Choosing the right type of roofing for a home often comes down to comparing two of the most common materials: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Each has its own unique properties, and the differences matter depending on the home, location, and goals of the property owner.
Asphalt shingles have been a standard in residential roofing across the United States for decades. Metal roofing, while traditionally used in commercial or agricultural settings, has grown in popularity among homeowners in recent years.
This article compares asphalt shingles and metal roofing in a clear, side-by-side format. The goal is to help property owners understand how these materials differ in terms of cost, durability, energy efficiency, and other key factors.
What Are Asphalt Shingles And Metal Roofing
Asphalt shingles are roofing materials made from a fiberglass or organic mat base, coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. The asphalt provides waterproofing, while the granules protect against UV rays and add color.
There are two main types of asphalt shingles:
- Three-tab shingles: Flat and uniform in shape
- Architectural shingles: Layered design for added thickness and dimension
Metal roofing consists of panels or shingles formed from metals like steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. These panels are coated or painted to resist corrosion and reflect sunlight.
Common types of metal roofing include:
- Standing seam metal: Vertical panels with raised interlocking seams
- Metal shingles: Stamped to resemble traditional roofing materials
The term “shingles metal” sometimes refers to metal products designed to imitate the look of asphalt or slate shingles, combining visual appeal with metal’s durability.
Both materials come in various styles and colors to match different home designs and personal preferences.
How Do They Compare In Cost
Cost remains one of the biggest factors when comparing roofing materials. The difference between metal and asphalt affects both initial installation and long-term expenses.
Asphalt Shingles Cost
Asphalt shingles typically cost $4 to $7 per square foot installed. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, this totals $8,000 to $14,000.
This price includes:
- Materials: Basic shingles to premium architectural options
- Labor: Standard installation techniques
- Removal: Tearing off old roofing material
- Disposal: Hauling away waste materials
Cost advantage: Asphalt shingles cost significantly less upfront than metal roofing, making them popular for budget-conscious homeowners.
Long-term consideration: While cheaper initially, the cost of asphalt roof vs metal roof balances differently over time because asphalt typically requires replacement sooner.
Metal Roofing Cost
Metal roofing costs $8 to $16 per square foot installed. A 2,000-square-foot roof would total $16,000 to $32,000.
Different metal types affect pricing:
- Steel: Most affordable metal option
- Aluminum: Mid-range pricing, excellent for coastal areas
- Copper: Premium option with highest cost
Higher initial investment: Metal roof cost versus asphalt shingles shows a clear difference upfront, with metal shingles cost vs asphalt being 2-3 times higher.
Value perspective: Though more expensive initially, metal roofing’s longer lifespan may provide better value over decades of use.
![Comparison of asphalt shingles and metal roofing materials side by side]
Durability And Lifespan Of Asphalt Vs Metal
The lifespan difference between these materials represents one of their most significant contrasts.
Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 30 years depending on:
- Quality of the shingles
- Local climate conditions
- Installation quality
- Maintenance practices
Metal roofing systems generally last 40 to 70 years with variations based on:
- Metal type (steel, aluminum, copper)
- Coating quality
- Environmental factors
- Installation methods
In Texas weather conditions, each material faces different challenges:
Weather resistance comparison:
- Heat tolerance: Metal reflects heat while asphalt absorbs it
- Wind resistance: Metal typically withstands higher wind speeds (140+ mph vs 110-130 mph for asphalt)
- Hail impact: Quality metal resists damage better than asphalt, which can lose granules
Many homeowners wonder, “is a metal roof better than a shingle roof?” When comparing metal roofs vs asphalt shingles purely on longevity, metal clearly lasts longer. However, other factors like cost and aesthetics also matter in the overall decision.
Energy Efficiency And Environmental Impact
The energy performance of roofing materials affects both utility bills and environmental footprint.
Heat absorption vs reflection:
- Asphalt shingles: Absorb heat, potentially raising attic temperatures 20-30°F
- Metal roofing: Reflects up to 70% of solar radiation with proper coatings
This difference in heat management affects cooling costs, especially in hot climates. Metal vs asphalt roof comparisons show metal can reduce cooling energy by 10-25% in warm regions.
Environmental considerations also differ between materials:
- Recyclability: Metal is 100% recyclable; asphalt typically ends up in landfills
- Production impact: Both require energy to manufacture, but metal’s longer lifespan spreads this impact over more years
- End-of-life: Metal can be recycled into new products; asphalt creates waste
For homeowners concerned about energy efficiency, both materials offer “cool roof” options with enhanced reflective properties. These specialized products can improve the performance of either asphalt roof vs metal in hot climates.
Maintenance Requirements For Shingles Or Metal
Regular care affects how long any roof lasts and how well it protects a home.
Maintenance Checklist For Asphalt Roof
Asphalt shingles require more frequent attention:
Regular inspection needs:
- Annual checks: Look for damaged or missing shingles
- After storms: Check for wind or hail damage
- Seasonal cleaning: Remove debris from roof surface and gutters
Common issues with asphalt include:
- Algae growth (especially in humid areas)
- Granule loss appearing as bald spots
- Curling or cracking from age and sun exposure
When evaluating asphalt shingles advantages and disadvantages, maintenance requirements represent a significant consideration. While repairs are usually straightforward, they’re needed more frequently than with metal.
Maintenance Checklist For Metal Roof
Metal roofing typically requires less maintenance:
Inspection schedule:
- Every 1-2 years: Check fasteners and seams
- After severe weather: Look for dents or scratches
- Periodic cleaning: Remove debris that could trap moisture
Potential issues include:
- Scratches in protective coatings
- Loose fasteners on some systems
- Panel movement in improperly installed roofs
For homeowners debating between metal roof or shingles, maintenance differences may influence the decision. Metal’s lower maintenance needs offset its higher initial cost for some property owners.
Pros And Cons Of Asphalt Roof Vs Metal
Understanding the strengths and limitations of each material helps with making an informed choice.
Pros Of Asphalt Shingles
- Budget-friendly: Lower initial installation cost
- Familiar appearance: Traditional look that blends with most neighborhoods
- Easy installation: More contractors available with experience
- Simple repairs: Individual shingles can be replaced
- Color variety: Wide range of shades and textures
These advantages make asphalt shingles versus metal roof an appealing option for many homeowners, especially those with limited budgets or in neighborhoods where traditional appearances matter.
Pros Of Metal Roofing
- Extended lifespan: Lasts 2-3 times longer than asphalt
- Weather resistance: Performs well in extreme conditions
- Energy efficiency: Reflects heat rather than absorbing it
- Low maintenance: Fewer issues with degradation over time
- Fire resistance: Non-combustible material
These benefits explain why metal roofing vs shingles comparisons increasingly favor metal for long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
Cons Of Asphalt Shingles
- Shorter lifespan: Requires replacement more frequently
- Weather vulnerability: More susceptible to wind and hail damage
- Heat absorption: Can increase attic temperatures
- Environmental impact: Not easily recyclable
- Mold potential: Can develop algae or moss in humid conditions
These limitations affect the long-term value when comparing shingles or metal options.
Cons Of Metal Roofing
- Higher initial cost: Significant upfront investment
- Installation complexity: Requires specialized skills
- Potential noise: May be louder during rain without proper installation
- Denting possibility: Some metals can dent from large hail
- Limited contractor pool: Fewer qualified installers in some areas
These factors make tin roof vs shingles comparisons complex, with tradeoffs in different categories.
Which Is Better Shingles Or Metal Roofing For Your Home
The best choice depends on specific circumstances and priorities. Several factors influence which material works better for a particular home.
Budget considerations:
- Short-term focus: Asphalt costs less initially
- Long-term view: Metal may cost less over decades of use
Climate factors:
- Hot regions: Metal reflects heat better
- High wind areas: Quality metal withstands higher wind speeds
- Hail-prone regions: Impact-resistant options exist for both materials
Home characteristics:
- Architectural style: Some designs traditionally use specific materials
- Roof complexity: Intricate designs may favor one material over another
- Structural capacity: Some older homes may not support heavier materials
Homeowner priorities:
- Maintenance preference: Metal requires less regular attention
- Environmental concerns: Metal offers better recyclability
- Noise sensitivity: Proper installation addresses rain noise with metal
This comparison framework helps answer which is better shingles or metal roofing based on individual circumstances rather than assuming one material universally outperforms the other. The asphalt vs metal shingles decision balances multiple factors.
Putting It All Together For Long Term Value
When evaluating the total value proposition of roofing materials, consider both initial costs and performance over time.
Asphalt shingles provide lower upfront costs but typically require replacement sooner. Metal roofing costs more initially but lasts longer with fewer maintenance needs. This difference affects the total cost of ownership over decades.
For homes in Texas, weather resistance particularly matters. Steel vs shingle roof comparisons show differences in how each material handles heat, wind, and precipitation. Steel roof vs asphalt shingles cost calculations should include potential energy savings and replacement timelines.
Proper installation significantly affects how any roofing material performs. Even the highest quality products can fail prematurely if incorrectly installed. Professional assessment helps identify which material best suits a specific home’s conditions.
Amstill Roofing provides free roof inspections to help homeowners understand their options based on their home’s specific conditions. With over 50 years of experience in Texas, Amstill has installed both asphalt shingles and metal roofing systems across Houston and surrounding areas. For a free roof inspection, visit https://amstillroofing.com/contact/.
FAQs About Asphalt Shingles Vs Metal Roofing
Does a metal roof affect insurance premiums in Texas?
Some Texas insurance providers offer reduced premiums for metal roofs due to their superior resistance to fire, hail, and wind damage compared to asphalt shingles.
Can metal roofs withstand hail damage in Houston?
Quality metal roofing with appropriate thickness ratings can withstand typical Houston hailstorms with minimal damage, though severe hail may cause cosmetic denting without compromising roof integrity.
Can I install a metal roof over existing asphalt shingles?
Metal roofing can often be installed over one layer of asphalt shingles if the existing roof is relatively flat and the structure can support the additional weight.
How do metal shingles compare to standing seam metal roofing?
Metal shingles offer a more traditional appearance similar to asphalt or slate, while standing seam provides a contemporary look with fewer seams and better water resistance.
How do architectural shingles compare to metal roofing in durability?
Architectural shingles typically last 25-30 years while metal roofing lasts 40-70 years, with metal offering superior resistance to UV degradation, wind uplift, and impact damage.
What makes aluminum roofing different from other metal roofing options?
Aluminum roofing resists corrosion better than steel in coastal environments, weighs less, and never rusts, though it costs more and may dent more easily than steel options.
