Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Right for You?

Trying to decide between metal roofing and asphalt shingles? Need an honest comparison to help you make the right decision?

 Asphalt shingles have dominated the residential roofing industry for decades. However, metal roofing is closing in on becoming just as popular. 

Even with the rise in popularity, most homeowners don’t know much about metal roofing. This makes it impossible to determine if metal roofing or asphalt shingles is the right choice without an honest comparison. 

For over 35 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners find the perfect roofing material for their budget, home’s aesthetic, and more. Because of this, I’ll help you determine if metal roofing or asphalt shingles is the best option for your roof replacement. 

This article compares metal roofing to asphalt shingles on the following:

• Cost
• Lifespan
• Warranties
• Maintenance
• Resale value

Before getting to the match-up, let’s do a quick overview of asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Below is some basic information, plus the main pros and cons of each. 

The pros and cons of asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles consist of fiberglass, tar, and asphalt granules on a fiberglass mat. They come on individual strips that are layered and staggered from the roofline to the top of the ridge when installed. 

(Left to right: 3-tab, architectural, luxury)

While there are three types of asphalt shingles, architectural asphalt shingles are the most common. But they’re not only the most common shingle but the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. 

Asphalt shingle advantages:

• Affordability
• Ease of repair and installation
• Readily available materials and colors
• Multiple shingle options
• Impact resistant options

Asphalt shingle disadvantages:

• Low curb appeal compared to other materials
• Needs yearly maintenance
• Susceptible to storm damage

The pros and cons of metal roofing

Metal roofing is a series of metal panels that are locked together at the seams (standing seam) or screwed down (exposed fastener). Both metal roofing options have their place in residential roofing, but the recommended option is standing seam. 

(Standing seam metal roof)

This is simply because the metal panels can expand and contract freely when going through thermal expansion. If you do get an exposed fastener metal roof system, you’ll have to replace the screws (fasteners) when they start backing out due to the lack of free expansion and contraction.

(Exposed fastener metal roof)

Metal roofing advantages:

• High curb appeal
• Versatility
• Color options
• Long-lasting
• Durable
• Virtually maintenance-free (standing seam specific)
• Plenty of metal options

Metal roofing disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Potential for oil canning (standing seam specific)
• Makes noise when it rains
• Hard to repair and install
• Heavy

Metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles: Which is better?

After learning the general information, let’s get to the head-to-head match-up. The rest of this article compares metal roofing to asphalt shingles on cost, lifespan, warranties, maintenance, and resale value.

Cost

No matter the type of shingle, metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles. Not only do metal panels cost more than asphalt shingles, but they also require more skill and labor to install.

However, pricing heavily depends on the asphalt shingle type, metal roof system, and the specific type of metal. The cost ranges below are for a full roof replacement, not just for the materials themselves. 

Just like the different types of shingles, the two metal roof systems greatly vary in price. However, the metal used on standing seam panels also play a big role in metal roofing costs. 

While an exposed fastener metal roof will be on the cheaper end of the price range, maintenance fees come later when the fasteners need to be replaced. However, a standing seam metal roof will always be at least two to three times more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. 

Lifespan

Metal roofing typically lasts longer than asphalt shingles. But just like cost, it depends on the specific shingle and metal roof. 

The three types of asphalt shingles range from 15 to 30 years, with luxury shingles even able to last longer in the right conditions. 

Metal roofing's lifespan heavily depends on the metal roof system and type of metal. However, an exposed fastener metal roof will never last as long as a standing seam metal roof. 

While I only included copper, stainless and zinc are also considered lifetime materials. But just keep in mind that these maximum lifespans can only be reached when the roof is properly installed and adequately ventilated.  

Warranties

Roofing material warranties are crucial to protect your investment in the event you get a defective roof. Both metal roofing and asphalt shingles come with great material warranties, but they cover very different things. 

Asphalt shingles comes with a standard out of the package warranty on the shingles themselves. They also come with warranties for algae-resistance and wind resistance,  but the length varies by manufacturer. 

If you get an architectural or luxury asphalt shingle roof system from one the manufacturer, there is a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. However, this varies and requires a certified roofer who can offer it. 

Metal roofing comes with a warranty on the painted finish that protects the metal from the elements and potential damage. Steel standing seam metal roofing comes with a Kynar 500 painted finish with a 30-year warranty.

However, aluminum or exposed fastener steel paint warranties depend on the actual paint used. 

Maintenance

Every roof needs maintenance to keep it running smoothly and check vulnerable areas susceptible to a problem. However, asphalt shingles require more routine maintenance than metal roofing. 

No matter the shingle, an asphalt shingle roof needs to be maintained and inspected at least once a year. This is mainly to check pipe boots, backed-out nails, clear debris from valleys, and other preventative measures to ensure your roof stays leak-free. 

A standing seam metal roof requires virtually no maintenance after installation, but I still recommend getting it inspected once a year or every other year.  

(Screws wallowed out on exposed fastener metal roof)

On the other hand, a screw-down panel metal roof needs routine maintenance to replace the fasteners. Remember, the metal can’t expand and contract because it's screwed through the metal down to the decking. 

Resale value

No matter what roofing material you get, a new roof increases your home’s value. This means you’ll recoup some of the money you spent on your initial roof investment. 

While both materials have resale value, asphalt shingles have a higher percentage of cost recouped than metal roofing.  According to the COST VS VALUE REPORT, the national average ROI on an asphalt shingle roof (architectural) is 68% compared to 50% for metal roofing (standing seam). 

Keep in mind that these numbers are the average and depend on the housing market and the roof's age at the time. 

Is metal roofing or asphalt shingles right for you?

Now, you know how metal roofing and asphalt shingles compare. The only other thing to compare would be curb appeal, but that’s based on personal taste that differs for everyone. 

By now, you should have a good idea of which one is right for you. The truth is asphalt shingles are more affordable and the better option for homeowners on a tight budget. 

However, you won’t truly know until after talking to a roofing contractor and getting honest feedback. Unfortunately, honesty is hard to find in the roofing industry. 

That’s why finding a reputable roofer you can trust is crucial. But how do you do that?

Check out 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor to help you spot a reputable company in a sea of options in your local area.