The complete breakdown — cost, durability, lifespan, energy efficiency, and which material wins for your climate and budget.
This is the single most common question homeowners ask when it's time for a new roof: should I go with metal or stick with asphalt shingles? Having installed both for over 20 years, here's the honest answer — it depends on your budget, your climate, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in America for a reason: they're affordable, look great, and any roofer can install them. Metal roofing costs more upfront but lasts 2–3x longer and can save you money on energy and insurance. Neither is universally "better" — but one is likely the better choice for your situation.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Materials per sq ft | $1.00 – $2.50 | $3.50 – $14.00 |
| Installed cost per sq ft | $3.50 – $5.50 | $7.00 – $16.00 |
| Average 2,000 sq ft roof | $7,000 – $11,000 | $14,000 – $32,000 |
| Cost over 50 years | $14,000 – $33,000 (2 roofs) | $14,000 – $32,000 (1 roof) |
| Insurance savings | Baseline | Up to 35% discount |
| Energy savings | Minimal | Up to 25% cooling costs |
When you factor in the second replacement that shingles will need, metal roofing often costs the same or less over the life of the home. That said, if you're planning to sell within 10 years, shingles are almost always the better financial play.
| Material | Expected Lifespan | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles | 15 – 20 years | 25 years |
| Architectural Shingles | 25 – 35 years | Lifetime (prorated after 10-15 yrs) |
| Corrugated Metal | 30 – 45 years | 20 – 30 years |
| Standing Seam Metal | 40 – 70 years | 30 – 50 years |
| Stone-Coated Steel | 40 – 60 years | 50 years |
Winner: Metal. Metal roofing with a reflective coating can reduce cooling costs by 20–25%. In Phoenix or Houston, that translates to real savings on your electric bill. Shingles absorb and radiate heat into the attic.
Winner: Metal. Snow slides off a metal roof instead of accumulating. This reduces ice dam risk and structural load. Just make sure you install snow guards to prevent avalanche dumps.
Winner: Metal (standing seam). Standing seam metal roofs handle sustained high winds better than shingles. Impact-rated shingles like Atlas StormMaster can compete, but metal still has the edge in extreme weather.
Winner: Either — base your decision on budget. In mild climates without extreme weather, the performance gap between metal and shingles narrows. Quality architectural shingles will do a great job for 30+ years.
Ready to buy? Here are our recommendations for each category:
The industry standard for architectural shingles. LayerLock technology, 130 MPH wind rating, lifetime warranty.
The gold standard for metal roofing. Hidden fasteners, 40–70 year lifespan, superior weather resistance.