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.
Yes, in most cases. While a metal roof costs 2-3x more upfront ($18,000-$30,000 vs $9,000-$14,000 for a typical home), it lasts 40-70 years compared to 20-30 years for shingles. Over a 50-year period, you would replace a shingle roof twice while a metal roof needs zero replacements. The total 50-year cost of metal is often $10,000-$20,000 less than shingles when you factor in replacement costs, maintenance, and energy savings.
Metal roofs last significantly longer. Standing seam metal lasts 40-60 years, while the best architectural shingles last 25-30 years. Budget 3-tab shingles only last 15-20 years. That means a metal roof installed today could still be protecting a home in 2070, while a shingle roof installed today will likely need replacement by 2050.
Yes, in many cases. Most building codes allow installing a metal roof over one existing layer of shingles, saving $1,000-$3,000 in tear-off costs. However, you should not install over two layers, warped or rotting decking, or where moisture problems exist. A professional inspection of the existing roof and decking is essential - see our guide to finding a good roofer.
Cooler. Metal roofs with reflective coatings (cool roof rated) reflect 25-70% of solar radiation versus only 5-25% for dark asphalt shingles. This can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% in warm climates. In cold climates, the energy difference is minimal since attic insulation is the primary thermal barrier, not the roofing material.
Metal roofs typically recover 60-85% of their cost at resale, while shingles recover 60-70%. Metal adds more perceived value because buyers know it will not need replacement for decades. In storm-prone or wildfire areas, a metal roof can increase home value by up to 6% due to durability and insurance savings. For a broader comparison across all material types, see our complete roofing materials guide.