For many Texas homeowners, choosing between a metal roof and asphalt shingles is one of the most important decisions in maintaining or replacing a roof. Both materials are widely used across the state, but they perform differently under Texas weather conditions.
The goal of this guide is to explain how these two roofing systems compare in terms of cost, maintenance, long-term performance, and other key factors. This information is especially relevant in Texas, where intense sun, high heat, hail, and hurricanes create unique roofing challenges.
This guide is based on decades of roofing experience in Texas neighborhoods, with extensive work in asphalt and metal roofing systems. Every home is different, and so is every roofing solution. The comparison below is meant to help homeowners understand how each option works in the context of local conditions.
Comparing Metal vs Asphalt Roof for Texas Homes
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing are two of the most popular materials installed on homes across Texas. Each performs differently in the face of heat, storm activity, and seasonal shifts.
Asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass base with asphalt coating, topped with ceramic granules. They create the layered look common in many neighborhoods. Metal roofs consist of panels or shingles made of steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper, often with protective coatings that resist rust and reflect sunlight.
In Texas, roofs face high temperatures, strong UV exposure, hailstorms, and heavy winds. Asphalt shingles tend to absorb heat, while metal roofing reflects it. During storms, shingles may be more vulnerable to damage than properly installed metal roofing.
| Feature | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15-30 years | 40-70+ years |
| Initial Cost | $4-7 per sq. ft. | $8-14 per sq. ft. |
| Heat Handling | Absorbs heat | Reflects heat |
| Storm Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Maintenance | Regular checks needed | Minimal upkeep |
What Are Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roof Systems
Asphalt shingles consist of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. The asphalt makes the shingle waterproof, while the granules protect against UV rays and provide color.
There are three main types of asphalt shingles:
- 3-tab shingles: Flat, uniform pieces with three tabs per strip
- Architectural shingles: Thicker with a dimensional, layered appearance
- Premium shingles: Designer styles with enhanced durability features
Metal roofing comes in several forms, each with different characteristics:
- Standing seam: Panels with raised seams that interlock and hide fasteners
- Metal shingles: Pieces shaped to look like traditional shingles or tiles
- Corrugated panels: Sheets with ridges for added strength
The materials used in metal roofing include steel (often galvanized or coated), aluminum (naturally resistant to rust), and copper (which develops a green patina over time). Each metal has different weight, strength, and corrosion resistance properties.
When comparing metal roofing vs shingles, the physical structure of each system affects how it handles water, wind, and temperature changes. Metal has fewer seams and typically sheds water more efficiently, while shingles rely on overlapping layers to keep moisture out.
Cost of Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles
The price difference between shingle and metal roof installations is significant at the outset but may balance over time. For a typical Texas home, asphalt shingles cost about $4-7 per square foot installed, while metal roofing ranges from $8-14 per square foot.
This means for a 2,000-square-foot roof:
- Asphalt shingles: $8,000-$14,000
- Metal roofing: $16,000-$28,000
The cost of metal roof compared to shingles includes both materials and labor. Metal installation requires specialized skills and tools, which adds to the initial expense.
Long-term costs tell a different story. Asphalt shingles typically need replacement every 15-30 years, while metal roofing can last 40-70 years. For a home you plan to own for decades, a metal roof might require just one installation, while asphalt could need replacement two or three times.
Energy efficiency also affects total cost. Metal roofs reflect solar heat, potentially reducing cooling costs by 10-25% in hot Texas summers. Asphalt shingles absorb heat, which may increase air conditioning needs.
Is metal roofing more expensive than shingles? Initially, yes. Over a 50-year period, the total cost might be comparable or even favor metal due to fewer replacements and potential energy savings.
Maintenance Needs for Shingles or Metal Roof
Both roofing types require some maintenance, but the frequency and complexity differ. Asphalt shingles need more regular attention than metal roofing systems.
For asphalt shingles, routine maintenance includes:
- Annual inspections: Check for cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Cleaning: Remove moss, algae, and debris that can trap moisture
- Gutter clearing: Prevent granule buildup and water backup
Metal roofing maintenance typically involves:
- Periodic inspections: Look for loose fasteners or sealant failures
- Debris removal: Clear leaves and branches that might scratch coatings
- Fastener checks: Ensure screws remain tight and sealed
After storms, asphalt shingles often need repairs for wind damage, missing pieces, or hail impacts. Metal or shingle roofing can both suffer during extreme weather, but metal typically experiences fewer issues that require immediate attention.
Maintenance costs over time favor metal roofing. While professional inspections are recommended for both materials, asphalt shingles more commonly need partial replacements or repairs as they age.
Is Metal Roof Better Than Shingles for Durability
When it comes to durability, metal roofing generally outperforms asphalt shingles in several key areas:
- Lifespan: Metal roofs last 40-70+ years compared to 15-30 years for asphalt shingles
- Wind resistance: Quality metal roofing can withstand winds up to 140+ mph, while most shingles are rated for 110-130 mph
- Impact resistance: Many metal roofs achieve Class 4 impact ratings (the highest possible), making them highly resistant to hail damage
- Fire safety: Metal is non-combustible and typically carries a Class A fire rating
Asphalt shingles can deteriorate from prolonged sun exposure, especially in Texas heat. The granules that protect the asphalt layer wear away over time, leading to cracking, curling, and reduced water resistance.
Metal roofing maintains its structural integrity longer because it doesn’t contain organic materials that break down. Steel or aluminum roof vs shingles comparisons consistently show that metal handles environmental stresses better over decades of exposure.
Is metal roof better than shingles for Texas weather? For durability against sun, heat, wind, and storms, metal typically provides superior long-term performance. However, both materials can perform well when properly installed and maintained.
Architectural Shingles vs Metal Roof in Extreme Weather
Architectural shingles and metal roofing both offer improved weather resistance compared to basic 3-tab shingles, but they perform differently during severe Texas weather events.
During hurricanes and high winds:
- Architectural shingles: Can resist winds up to 110-130 mph with proper installation
- Metal roofing: Often rated for winds of 120-160 mph, with standing seam systems offering the best performance
In hailstorms:
- Architectural shingles vs metal roof: Both can achieve Class 4 impact ratings
- Damage appearance: Metal may show cosmetic denting but rarely leaks, while shingles might lose granules or crack
Heavy rainfall affects each system differently:
- Metal: Sheds water quickly with fewer seams for potential leaks
- Shingles: Relies on overlapping layers that can be compromised if damaged
For Texas homes that face extreme heat, the difference is notable:
- Metal: Reflects solar radiation, keeping attics cooler
- Architectural shingles: Absorbs heat, which can transfer into the home
Both materials can stand up to severe weather when properly installed, but metal roofing typically offers greater resilience in the most extreme conditions.
Steel vs Shingles and Aluminum Roof vs Shingles
Different metal types offer varying benefits when compared to asphalt shingles. Steel and aluminum are the most common metals used in residential roofing.
Steel roofing provides:
- Strength: More resistant to denting and physical damage
- Cost efficiency: Less expensive than aluminum or copper
- Weight: Heavier than aluminum but lighter than concrete or clay tiles
- Corrosion resistance: Requires protective coatings to prevent rust
When comparing steel vs shingles, steel offers significantly longer lifespan and better wind resistance, but costs more initially.
Aluminum roofing offers:
- Natural corrosion resistance: Doesn’t rust, even in coastal areas
- Lightweight: Puts less stress on the home’s structure
- Flexibility: Less likely to crack during temperature changes
- Higher cost: More expensive than steel or asphalt options
In aluminum roof vs shingles comparisons, aluminum excels in coastal environments where salt exposure would damage other materials. It’s an excellent choice for homes near the Gulf Coast, though it comes at a premium price.
Both metal options outlast asphalt shingles, but the choice between steel and aluminum depends on your home’s location, budget, and environmental factors.
Making the Right Roofing Choice for Your Texas Home
When deciding between metal roofing and asphalt shingles, consider your home’s specific needs and your long-term plans. If you’ll stay in your home for decades, the durability of metal might offset its higher initial cost. For shorter-term ownership, asphalt shingles provide quality protection at a lower upfront price.
Climate matters too. In hurricane-prone areas near the coast, metal’s wind resistance offers advantages. In hotter inland regions, metal’s heat reflection can improve energy efficiency.
Amstill Roofing has installed both metal and asphalt roofing systems throughout Texas for over 50 years. Our team can provide a free roof inspection to assess your current roof’s condition and discuss appropriate options for your home.
FAQs About Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
How much longer does a metal roof last compared to asphalt shingles?
Metal roofs typically last 40-70 years, while asphalt shingles generally last 15-30 years, giving metal a lifespan advantage of 25-40 years in most cases.
Do metal roofs attract lightning more than asphalt shingle roofs?
Metal roofs do not attract lightning more than asphalt shingles, as lightning strikes the highest point in an area regardless of material, and metal roofing is non-combustible if a strike does occur.
How do metal roofs perform during Texas hailstorms compared to asphalt shingles?
Metal roofs with Class 4 impact ratings resist functional damage better during hailstorms than standard asphalt shingles, though metal may show cosmetic denting while maintaining its water-shedding ability.
Can a metal roof be installed over existing asphalt shingles?
A metal roof can sometimes be installed over a single layer of asphalt shingles if the roof deck is sound and local building codes permit it, but complete removal is often recommended for best results.
What are the noise levels of metal roofing during rain compared to asphalt shingles?
Modern metal roofs installed with proper underlayment and insulation produce similar noise levels to asphalt shingles during rainfall, contrary to the common misconception that metal roofs are significantly louder.
