Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Choosing the Right Roof for You

When it comes to choosing the right roof for your home, the decision often boils down to metal roofing vs asphalt shingles. Both options have their strengths, but which one is truly better for your home?

That's the question we'll help you answer in this comprehensive article.

We’ll explore important factors like durability, cost, aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and maintenance, giving you a clear picture of what to expect from each roofing option.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Durability and Lifespan

Metal Roofing

Lifespan: 40-70 Years or More
Metal roofing is known for its exceptional longevity. With a lifespan ranging from 40 to 70 years, and sometimes even longer, it far outlasts many other roofing materials. This makes it a solid investment if you're looking for a long-term roofing solution that won't require frequent replacement.

Resistance to Elements: Superior Against Wind, Fire, and Impact
One of the standout features of metal roofing is its resistance to the elements. Metal roofs are highly resistant to wind, often withstanding gusts of up to 140 mph or more, making them ideal for areas prone to storms or hurricanes. They are also non-combustible, providing excellent protection against fire hazards. Additionally, metal roofing can resist impact from hail, falling branches, and other debris, minimizing the risk of damage over time.

Corrosion: Modern Anti-Corrosion Coatings
A common concern with metal roofing is the potential for rust or corrosion, especially in coastal areas or regions with high humidity. However, modern advancements have led to the development of high-quality anti-corrosion coatings. These coatings, such as galvanized zinc, aluminum, and specialized paint finishes, protect the metal from moisture and oxidation, significantly extending the roof's lifespan and maintaining its appearance.

Maintenance: Low Maintenance Due to Durability
Thanks to its durability, metal roofing requires minimal maintenance. Unlike other materials that might need frequent repairs or replacements, a well-installed metal roof can go decades with only basic upkeep. Occasional inspections to check for loose panels or fasteners and ensure the coatings remain intact are usually sufficient to keep your metal roof in top condition.

There is, however, one caveat to metal roofing durability - expansion and contraction. Metal is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Although metal roofs are built to accommodate this phenomenon, this hinges on proper installation. If installation is not done properly, the metal can expand dramatically during the day and contract at night, causing seams to loosen and screws to ratchet out of the panels.

Asphalt Shingles

Lifespan: 15-30 Years
Asphalt shingles offer a more modest lifespan, typically lasting between 15 and 30 years. While this is shorter compared to metal roofing, it can still provide great protection for your home, especially if you choose higher-quality, architectural shingles.

Vulnerability: Susceptible to Wind Damage, UV Degradation, and Moss Growth
Asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to environmental factors than metal roofing. High winds can lift or tear shingles, especially in older roofs. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the shingles to crack, curl, or lose granules, reducing their effectiveness over time. Additionally, asphalt shingles are prone to moss and algae growth, particularly in damp or shaded areas. This not only affects the roof's appearance but can also lead to water damage if left untreated.

Maintenance: May Require More Frequent Repairs and Replacement
Due to their susceptibility to weather and environmental conditions, asphalt shingles may require more frequent maintenance. You might need to replace damaged or missing shingles, clean off moss and algae, or reseal areas where shingles have become loose. Over time, these maintenance needs can add up, making asphalt shingles a more labor-intensive option compared to metal roofing.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Cost Comparison

Metal Roofing

Initial Cost: Higher Upfront Cost Compared to Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to initial expenses, metal roofing generally comes with a higher price tag. The materials themselves, such as steel, aluminum, or copper, are more expensive than asphalt shingles. Additionally, the installation process for metal roofing is more specialized, often requiring skilled labor, which further increases the overall cost. On average, you might expect to pay two to three times more upfront for a metal roof than an asphalt shingle roof.

Asphalt Shingles

Initial Cost: More Affordable Upfront
Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing options available, making them by far the most popular choice for homeowners. The materials are widely available and relatively inexpensive, and the installation process is straightforward, often taking less time and requiring less specialized labor than metal roofing. This results in a much lower upfront cost, making asphalt shingles an attractive option if you’re looking to save money at the outset.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Aesthetic Appeal and Variety

Metal Roofing

Styles and Colors: Available in a Wide Range of Styles, Including Those That Mimic Traditional Shingles, Tiles, or Wood Shakes
Metal roofing has come a long way in terms of design, offering a broad spectrum of styles and colors that can suit almost any home aesthetic. Whether you prefer the look of traditional asphalt shingles or clay tiles, there’s a metal roofing option that can mimic these appearances. This versatility allows you to enjoy the benefits of metal roofing without sacrificing the classic look you might desire.

Modern Look: Sleek, Contemporary Appearance
If you’re aiming for a modern or contemporary look, metal roofing is an excellent choice. Its clean lines and sleek surfaces create a striking, polished appearance that can enhance the architectural style of your home. Metal roofs are particularly popular in minimalist, industrial, and modern farmhouse designs, where their streamlined look complements the overall aesthetic.

Asphalt Shingles

Traditional Look: Widely Used, Classic Appearance
Asphalt shingles are known for their traditional, familiar look, making them a go-to option for many homeowners. They have been used for decades and are often associated with the classic, quintessential American home. If you prefer a timeless aesthetic that blends seamlessly with most architectural styles, asphalt shingles provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option.

Variety: Available in Various Colors and Textures, Though Less Versatile Than Metal
While not as versatile as metal roofing, asphalt shingles still offer a wide range of colors and textures. You can choose from an assortment of shades, from basic neutrals like gray and brown to more vibrant options like green or red. Some asphalt shingles are also designed to replicate the look of wood shakes or slate tiles, providing some flexibility in achieving the desired look for your home. However, the variety in asphalt shingles doesn’t quite match the extensive customization options available with metal roofing.

Neighborhood Norms: More Common in Certain Areas, Might Blend Better with Surrounding Homes
In many neighborhoods, particularly in suburban areas, asphalt shingles are the norm. This widespread use means that an asphalt shingle roof might blend better with surrounding homes. If you live in an area where most homes feature asphalt shingles, opting for this material can help your home fit in with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood, potentially making it more appealing to future buyers.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Metal Roofing

Reflectivity: Reflects Solar Heat, Reducing Cooling Costs
One of the significant advantages of metal roofing is its high reflectivity. Metal roofs naturally reflect a substantial portion of the sun's rays, which helps to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your home. Metal also has a lower thermal mass, meaning it doesn’t store heat energy very well. These qualities can lower your cooling costs, particularly during the hot summer months (which we have a lot of here in Texas), making your home more energy-efficient. In fact, some metal roofing systems can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%, providing long-term savings on your energy bills.

Eco-Friendly: Often Made from Recycled Materials and Fully Recyclable
Metal roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly roofing options available. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and at the end of their long lifespan, they are fully recyclable. This reduces the demand for new raw materials and minimizes waste sent to landfills.

Asphalt Shingles

Absorbs Heat: Can Increase Cooling Costs, Especially in Warmer Climates
Unlike metal roofing, asphalt shingles tend to absorb more heat from the sun. The additional cooling needed to offset this heat absorption can drive up your energy bills, making asphalt shingles a less energy-efficient option in regions with hot summers.

Potential for Energy Star Rated Options: Some Asphalt Shingles Come with Reflective Granules
While traditional asphalt shingles absorb more heat, there are Energy Star-rated asphalt shingles available that include reflective granules. These granules help to reflect more of the sun's rays, similar to metal roofing, which can reduce cooling costs and improve energy efficiency.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Installation and Maintenance

Metal Roofing

Installation: Requires Specialized Labor, Which Can Increase Installation Time and Cost
Installing a metal roof is a more complex process compared to asphalt shingles. It requires specialized skills and experience, meaning you’ll need to hire contractors who are specifically trained in metal roofing installation. The panels or shingles must be precisely cut and fitted, and proper fastening techniques are crucial to ensure the roof performs well over time. Because of this specialized labor, the installation of a metal roof typically takes longer and costs more than installing asphalt shingles.

Longevity: Less Frequent Repairs Needed Due to Durability
Once installed, metal roofing requires significantly less maintenance than other roofing materials. Thanks to its durability and resistance to common issues like rot, cracking, and warping, you’ll find that a metal roof often needs fewer repairs over its lifespan. Routine inspections are still recommended, but you’re unlikely to encounter the frequent issues that can plague other types of roofs. This reduced need for maintenance means you’ll save both time and money in the long run, further justifying the higher initial investment.

Asphalt Shingles

Installation: Easier and Quicker to Install, Making It More Affordable
One of the main advantages of asphalt shingles is their ease of installation. The process is straightforward and does not require specialized skills, which makes it faster and less expensive. Most general roofing contractors are well-versed in installing asphalt shingles, meaning you’ll have plenty of options when choosing an installer. The quicker installation process not only reduces labor costs but also minimizes disruption to your daily life, as the project can often be completed in a day or two.

Maintenance Needs: Higher Maintenance, Including Periodic Replacement of Damaged or Worn-Out Shingles
While asphalt shingles are easy to install, they do require more maintenance over time. Asphalt shingles are more susceptible to damage from wind, hail, and other weather-related factors. You may find yourself needing to replace individual shingles periodically due to cracking, curling, or loss of granules. Additionally, issues like moss or algae growth can require cleaning or treatment to prevent long-term damage.

The Upshot