Roofing Materials Compared: Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing

For most US homeowners replacing a roof, the real decision comes down to two options: asphalt shingles or metal roofing. Here's what you need to know to make the right choice.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are installed on roughly 80% of US homes. They come in two main types: 3-tab (thinner, cheaper, less common now) and architectural/dimensional (thicker, more durable, the standard today).

Best for: Most homes — a proven, affordable option that works in virtually all climates

• Lowest upfront cost of any roofing material
• Wide availability of contractors who can install and repair them
• Easy to repair — damaged shingles can be replaced individually
• Available in many colors and styles

• Shorter lifespan than metal — 20–30 years for architectural shingles
• Susceptible to algae and moss growth in humid climates
• Not ideal for very low-slope roofs (less than 2:12 pitch)
• Eventually requires full tear-off — most codes allow only one overlay, adding cost to future replacements

Cost: $5–$12 per square foot installed

What to look for: Architectural shingles with a 30-year warranty minimum. Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles can reduce insurance premiums in hail-prone areas.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity for residential use. It comes in two main styles: standing seam (vertical panels with hidden fasteners) and exposed-fastener panels or metal shingles.

Best for: Homeowners planning to stay long-term, homes in extreme weather areas, and those wanting maximum durability

• Very long lifespan — 40–70 years depending on material (steel, aluminum, copper)
• Excellent in high wind, snow, and hail
• Reflects heat — can reduce cooling costs in hot climates
• Lightweight compared to tile
• Low maintenance

• Much higher upfront cost
• Fewer contractors specialize in metal roofing — quality installation matters more
• Can be noisy in heavy rain without proper insulation/decking
• Aluminum and copper can dent in severe hail — steel panels are more resistant
• Expansion and contraction can cause fastener issues in exposed-fastener systems

Cost: $12–$25+ per square foot installed for steel; higher for aluminum or copper

Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fastener

If you choose metal, standing seam is worth the premium for most applications. Hidden fasteners eliminate the most common failure point (fastener holes) and give a cleaner look. Exposed fastener metal panels are less expensive but require periodic fastener inspection and replacement.

When Metal Makes Financial Sense

If you plan to stay in the home 20+ years, metal roofing's longer lifespan can make it cost-competitive with replacing asphalt shingles twice. It also adds more to resale value and may reduce homeowner's insurance premiums.

Climate Considerations

Both materials work in most US climates, but climate should influence your choice. In snow country like the Northeast and Midwest, snow slides off metal roofs more easily than asphalt — though snow guards are recommended to prevent large amounts from sliding off all at once. In hot climates like the Southwest, metal's reflectivity can meaningfully reduce cooling costs. In hail-prone areas like the Midwest and Texas, look for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or thicker steel panels. In high wind areas along the Gulf Coast and Southeast, both materials perform well — just confirm the product has a high wind rating.

How to Choose

For most homeowners replacing an aging roof, architectural asphalt shingles are the practical choice — proven, affordable, and easy to maintain. Metal roofing makes sense if you plan to stay in the home long-term, live in an extreme weather area, or want to minimize future maintenance. If you go metal, standing seam is worth the premium over exposed-fastener panels for most applications.

What to Ask Your Contractor

• "What is the warranty on both materials and labor?"
• "Are you a certified installer for this manufacturer?" (affects warranty validity)
• "How are you handling the ridge, valleys, and penetrations?"
• "Will you provide a written warranty for your workmanship?"

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a roof last? Architectural asphalt shingles typically last 20–30 years. Metal roofing lasts 40–70 years depending on the material — steel, aluminum, and copper all have different lifespans. Proper installation and ventilation significantly affect how long any roof lasts.

Is metal roofing worth the extra cost? It depends on how long you plan to stay in the home. If you're staying 20+ years, metal can be cost-competitive with replacing asphalt shingles twice, plus it adds more resale value and may reduce insurance premiums. If you're planning to sell within 10 years, asphalt shingles are likely the better financial choice.

Can you put metal roofing over existing shingles? In many cases yes — metal roofing can be installed over existing shingles, which saves the cost of tear-off. However, this should be verified with your contractor and local building code, as requirements vary. It also makes it harder to inspect the roof deck for damage before installation.