Metal roof vs shingles: which is better?

Choosing roofing material is not always an easy task. You have to consider many details, including cost, durability, and the aesthetics of the covering. In many regions, asphalt shingles and metal roofing are popular. To understand which material will suit your home, let’s look at these options from different angles. We will talk about their advantages, disadvantages, and also the price.

Cost Factors of Shingles and Metal Roofing

The cost of a new roof is influenced by the following factors:

Chosen type of material. Both metal and shingle roofing are made from different raw materials. This affects the production cost of the product.
Roof area. The price of roofing materials is calculated based on square feet. The roof area is usually larger than the house area because of slopes or overhangs.
Labor costs. This includes the time needed for installation and the complexity of the structure. If the roof has a steep slope or a complex design, labor costs will be higher.

These are the main points that form the final amount. Let’s take a closer look at different types of roofing materials.

Cost of Metal Roofing Material

Metal roofing includes several types of material:

Aluminum. The cheapest option. Produced in sheets or shingles. It is lightweight, has low strength, but reflects sunlight well. Aluminum can be recycled.
Tin. A steel base coated with a tin alloy. Such roofing can last up to 70 years but eventually develops a patina.
Zinc. Scratches are less visible on a zinc-coated surface, and it does not corrode. With proper maintenance, the material can retain its original properties for up to 100 years.
Steel. There are three options: galvalume, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. Galvalume is inexpensive, often coated with decorative paint. Galvanized steel is somewhat stronger but prone to corrosion. The most expensive and durable option is stainless steel.
Lead. A copper or steel base coated with a layer of lead. This option is resistant to corrosion but dents easily.
Copper. The most expensive metal, which does not rust and always looks luxurious.

The price range for different types of metal is from $4 to $30 per square foot.

Cost of Shingle Roofing Material

Shingles are also produced in several varieties:

Standard asphalt shingles. A popular, relatively inexpensive material for residential buildings. Easy to install, but has a relatively short lifespan of 15-20 years.
Architectural asphalt shingles. Also asphalt-based, but thicker and more durable. They can last up to 30 years and withstand harsh weather conditions.
Composite shingles. This type combines asphalt with fiberglass and other strengthening materials. They can mimic wood or other surfaces. Service life is up to 50 years.
Wood shingles or shakes. A natural covering that lasts 40-50 years but requires careful maintenance.
Slate shingles. Made of natural stone. Heavy and expensive, but can keep their original look for 100 years or more.

The price range for different types of shingles is from $4.25 to $22 per square foot.

Regardless of which material you choose, it’s best to buy 5-10% extra. This will come in handy for unforeseen situations.

Is It Possible to Install a Roof Yourself?

Roof work is always associated with risk, especially when it comes to steep slopes. Proper safety equipment is required for installation.

The quality of the installation also affects the integrity of the entire building, since any mistakes can turn into serious problems in the future.

Even if self-installation seems like a simple task, we recommend hiring experienced roofers.

How Professional Roof Installation Is Done

If you choose a reliable roofing contractor, along with high-quality service you will also receive other benefits:

a warranty that covers both materials and the completed work;
the necessary building permits;
compliance with construction codes;
a flawless appearance of the roofing.

In addition, a team of professionals will complete the installation faster and more accurately than inexperienced workers.

Other Factors Affecting the Cost of Shingle and Metal Roofing

Here is what else can influence the cost of replacing your home’s roof:

Removal and disposal of materials. The contractor may increase the price if the old roofing needs to be dismantled or if the frame requires repairs.
Style of metal roofing. Options include flat, corrugated, or standing seam panels, as well as shingle-style metal. They differ in cost and installation complexity.
Maintenance expenses. Metal sheets are more expensive to buy and install, but their maintenance is cheaper in the long run. Asphalt shingles require regular inspections to detect defects.
Energy efficiency. A metal roof reflects solar heat, which can significantly reduce air conditioning costs. An asphalt shingle roof, on the other hand, allows more heat to pass into the building.

Considering these details together will help you make the right decision about which material is best for your home.

Advantages of Roof Types

Both metal and asphalt shingles have their strengths and weaknesses. Review the characteristics of these roofing types below, and then make your choice.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

The benefits of this option include:

Easy installation. Asphalt shingles are relatively simple to install on a roof.
Heat retention. Homes with asphalt shingle roofing retain heat better, which helps reduce heating costs in winter months or colder climates.
Variety. Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, and can imitate other roofing materials. This makes it possible to design a building in harmony with the surrounding architecture.

If quick roof installation is required, shingles are the best choice. Professionals can complete the installation in just one or two days.

What Are the Advantages of Metal Roofs

Among the advantages of metal, the following can be highlighted:

Less precipitation accumulates on such roofs, and snow does not linger.
Metal panels are less demanding in maintenance than asphalt shingles.
The surface reflects sunlight well, so the temperature inside rooms remains comfortable during summer heat.
A metal roof withstands the forces of nature reliably.
This material is compatible with solar panels.
The service life of metal sheets can reach 60 years.
If you decide to sell the house, a metal roof will increase its value.

Disadvantages of Roof Types

It is important to understand the weaknesses of materials so that they do not become an unpleasant surprise during installation or maintenance.

What Are the Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs:

wear out faster than metal roofs;
are prone to element damage;

are not an eco-friendly option, as they are not recyclable.When selling, a building with a shingle roof will be worth less.

What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

Metal also has its downsides:

loud noise can be heard during rain or hail;
the large size and heavy weight of the panels make installation more difficult;
due to the high cost of the material and its installation, there is a risk of exceeding the budget.

You can choose any of the materials discussed in our article. We recommend using the help of experienced roofers so that the constructed roof looks flawless and lasts a long time. Such services are available at Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod. Contact the managers in the way most convenient for you and find out how to place an order.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few more questions that most frequently arise regarding roof replacement. We answer the most common ones.

Which is cheaper: a metal roof or shingles?

When it comes to purchase and installation, shingles will cost you much less than metal panels. However, it is worth noting that the service life of a shingle roof is almost twice as short as that of a metal one. In addition, maintenance costs for asphalt shingles are higher than for metal.

How much more expensive is a metal roof compared to a shingle roof?

It depends on the type of shingles and metal. On average, metal panels can be two to three times more expensive than asphalt roofing.

How long does a metal roof last?

The average service life of a metal roof is 50 years. However, it can last longer depending on the type of metal chosen: aluminum, steel, lead, or copper. The last two options are the most durable, lasting 100 years or more.

Will a metal roof be suitable for my house?

To answer this question, assess your financial capabilities. If the budget allows, it is better to choose metal panels for the house. In addition, if the building is located in a region with extreme weather — frequent storms or strong winds — a metal roof will provide more reliable protection and will be less prone to damage.

Dmitry Labkovich

Since 2002, I have dedicated my career to construction, starting as a cleanup worker and laborer. Despite tough conditions, I quickly mastered roofing and siding, and within six months, I was handling complex tasks. Later, I became a subcontractor, growing the business with a partner and expanding our team.

In 2011, I founded Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston. At the same time, I continued working with major firms, building a reputation through high-quality work and excellent service. In 2010, I joined the Coast Guard Reserve, which helped me develop leadership skills. Before my deployment in 2018, I built a reliable team that ensured steady company growth.

Today, Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston is a team of 30+ professionals, all OSHA-certified. We continue to expand while maintaining top-quality standards and exceptional customer service.

**Experience & Expertise**

- 20+ years in the roofing and siding industry
- Hands-on experience from laborer to business owner
- Managing a team of 30+ professionals
- Business development and client relations

**Education & Certification**

- Practical training in roofing and siding techniques
- OSHA safety certification
- Coast Guard Reserve service experience
- Ongoing professional development in construction

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