Across U.S., two roof types dominate: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Each offers a different mix of price, longevity, appearance, and upkeep. The “right” answer depends on your priorities, budget today vs. savings tomorrow, quiet vs. statement looks, moderate weather vs. harsh climates.
Below, we explain how each system is built, what it costs, how long it lasts, and how it performs, then put them head‑to‑head so you can choose with confidence.
Overview of Asphalt Shingles
What They Are
Asphalt shingles use a fiberglass (or older organic) mat saturated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. You’ll see two common categories: lightweight three‑tab shingles and thicker architectural (a.k.a. dimensional) shingles that create a layered, shadowed look.
Lifespan
A well‑installed shingle roof typically serves about 20–30 years. Premium architectural lines can stretch closer to 35–40 years when ventilation is correct and maintenance is consistent.
Advantages
- Lower initial price compared with most alternatives
- Huge color and profile selection to match virtually any exterior
- Straightforward replacement and widely available installers
- Solid performance in regions without severe heat, hail, or wind
Limitations
- Shorter service life than metal
- Can lose granules, curl, or crack under extreme heat or UV
- Potential for algae streaks and moss in humid zones
- Disposal contributes to landfill waste and recycling options are limited
Where They Fit Best
Budget‑minded projects, quick turnarounds, HOA‑heavy suburbs, and homes in temperate climates where wind, hail, or heavy snow are less frequent.
Overview of Metal Roofing
What It Is
“Metal roof” is an umbrella term covering steel and aluminum most commonly, with copper and zinc at the premium end. Profiles range from standing‑seam panels to metal shingles/tiles that mimic slate, shake, or clay.
Lifespan
Service life is a major selling point: expect 40–70 years for steel or aluminum with the right coating and maintenance. Copper and zinc can exceed that with graceful aging.
Advantages
- Exceptional durability against wind, hail, fire, and heavy snow
- Energy‑smart finishes that reflect solar heat and may trim cooling bills
- Low routine upkeep periodic inspections and cleaning are usually enough
- Highly recyclable and frequently produced with recycled content
- Resistant to rot, insects, and mildew
Limitations
- Higher upfront investment than shingles
- Rain and hail can be louder unless paired with robust underlayment/insulation
- Specialized installation skills, tools, and details are required
Where It Fits Best
Homes in storm‑prone or high‑sun regions, modern or farmhouse styles seeking crisp lines, and projects that weigh total cost of ownership more than day‑one price.
Head‑to‑Head Comparison Between Asphalt vs Metal Roofing
Cost
Installed pricing for asphalt shingles commonly falls around $4–8 per square foot depending on product tier and roof complexity. Metal roofing generally lands higher roughly $8–30 per square foot with standing seam and premium metals at the top of the range.
Lifespan & Durability
Metal typically doubles (or more) the service life of shingles. Where a shingle roof might be due for replacement in two to three decades, a properly detailed metal roof can keep going for four to seven decades, shrugging off many of the issues that age asphalt.
Maintenance Requirements
Shingle roofs benefit from regular checks after storms, spot repairs, and keeping gutters clear. Metal roofs favor preventive care: clear debris, inspect fasteners and flashings, and wash as needed overall, fewer fixes over time.
Weather Resistance
Metal excels under high winds, hail events, heavy snow loads, and wildfire risk. Asphalt shingles handle everyday weather well but are more vulnerable to uplift in strong winds, granule loss under pounding hail, and heat‑related aging in very sunny climates.
Energy Efficiency
Cool‑roof coatings on metal reflect a meaningful portion of solar radiation, which can reduce attic temperatures and lower cooling demand especially in hot regions. Asphalt, with its darker, absorptive surface, tends to run hotter unless you choose specifically rated “cool” shingle colors.
Aesthetics & Design Options
Shingles win on sheer variety from neutrals to bold hues, from flat three‑tab to dimensional and luxury cuts. Metal brings clean, architectural lines and can convincingly imitate slate or shakes via stamped shingles. Choose shingles for traditional curb appeal or metal for contemporary character and crisp detailing.
Environmental Impact
Asphalt shingles are petroleum‑derived and, in many markets, are not recycled at end of life. Metal products are recyclable indefinitely, often contain recycled content, and can contribute to lower heat‑island impact when specified with reflective finishes.
Resale Value
A metal roof can be a selling point thanks to longevity, performance, and modern aesthetics. Shingles won’t hurt resale in most neighborhoods, but buyers may value the long‑term benefits of metal when comparing otherwise similar homes.
Installation Process
Shingle installation is faster and more familiar to a larger pool of contractors; DIY is feasible for experienced homeowners on simple, low‑slope roofs. Metal requires pros who understand panel layout, expansion and contraction, trim, clip spacing, and underlayment strategy.
Noise Levels
Bare metal amplifies rain and hail, but proper assemblies solid decking, quality underlayment, and attic insulation can bring noise close to shingle levels. Asphalt is naturally quieter because of its layered, granulated composition.
Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing – Comparison Table
| Category | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
| Typical service life | 20–30 years (up to ~40 for some architectural lines) | 40–70+ years; copper/zinc can exceed this |
| Installed price (per sq ft) | ~$4–8 | ~$8–30 |
| Upkeep | Periodic repairs; post‑storm checks | Light maintenance; inspections/cleaning |
| Storm & fire performance | Adequate for moderate climates | Excellent under wind, hail, snow; non‑combustible |
| Energy behavior | Absorbs more heat; limited cool options | Reflective finishes can reduce cooling demand |
| Style range | Very broad colors/textures | Modern profiles; convincing slate/shake looks |
| End‑of‑life | Often landfilled; limited recycling | 100% recyclable; frequently recycled content |
| Sound | Naturally quiet | Louder without robust assemblies |
| How it’s installed | Quick, widely available labor; some DIY | Specialized crews; more details to execute |
| Likely ROI | Lower | Higher in many markets |
Ideal Use Cases of Asphalt Shingles and Metal Roofing
Choose Asphalt Shingles If
- Budget is the top constraint and you want the most roof for the least money today.
- You need speed a straightforward replacement finished quickly with minimal disruption.
- Your climate is moderate, with limited hail, high winds, or heavy snow.
- Classic curb appeal matters and your neighborhood skews traditional or has HOA design rules.
- You plan a medium stay (roughly 10–20 years) and don’t need ultra‑long service life.
- A quieter interior during heavy rain is a priority without adding specialized sound‑deadening layers.
Choose Metal Roofing If
- Longevity is the goal and you’d rather invest once than reroof again in a couple of decades.
- You face harsh conditions coastal sun, mountain snow, prairie winds, or wildfire risk.
- You value sustainability, recyclability, and potentially cooler attic temperatures.
- Total cost of ownership matters more than initial price because you expect lower maintenance and fewer replacements.
- Resale upside is important in your market and a premium exterior helps you stand out.
- You want a specific look sleek standing seam lines or metal shingles that mimic slate/shake.
- You’re settled long‑term and want a roof that grows old gracefully with the home.
Conclusion
There’s no universal winner only a better fit for your house and priorities. Pick asphalt shingles when affordability, fast installation, and traditional styling lead the list. Choose metal roofing when durability, energy‑smart performance, and long life matter more than day‑one cost. By weighing climate, budget, timeline, and design goals, you’ll land on the roofing system that serves your home best for years to come.
