If you’re trying to choose a roofing material for a new construction or determine the best material for total roof replacement, there are two types of roofing materials you need to know: metal and asphalt.
Both materials are popular choices for homeowners because of their various features and benefits, so in this guide, we’re breaking each option down to give you confidence in your next roofing selection. Here is everything you need to know about metal roofs and asphalt shingles.
Key takeaways: metal roof vs. asphalt shingle
Metal roofs are constructed from various metals to form panels that are attached with fasteners. Asphalt shingles are made in rolls, sheets, or stacks from a mixture of fiberglass, tar, and asphalt/ceramic granules.
Metal roofs require higher upfront costs, but they have a higher resale value. Asphalt shingles are a more cost-effective option with a lower ROI.
You can install an asphalt roofing system yourself or with the help of a professional, but metal roofs will always need professional installation.
Metal roof vs. shingles: an overview
Asphalt shingles explained
Asphalt shingles are roofing materials made from a conglomeration of fiberglass, tar, and asphalt granules topped with ceramic granules for added texture. They’re added on top of a wood underlayment, which is also known as the roof decking.
You’ll likely notice that most homeowners tend to have this type of roofing because they’re cost-effective and contain energy-efficient properties. Another reason that adds to their popularity for residential roofing is their ease of installation. DIY roofers or roofing contractors usually have no problems installing an asphalt shingle roof, another perk for homeowners.
Metal roof explained
Metal roofing systems consist of long, flat metal panels made with solid materials like steel or other types of metals. The panels are attached with fasteners before being installed on felt or synthetic underlayment to prevent water buildup. Unlike asphalt roofs, metal roofing offers more customizable options in terms of color and design, plus it is almost maintenance-free.
Like asphalt shingles, metal roofs are very energy efficient but are not as easy to install DIY style. You will need to hire a roofing contractor to install your metal roofing system since they’re more intricate and time-consuming.
Metal roof vs. shingles: pros and cons
Metal roof pros and cons
Pros
- + Longer lifespan
- + Low maintenance
- + More aesthetic options available
- + Strength to withstand extreme weather conditions like hail storms or water damage
- + Can increase energy savings
Cons
- - Higher material costs
- - Will need to hire roofing contractor
- - Can be loud in heavy rainstorms
- - Susceptible to dents from fallen heavy objects
- - Heavier material that may impact load-bearing
Shingle roof pros and cons
Pros
- + More cost-effective
- + Can be installed either DIY or professionally
- + Relatively durable
- + Energy-efficiency properties
- + Some aesthetic options
Cons
- - Shorter lifespan
- - Can damage easily and retain water
- - Requires regular maintenance
- - Can only be installed in warmer environments
- - Can tear off from strong winds
Metal roof vs. shingles: which is better for your home?
With several pros and cons to both roofing materials, it can be difficult to know which one best suits your home. Here are a few other factors to consider when choosing your roof replacement.
Metal roof vs. shingles cost
Cost is certainly one of the first factors to note before deciding. You can expect the cost of a new metal roof to exceed the expense of asphalt shingles, though you will get a higher resale value with this option. However, on average, quality metal roofs come with higher upfront costs, usually between $6,700 and $12,200 for an installed steel or aluminum roofing for a 1,500 sq. ft. roof. Asphalt shingle expenses are much lower and average around $5,400 to $9,800 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home.
Maintenance
Metal roof
Metal roofs require lower roof maintenance, only once or twice a year. The best practices are to clean your metal panels free from dirt and debris and inspect them to ensure there isn’t damage from possible fallen objects. You can opt to re-coat your panels every few years to keep the energy savings at their peak.
Shingle roof
Shingle roofs require more maintenance checks (usually three or four times a year) or any time there’s been a major storm. Maintaining shingle roofs requires more work since you need to brush away stuck-on debris that will increase moisture in the material, wash away algae build-up, glen out the gutters, and inspect the shingles for any cracks or detachments.
Metal vs. asphalt: lifespan
Metal roof
Metal roofs are among the longest-lasting roofing materials, lasting up to 50 or more years. Even though this type of roofing is constructed with premium materials that are naturally stronger, regular maintenance is essential for ensuring its long life.
Shingle roof
Since shingle roofs are more susceptible to damage and aren’t as strong, their lifespan is much lower. You can expect optimal performance from your asphalt shingles for 15 to 30 years before you need a replacement.
Installation
Metal roof
The metal panels are incredibly heavy, and the installation method is time-consuming, so it’s safe to say that this system is not best for DIY projects. You will need to hire a roofing contractor specializing in metal roofs since the panels must be attached to one another with specific fasteners before attaching to the underlayment.
Shingle roof
Shingle roofing systems are far easier to install and can be done DIY style or with a professional roofer. Because of their simplicity, they are quicker to put up, which means the job will get done faster than metal roofs.
Resale value of a home with a metal or asphalt shingle roof
Metal roof
Metal roofs have a higher resale value than asphalt shingles because of the high-quality benefits they provide homeowners. They’re incredibly durable, last for decades longer, and still provide energy-efficient properties to increase energy savings.
Shingle roof
Asphalt shingles have a lower resale value because of their commonality and less durable materials, but that doesn’t mean your listing price will drop dramatically with this system. If you have well-taken care of shingles, you can still expect to see a higher ROI with this roof replacement; it just won’t be as much as metal roofing.
Location
Metal roof
You're better suited for a metal roof if you live in an area prone to more hail storms or coastal climates like Florida. That’s because these metal panels are constructed to withstand strong winds and prevent leaks from occurring.
Shingle roof
Asphalt shingles can be installed on homes in various climates for optimal performance, but the location will impact the color selection of your shingles. For instance, if you live in a hotter climate, a lighter shade of shingles is best so it doesn’t absorb as much heat.
Metal roof vs. shingles: the bottom line
If you have the money to invest in a new metal roof, you will find that this could be the better option for your home if you plan to sell. Metal roofs – though they come with higher upfront costs – are stronger and last longer than asphalt shingles. But, if you want a more eco-friendly and cost-effective roofing system, you can’t go wrong with asphalt shingles. This roofing system is still durable and will last for several decades, but you will have to perform regular maintenance more often than you would with metal roofs.
Frequently asked questions: metal roof vs. shingle roof
Unless your metal roof is installed incorrectly, you shouldn’t experience any (or much) leakage like you would with a shingle roof. That’s because the material of a metal roof is not as porous as asphalt shingles and is prone to absorbing moisture around the edges over time once they begin to lose their strength. The good news is that even though asphalt shingles have the risk of leaks, this usually happens if your roofing material has experienced some kind of damage and not just because the material is weaker.
If you’re planning on selling your home in the future and want to select a material with a high resale value, it’s better for your wallet to go with metal roofing systems. This type of roofing can see an 85% to 95% ROI, whereas asphalt shingle roofs will only see 61%. Metal roofs produce a higher ROI for their minimal maintenance, durability, and longer lifespan, so they’re a popular choice for shopping homeowners.
Though the average roofing material has a 25-50 years lifespan, metal roofs far outlast this with their lifespan of 40 to 70+ years. Shingle roofs usually last homeowners 15-30 years, so it’s safe to say metal roofs far outperform shingle roofs.