Metal vs. Shingles Roof: Pros and Cons

Part of researching a roof replacement involves exploring shingle type. There are a few different materials used for roof shingles, from tile, wood, or rubber to metal or asphalt. Many homeowners are often torn between a metal vs. shingles roof.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these different materials? The choice between metal and asphalt shingles will affect the aesthetic appearance of your home, but can also determine the length of time before you need to replace shingles again. 

Let’s explore the difference between metal and asphalt to consider the effectiveness of both roof shingle types. 

Are Metal Roofs Right for Me?

Metal roofs are higher in cost, with a wide range of $3.10–$29.65 per square foot depending on what type of metal you choose.

But it can be a worthwhile investment if you are looking to save money on your energy bill. Metal roofs reflect solar heat and keep interiors cooler than other shingle materials.

Consider how long you plan to stay in your home before choosing metal, as you’ll want to be sure you have enough time to experience the benefits of investing in a metal roof. Metal shingles retain an average 48.9% of their value in resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report.

Here’s a quick reference guide to pros and cons of metal roofs, which we’ll break down into more detail below.

Pros of Metal Roofs

There are many reasons why consumers value metal roofs and choose them to add value to their home. Here are some of their advantages.

• Metal shingles have an average lifespan of 80 years, which is longer than some other types of roof shingle including asphalt. 
• Investing in metal shingles can actually save you money over time. Because metal shingles reflect solar heat, they can reduce cooling costs by 10%–25%. 
• Metal roofs are environmentally friendly. Ranging from 25%–95% recycled material, they’re completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan as well. 

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Cons of Metal Roofs

Though metal roofs are a popular choice, they do have drawbacks. Here are some reasons why people often decide against them. 

• Though metal shingles have a longer lifespan than asphalt and other types of roof shingles, they can be more expensive to install. Installation costs typically range from about $43,000 to $89,000. 
• Metal roofs can be noisy if you live in an area with a rainy climate. Though you can counter this issue with insulation, installing insulation will add to the total cost of your roofing project. 
• They are prone to dings, dents, and potentially even rust. Repairing these flaws can be difficult and/or costly. 
• Some metal roofs are subject to expansion and contraction. They must be installed in a way that allows the panels to “breathe,” which means any error in installation can cause big problems with loose panels down the line. 

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Are Asphalt Shingle Roofs Right for Me?

Asphalt shingles, commonly referred to as 3-tab roof shingles, are one of the most common types of roof shingle in the United States.

Easy to install and flexible with design and color, asphalt shingles are ideal for getting new shingles on a budget or for rental properties where the aesthetics of your home are less of a concern. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value report, asphalt shingles hold 61.1% of their value in resale. 

We’ll take a quick look at the pros and cons of shingle roofs, then break them down below.

Pros of Shingle Roofs

Here are a few reasons why asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials. 

• Asphalt shingles are one of the cheapest materials to install. If you’re in a bind, opting for asphalt as your shingle material can get the job done on a budget. The installation cost of asphalt shingles typically ranges from about $5,500 to $16,500.
• Coming in hundreds of colors, asphalt shingles are designed to fit into the aesthetic appearance of a wide array of homes. They are often manufactured to look like slate, offering a simple and lightweight shingle for your home. 
• If you own a rental property and are looking to cut costs on new shingles, asphalt can be a great option. Asphalt gives a polished look without the high cost of materials like tile or solar. 
• Asphalt is naturally fire-resistant and offers increased resistance to hail, which can decrease insurance costs. If you live in an area prone to hail or wildfires, you might want to opt for asphalt roofing shingles. 

Cons of Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles aren’t the right solution for every scenario. There are a few reasons why it might be best to use a different material. 

• Though asphalt can be cheap to install compared to metal roof shingles, they don’t last as long on average. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of around 20 years, which is tied for rubber as the shortest lifespan. 
• Asphalt shingles can be susceptible to mildew problems if excess water accumulates on your roof. This is a common problem with asphalt shingles and a consideration for those living in climates with a lot of moisture. 
• In contrast to metal roofs, asphalt roof tiles can actually transfer heat into your home. This can dramatically increase your energy bill as you have to turn up your AC unit to get your home cooled. Not to mention, the shingles themselves can be damaged by excessive heat. There are cool roof coatings that can be added to asphalt shingles at an additional cost, but this material is not as naturally energy efficient as other materials.
• Asphalt shingles aren’t as environmentally friendly as metal roof shingles, which is something to seriously consider when selecting a roofing material. 

Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Pros and Cons

Now, let’s take all those pros and cons from above and look at them side by side. Here’s how metal vs  shingles stack up against each other.

Choosing Your Roofing Shingles

When it comes to selecting roofing shingles, consider your budget as well as the purpose of the property you’re re-shingling. Comparing roof shingle types pros and cons are a good way to aid your decision and determine the features you’re looking for in new shingles.

Modernize can connect you with up to four contractors who can help you make the choice as well! Explore our contractor directory to help you get your new roofing project started.