Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing Compared
An honest comparison of asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Costs, lifespan, performance, and when each makes sense.
Asphalt shingles cover 80% of American homes. Metal roofing is growing fast, up from about 10% to 15% market share in the last decade. Both work. Neither is universally better.
The right choice depends on your budget, how long you’re staying in the home, your climate, and what you care about aesthetically.
Upfront Cost: Asphalt Wins Easily
A new asphalt shingle roof costs $6,000-15,000 for a typical home. A standing seam metal roof costs $15,000-35,000 for the same house.
The gap is significant. Metal roofs cost 2-3x more than asphalt, sometimes more.
Where the money goes:
Material cost: Architectural shingles run $100-150 per square. Standing seam metal runs $400-700 per square. The material cost alone is 3-4x higher.
Labor cost: Metal roof installation requires more skill and takes more time. Labor rates are higher because fewer contractors are qualified.
Waste: Shingles are easy to cut and produce minimal waste. Metal panels require precision—mistakes are costly.
If budget is the primary concern, asphalt wins by a mile. You can reroof twice with shingles for the cost of one metal installation.
Lifespan: Metal Wins Long-Term
Here’s where metal starts to look better.
Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years typical. Three-tab shingles might last 15-20 years; architectural shingles push 25-30 years. Warranties range from 20-50 years, but prorated warranties after the initial period mean you’re not getting much.
Metal roofing: 40-70 years typical. Some metal roofs last 100+ years with proper maintenance. Most warranties are 30-50 years with better terms than shingle warranties.
If you’re in your forever home, metal’s longer lifespan matters. A 30-year-old buying a house might need three asphalt roofs over their ownership versus one metal roof.
The math changes if you’re planning to sell in 10 years. You won’t capture the metal roof’s lifespan value, though it might increase sale price modestly.
Maintenance
Neither material requires much maintenance, but there are differences.
Asphalt: Individual shingles can blow off in storms, requiring replacement. Algae growth is common in humid climates (those black streaks). Granule loss accelerates over time, especially with sun exposure.
Metal: Occasional inspection of fasteners and flashings. Painted finishes may fade over decades. Scratches can rust if they penetrate the protective coating (mostly an issue with cheaper metal).
Metal is lower maintenance overall. A metal roof might need attention every 10 years; an asphalt roof might need spot repairs every few years as it ages.
Weather Performance
Wind
Metal roofs handle wind better. Standing seam metal is rated for 110-140 mph winds with proper installation. The best asphalt shingles max out around 130 mph with six-nail installation, but many lose shingles in 70-80 mph gusts.
If you’re in a hurricane or high-wind area, metal has an advantage.
Hail
This one’s complicated.
Asphalt shingles absorb impact better than metal. Hail dents metal roofs visually, even if it doesn’t compromise them structurally. Those dents are permanent.
But dented metal still keeps water out. Hail-damaged shingles lose granules, crack, and eventually leak. Metal survives the hit ugly; shingles survive it compromised.
Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles exist and perform better than standard shingles. They cost more but are worth considering in hail-prone areas.
Snow and Ice
Metal sheds snow better than asphalt. Snow slides off rather than accumulating. This reduces load on your structure and prevents ice dam formation.
The downside: snow sliding off a metal roof dumps suddenly, sometimes dangerously. Snow guards add cost but prevent the avalanche effect.
In heavy snow climates, metal’s shedding ability is a real advantage.
Heat and Sun
Metal reflects more solar radiation than asphalt. In hot climates, this reduces cooling costs—studies show 10-25% savings on AC during summer months.
Light-colored metal reflects more than dark colors. “Cool roof” coatings enhance this effect.
Asphalt absorbs heat, which accelerates deterioration. In Arizona or Texas, asphalt shingles might last 15 years; in Minnesota, they might last 25. Metal doesn’t degrade from heat the same way.
Noise
The metal-is-loud myth persists. It comes from old barn roofs installed directly on rafters without insulation.
Modern residential metal roofs are installed over solid decking with underlayment, the same as shingles. With proper installation, interior noise levels are similar.
That said, a metal roof might be slightly louder during heavy rain or hail. If noise sensitivity is a concern, adding insulation or acoustic underlayment helps.
Fire Resistance
Metal roofs are non-combustible, rated Class A (the highest fire resistance). This matters if you’re in a wildfire-prone area.
Asphalt shingles are also Class A rated, but the underlayment and decking beneath them can burn. Metal provides better protection against ember ignition and radiant heat.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for metal roofing in fire zones.
Appearance
This is subjective, but it matters.
Asphalt shingles have a traditional look that’s universally acceptable. Nobody objects to a shingle roof. Colors and styles vary, and architectural shingles have a decent-looking dimensional appearance.
Metal roofs are distinctive. Standing seam has a clean, modern look that works great on contemporary homes and farmhouse styles but can look out of place on a traditional colonial.
Metal shingles—stamped to look like slate, shake, or tile—bridge this gap. They look traditional but perform like metal. They’re also more expensive than standing seam.
Some HOAs restrict metal roofing. Check your covenants before committing.
Resale Value
A new roof of either type adds value. Studies suggest:
- New asphalt roof: Adds roughly $12,000-15,000 in home value (roughly 60-70% ROI)
- New metal roof: Adds roughly $30,000-40,000 in home value (roughly 60-75% ROI)
The percentages are similar, but metal’s higher absolute return reflects its higher cost. Neither is a money-maker—you’re not getting back more than you spend.
My Recommendations
Choose asphalt if:
- Budget is constrained
- You’re selling within 15 years
- Your neighborhood is all shingles (consistency matters for resale)
- You’re in a moderate climate without extreme weather
- You want a traditional appearance
Choose metal if:
- You’re in your forever home
- You’re in a hurricane, wildfire, or heavy-snow area
- Long-term maintenance concerns outweigh upfront cost
- Energy efficiency matters (hot climate)
- You like the look and your neighborhood allows it
Consider metal shingles if:
- You want metal performance with traditional looks
- HOA or historic district requires certain aesthetics
- You’re willing to pay the premium
Neither material is wrong. Asphalt shingles have covered American homes successfully for over a century. Metal roofing is growing because it solves real problems for certain homeowners.
Pick based on your situation, not marketing hype.