Trying to decide if an asphalt roof or a metal roof is right for your replacement can be a time-consuming experience. There’s so much you have to think about when comparing the two types that it gets overwhelming.
The comparison that concerns most people is the cost difference between the two. That’s why a lot of homeowners ask, “How much does a metal roof cost compared to an asphalt roof?”
Because one of our main goals is to give anyone in the market for a new roof the power to make the right decisions for their specific situation, we’re going to break it down.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has repaired, replaced, and maintained all roof types in the Nashville area since 1990. We work with homeowners and their budget to give them a roof that makes the entire neighborhood jealous. Once you're a customer of ours, it’s our job to make you a customer for life.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn the cost of a metal roof versus an asphalt roof and 3 more comparisons between the two roof types you need to think about. And at the very end, don’t forget to take your free Roof Type quiz for an even easier way to determine which type of roof is right for you.
Metal roof cost vs. asphalt roof cost
A new roof is always going to be an investment. No matter which type of roof you choose, it’s not going to be cheap.
With that in mind, an asphalt roof will always be more affordable than a metal roof. This is mainly because metal panels cost more than asphalt shingles. But it also requires more skill and labor to install a metal roof.
The real question is, “How much more does a metal roof cost compared to an asphalt roof?”
You can expect the cost of a metal roof to be about double or triple (depending on which metal roof type you choose) the cost of an asphalt roof.
For example, the 3 types of asphalt shingles cost:
(Left to Right: 3-tab, Dimensional, & Luxury)
You can expect a standing seam metal roof (the type of metal roof I recommend for residential roofing) to be around triple the price per square foot then the prices above.
These numbers aren't exact because of all the different factors that impact the cost of a new roof. But they do give you an idea of the budget you'll need.
For an even better idea of how much both types cost based on your own roof’s square footage, check out our Roofing Calculator.
Metal roofing vs. asphalt roofing: 3 more comparisons to consider
Now you know that a metal roof will be more expensive than an asphalt roof. But there are a few more comparisons to consider when deciding which type of roof is right for you.
Considering the lifespan, your warranty options, and the amount of maintenance required helps determine which one fits exactly what you want out of a new roof.
1. The lifespan of a metal roof compared to an asphalt roof
The lifespan of a roof is how many years you can expect to get out of it. As long as your new roof has adequate attic ventilation and is installed properly, it’ll get as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan.
While both roofs should give you years of peace of mind, a metal roof is going to last longer than an asphalt roof. For example, a dimensional shingle roof has a lifespan of 30 years, while a standing-seam metal roof has a lifespan of 50 years.
For some, this 20-year difference may not be a big deal, especially if they’re not in their forever home. However, if you want to put a roof on your forever home and forget about it, a metal roof may be right for you.
2. Your warranty options for a metal roof versus an asphalt roof
A warranty is in place to protect you and your roof from any future problems. There are 2 types of warranties for your new roof: one on the contractor’s workmanship and one from the manufacturer of your roofing materials.
The workmanship warranty will depend on the local roofing contractor you hire. However, the warranty you get on the materials for a metal roof and an asphalt roof vary.
All 3 types of asphalt shingles come out of the package with a standard manufacturer warranty. For example, a dimensional asphalt shingle comes with a 30-year prorated warranty.
However, if you use all of one manufacturer’s roofing components instead of mixing and matching from other companies, you can qualify to get the 50-year non prorated enhanced warranty. Once you register your roof with the manufacturer, the enhanced warranty covers your entire roof for the next 50 years.
Unfortunately, metal roof panels don’t give you an opportunity to get an enhanced warranty. But standing seam metal roof panels do come with a 30-year paint warranty that covers the protective coating on the metal panels.
Be aware, a contractor’s workmanship warranty is just as important as the material warranties. To learn more about why it’s important, check out this article on what a contractor’s workmanship warranty covers.
3. The amount of maintenance a metal roof needs compared to an asphalt roof
Roof maintenance is the periodical checking of all the vulnerable areas on a roof that could be susceptible to having a problem. Depending on the type of roof, whether it be residential or commercial, it will be annual, biannual, or quarterly maintenance.
Every roof needs some form of maintenance, but some do require more than others. With that in mind, a metal roof is going to need less maintenance than an asphalt roof.
An asphalt roof needs to be maintained and inspected at least once a year. For example, your pipe boots and valleys need to be checked, so you don’t end up with a costly leak.
The amount of maintenance a metal roof needs depends on the type of metal roof you choose.
If you get a standing seam metal roof, it requires virtually no maintenance. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be inspected; this kind of maintenance is more to catch future problems.
On the other hand, a screw-down metal panel roof requires more maintenance than a standing seam metal roof. As time passes, the pressure caused by a lack of expansion and contraction of the metal roof panels will cause the holes in the washers to get wallowed out by the screws.
When this happens, you’ll have to get maintenance to periodically replace the screws with the next size up to hit the holes. No matter what kind of roof you have, it needs to be maintained to maximize its lifespan.
Is a metal roof or an asphalt roof right for you?
Now you know the main considerations you need to think about when deciding if a metal roof or an asphalt roof is right for you. If you’re on a tight budget, then you’re probably going to go with asphalt.
But if you can afford a standing seam metal roof and want that look, get it installed and forget about it for the next 50 years. Remember, I don’t recommend a screw-down metal panel for your residential roof replacement.
After reading this, are you able to determine if a metal roof or an asphalt roof is right for you? If you’re still on the fence or just want reassurance that you’re making the right choice, take our free Roof Type quiz.
This quick 4 question quiz includes the main questions every homeowner needs to ask themselves when deciding on the type of roof they want for their replacement. The goal of this quiz is to save you valuable time and to put the power in your hands to determine the right roof for you before reaching out to a roofing company.
Since 1990, Bill Ragan Roofing Company has helped the residents of Nashville and surrounding areas find the roof of their dreams that fits their budget. Our high-quality workmanship ensures you get the most out of your new roof, and we provide a lifetime warranty to back it up. If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us to get the beautiful roof you deserve.
Find the right type of roof for you and your budget by taking our free Roof Type Quiz.
