Asphalt Shingles vs a Metal Roof: Which is a Better Option?

If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ve likely come across these two popular types:

Asphalt Shingles and Metal roofing

Which one is the better option for you? Here are the pros and cons of the two types of roofs to give you a comparison.

Lifespan:

Metal is the clear winner here. The typical lifespan for a metal roof is around 50 years. Some metals, like zinc and copper, can last 100 years or more! Typical asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, only last 12–25 years at most.

Durability:

Steel roofs can last for many decades without showing signs of wear. They’re also highly resistant to extreme weather, including hail (which can easily bruise and crack asphalt), wind-driven rain, snow, and ice. They can withstand winds up to 120 mph due to the interlocking pattern of the panels. Shingles will more easily blow off of a roof, leaving spots vulnerable to moisture penetration.

Cost:

The cost of a shingle roof can be much less up front than a metal roof. Long term, however, a metal roof pulls ahead and could save you a lot of money. You could end up having to replace your shingle roof three times over the lifespan of a single metal roof. Metal is generally twice the price of shingles.

Fire and hail resistant:

Metal is fireproof and about half as likely to sustain damage from hail.

Maintenance:

Winner: Metal. If your metal roof is installed properly, it should require virtually no maintenance. Simply check your roof and gutters for debris a couple times a year. Asphalt roofs require regular seasonal inspections, repairs, maintenance, and shingle replacement.

Maintenance cost:

Shingles are easier to repair than metal panels. A roofer can replace a single shingle or fix an area with relative ease. Fixing a problem spot or replacing a panel in a metal roof is more difficult due to the way it’s installed and how the panels are connected.

Aesthetics:

You will have a large variety of color, style, and design options for both metal and shingle roofs.

Install:

Because a shingle roof requires less skill and labor to install than a metal roof, roofing contractors can typically install them more quickly. You might also have an easier time finding the right contractor to install a shingle roof, since metal roof installation is more complicated and requires special skills.

Weight on the roof:

Shingles are heavier than metal, which can place more stress on your building’s structure. Metal is lightweight, so it can help preserve your building’s integrity over time.