Is a Metal Roof Cheaper than Shingles?

Interested in a metal roof? Are you wondering if a metal roof is cheaper than shingles?

Metal roofing is growing more and more popular in the roofing industry across the United States. With the growth, more and more homeowners are comparing metal roofing to the more commonly used asphalt shingles. 

However, the biggest hang up is pricing. And the truth is, the cost difference between the two is pretty drastic. 

The problem is finding honest numbers to get an accurate picture of metal roofing and shingles pricing and the reasons why one is more expensive than the other. Let's change that. 

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners find the perfect roofing material for their budget. So, let's look at if metal roofing is cheaper than asphalt shingles. 

By the end of this article, you'll learn the answers to:

• Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?
• Why is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?
• Is a metal roof cheaper than premium shingles?

Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?

No, a metal roof is not cheaper than standard asphalt shingles. However, the gap in price difference depends on the type of metal roof and specific asphalt shingle. 

An exposed fastener metal roof system will be comparable in price to 3-tab shingles and close to architectural shingles, but cheaper than luxury shingles. On the other hand, a standing seam metal roof will always be more expensive than asphalt shingles. 

You can actually expect the cost of a standing seam metal roof to be more than double or triple the cost of a standard asphalt shingle roof. Just keep in mind that there are multiple metal types, also. 

Premium metals, like copper, are much more expensive than shingles, ranging from $20.00 to $50.00 per square foot. 

Why is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?

The reason a metal roof is more expensive than asphalt shingles comes down to materials and labor costs. Metal panels themselves cost more than asphalt shingles, so that obviously plays a role. 

However, metal roofing is more specialized, labor intensive, and requires skilled experience to install correctly. There's a lot of cutting, measuring, and finer details than asphalt shingles. 

The complexity also means it takes longer to complete. So, labor costs are very high when it comes to getting a new metal roof. 

Is a metal roof cheaper than premium shingles?

While a metal roof isn't cheaper than asphalt shingles, there are also premium shingles that are more comparable pricewise. In fact, a metal roof is actually cheaper than some premium shingles. 

As you can see from the table, synthetic shingles cost about the same as a standing seam metal roof. However, natural shingles, slate and cedar shake, will be much more expensive than a standing seam metal roof. 

What else do you need to compare when choosing between metal and shingles?

After reading this article, you know that metal roofing isn't cheaper than asphalt shingles, why it's not, and a metal roof compares to premium shingles pricewise. Remember, a standing seam metal roof will always be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. 

Because pricing is a big decision-making factor, most homeowners are able to cross metal off their list. But if you have the budget, a standing seam metal roof is one of the best roofing materials available. 

In fact, it'll most likely be the last roof you ever install on your home. So, before making a decision on whether shingles or metal is right for you, there's much more to compare. 

That's why I wrote another article matching up the two most popular residential roofing materials on key decision-making factors. 

Check out Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles to learn how they compare on lifespan, warranties, and much more, so you can make the right decision.