
2. Installation Expertise Matters
Metal roof installation requires specialized skills and tools. Improper installation can lead to issues with expansion/contraction, water infiltration, or noise. Always choose contractors with specific metal roofing experience (like our team at Best Roofing Now).
3. Potential Noise Concerns
Without proper insulation and underlayment, metal roofs can be noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms. Modern installation techniques have largely solved this issue, but it's something to discuss with your contractor.
Asphalt Shingles: The Popular Standard
The Pros of Shingle Roofing
1. Budget-Friendly Upfront Costs
Asphalt shingles remain the most affordable roofing option for most homeowners. If you're working with a tight budget or planning to sell your home within the next decade, shingles offer good value.
2. Familiar Aesthetics
Shingles provide that classic residential look many homeowners prefer. They come in various styles and colors to match virtually any home design, from traditional to contemporary.
3. Easy Installation and Repairs
The widespread use of asphalt shingles means more contractors are experienced with installation, often resulting in quicker project completion. When damage occurs, individual shingles can be replaced without major disruption.
4. Less Initial Investment
For homeowners who may move within 10-15 years, the lower upfront cost of shingles might make more financial sense than investing in a metal roof's longevity.
The Cons of Shingle Roofing
1. Shorter Lifespan
Even premium asphalt shingles typically last only 25-30 years, with standard products closer to 15-20 years. This means you'll likely replace your roof at least once if you stay in your home long-term.
2. Higher Long-Term Maintenance
Shingles are more vulnerable to:
- Algae and moss growth
- Curling and cracking
- Wind uplift
- UV degradation
- Impact damage from hail
3. Less Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt shingles:
- Contribute millions of tons to landfills annually
- Are petroleum-based products
- Absorb heat, increasing cooling needs
- Rarely contain recycled materials
Making the Decision: Which Roof is Right for You?
Consider Your Climate
Your local weather patterns should heavily influence your decision:
Metal excels in:
- Areas with heavy snowfall (snow slides off easily)
- Hurricane-prone regions (superior wind resistance)
- Hot, sunny climates (reflects heat)
- Wildfire zones (fire resistance)
Shingles perform well in:
- Moderate climates without extreme weather
- Areas where hail is rare
- Neighborhoods where traditional aesthetics are valued
Think About Long-Term Plans
Choose metal if:
- You plan to stay in your home for 15+ years
- You value minimal maintenance
- Energy efficiency is a priority
- You want the highest possible durability
Choose shingles if:
- You have budget constraints
- You might sell within 10 years
- You prefer traditional aesthetics
- You want the most cost-effective short-term solution
Consider Total Cost of Ownership
While metal costs more upfront, consider this example for a 2,000 square foot home:
Metal Roof:
- Initial cost: $16,000
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Maintenance: Minimal (~$1,500 over lifetime)
- Energy savings: ~$100-250 annually
- Total 50-year cost: ~$17,500 (minus $5,000-12,500 in energy savings)
Asphalt Shingles:
- Initial cost: $8,000
- Replacements: 1-2 over 50 years ($8,000-16,000)
- Maintenance/repairs: ~$3,000 over 50 years
- Total 50-year cost: $19,000-27,000
In this scenario, metal roofing often becomes the more economical choice over time, especially when factoring in energy savings.
Style Considerations Matter Too
Both roofing types offer aesthetic options to complement your home:
Metal roofing styles include:
- Standing seam (modern, clean lines)
- Metal shakes (mimics wood shake appearance)
- Metal tiles (resembles slate or clay tiles)
- Stone-coated metal (textured appearance)
- Various colors and finishes
Asphalt shingle options include:
- Three-tab (economical, flat appearance)
- Architectural/dimensional (more texture and shadow lines)
- Premium designer shingles (mimic slate or wood)
- Wide range of colors and patterns
Installation Differences
The installation process varies significantly between these options:
Metal roof installation:
- Requires specialized tools and training
- Usually takes longer to install
- Often needs fewer underlayment materials
- Can sometimes be installed over existing shingles
Asphalt shingle installation:
- Familiar process for most roofers
- Typically completed more quickly
- May require tear-off of existing layers
- More weather-dependent during installation
"We've installed both metal and shingle roofs for decades. While metal takes more precise workmanship, it's the roof we rarely get called back to repair. Shingles look great initially but require more attention as they age." – James Turner, Owner of Best Roofing Now
Making Your Final Decision
The best roofing material for your home depends on balancing several factors:
- Your budget (both short and long-term)
- How long you plan to stay in your home
- Your local climate conditions
- Aesthetic preferences
- Energy efficiency goals
- Maintenance preferences
At Best Roofing Now, we believe in providing honest guidance rather than pushing one option. Both metal and shingle roofs have their place, depending on your specific circumstances.
Need help figuring out which option makes the most sense for your situation? Our expert team can evaluate your home, discuss your priorities, and help you make the right choice.
