What’s the Difference? Metal Roof vs. Shingles
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Due for a new roof soon? Weigh the pros and cons of 2 of the most popular roofing choices.
Choosing a new roofing material can be tough. It’s an expensive home update, and the variety of residential options for asphalt and metal can be a challenge to navigate. Since there are about 5 million roof replacements in the United States each year, there are plenty of homeowners weighing this essential decision.
“A roof is one of the most integral parts of a home, as it is one of the most critical lines of defense against protecting it from the elements,” says Eddie Prchal, CEO and co-founder of Stamford, Connecticut–based Gunner Roofing. “Just like any part of a home project, you have to weigh the pros and cons to make the right decision for you.”
For decades, asphalt shingles have been known for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance, and asphalt roofs are on about 80 percent of U.S. homes. However, their popularity is starting to wane. Shipments of asphalt roofing products declined more than 20 percent between 2022 and 2023, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. The number of homeowners choosing metal roofing has been on the rise since 2015, with metal roofing doubling in popularity in just 4 years to now claim about 12 percent of the remodeling market share.
Factors such as aesthetics, eco-friendliness, home safety in extreme weather, and budget all come into play when it’s time to replace a roof. If you’re weighing metal roof vs. shingles pros and cons, here are some things to consider to help you make the right choice for your home.
Both materials have finish options for every housing style.
Today’s shingle roofs can mimic the look of slate, wood shakes, and tile. You can find shingles with scalloped edges for Queen Anne homes or those that have a terra-cotta look appropriate for a Mediterranean style. A wide-ranging color palette and a host of finish options (from slightly weathered, which can complement older homes, to subtly multicolored) can suit many home styles.
“Some of the innovation in the manufacturing of asphalt roofing mimics the appearance of more expensive roofing materials, which can be appealing for homeowners looking for that aesthetic,” Prchal says. “Metal roofing has seen a surge in popularity, as homeowners and builders both appreciate its durability, longevity, and resistance to natural elements. Manufacturing advances have led to a wider variety of styles to make it more visually appealing.”
Traditionally, metal roofs were made of corrugated tin panels (called standing-seam metal) that evoke images of barns or sheds. But metal roofing—also in zinc, aluminum, galvanized metals, and even copper—has come a long way from the farm.
These days, you’ll see metal roofing that suits less rustic, more refined, and modern structures, from contemporary homes in California to coastal communities on the East Coast. Metal comes in a spectrum of colors and finishes, and in shingle, slate, and shake styles. Because you can likely get the look you want from either metal or asphalt shingles, don’t let appearance be the deciding factor; instead, choose the material that will perform best for you.
Metal roofs tend to be more durable.
Metal roofs can stand up to nearly anything Mother Nature throws at them. You’ll find that they come with 30- to 50-year warranties, and many often outlast that with lifespans of 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs are not without weaknesses, however: Extreme hail or falling branches could dent a metal roof, as could walking on it improperly. Discuss vulnerability concerns with a representative from the manufacturer. You’ll learn, for example, that steel is hardier than copper.
Shingles have their own unique weaknesses, along with a shorter lifespan. Pooling water and chronically damp conditions can lead to algae and fungus growth; ice dams can create cracks; and temperature spikes between day and night can reduce the life of a shingle roof. Shingle roofs come with 15- to 30-year warranties, depending largely on the region, environment, and climate.
No matter whether you choose asphalt shingles or metal roofing, proper roofing installation will help you get the maximum lifespan and protection for your home. “Like most home projects, make sure to hire qualified experts who guarantee their workmanship to avoid issues, especially when it comes to your home’s roof,” says Ben Thacker, vice president of business development at Emporia Energy, a company that specializes in home energy management that’s located in Littleton, Colorado.
Shingle roofs are cheaper up front.
Though you’ll get more life out of a metal roof, you’ll pay the price at the time of installation. Metal roofs generally run from $400 to $3,000 per 100 square feet (one 10-by-10-foot area, or a “square” of material), while standard asphalt shingles usually cost between $60 and $90 per square. Architectural asphalt shingles are about $200 to $400 per square. Typically, metal roof installation will also cost more since it’s a specialized job.
“Installing a metal roof can also increase your home’s value,” says Prchal. “This is because metal roofs are a highly desirable feature for home buyers, who are willing to pay more for homes with durable, long-lasting roofs.”
However, when considering metal roof vs. shingles cost, remember you might recoup some of the costs of a metal roof down the road since you likely won’t ever have to replace it. Insurance companies may offer discounts to homes with metal roofs, and you might even qualify for tax credits by installing a metal roof on your primary home. Another benefit of metal roofs is that they are so energy efficient they can save you money in monthly heating and cooling costs.
“A metal roof should lower insurance premiums, especially if the roof is Class IV rated,” says Jason Gibson, owner of Storm Guard Roofing and Construction in Austin, Texas. “However, a Class IV asphalt shingle should result in lower premiums than a regular asphalt shingle roof. Most insurance companies offer a premium discount for hail-resistant shingles in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 percent.”
Metal roofs are more eco-friendly.
Because they’re largely made of recycled material and can be recycled again and again, metal roofs are considered a more sustainable choice than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are also more energy efficient thanks to their reflective qualities, which can block heat transmission to the home’s interior. Specialized paint coatings on the metal can further reduce a home’s cooling bills.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, need more frequent replacement than metal roofs. While some old asphalt shingles are now being reused for paving roads, 12 million tons of old asphalt shingles are still ending up in U.S. landfills annually. Another consideration is that asphalt shingles are a petroleum-based product, which increases dependency on fossil fuels.
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“Metal roofing is recyclable and a good substrate for rainwater collection. So, for the more environmentally conscious homeowner, it can be a desirable option. Metal roofing can have a higher solar reflectivity, especially with lighter colors, resulting in a cooler attic space and lower electric bills.”
—Jason Gibson, Owner of Storm Guard Roofing and Construction