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brown metal sheet roof of the house
brown metal sheet roof of the house

Metal Roof vs. Shingles Cost: Is Metal Roofing Worth It?

5 min read

June 22, 2023

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Clean Cut

Come, one and all, to see the knock-out, drag-down fight of the century! We’ve got two powerful contenders here to teach you what it really means to be to dominate in the roofing industry. 🥊

In corner one, we have the reigning champ. You know him, you love him, and he’s probably sitting on your roof right now. Ladies and gentlemen make some noise for (drum roll, please 🥁)…asphalt shingles!!

You know what they say, though. The higher you rise, the further you have to fall. And asphalt shingle roofs definitely have some competition. Our relative newcomer isn’t here to play nice, but will get the job done. Will she steal the crown? Put your hands together and welcome the one, the only….metal roofs!!

Interested in upgrading your roof, but not sure which material to choose?

Today, our two contenders will be duking it out in a fight to the death to determine which roofing material is the best choice for your home. We’ll be evaluating them based on:

  • Pricing 💲
  • Maintenance 🛠️
  • Energy efficiency ♻️
  • Ability to take a hit (you know…from hail) 🧊

Keep reading to learn who our champion will be!

Metal vs. Shingle Showdown

new installed black tile roof on modern house

We’ve got 5 rounds for you today to try and determine which roofing material comes out on top. Let’s dive in.

Price

For many homeowners, the most important factor when it comes to choosing roofing materials, is the overall cost. And we get it. Roof replacements are notoriously expensive. It’s only natural to look for an option that feels affordable.

So when it comes to a metal roof vs shingles, it’s no surprise that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market. They are also the most affordable, costing between $8,000-$18,000 to install. That’s a huge contrast to metal roofing, which can cost anywhere between $15,000-$50,000, depending on the style that you choose.

🥇Winner: Asphalt Shingles

Longevity

With the price of a new roof being so high, it’s important to make sure that you are investing in something that is designed to last. With metal roofing panels, that is exactly what you are getting. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years, meaning that it very well may be the last roof that you purchase in your life!

An asphalt shingle roof, on the other hand, usually only lasts 15-20 years. In fact, it has the shortest lifespan of almost any roofing material, even when properly installed and cared for.

🥇Winner: Metal

Durability

A roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. As such, it is crucial that it is able to take on whatever comes its way.

An asphalt roof is decently reliable, with shingles that work in almost any climate. It’s worth noting that asphalt shingles tend to be more vulnerable to impact damage and high winds. This means that you will regularly have to check your roof after stormy weather for signs of damage.

On the other hand, metal roofs stand up particularly well to severe weather conditions. They are fire, mold, and pest resistant. The one thing to keep in mind is that metal may slightly expand and contract with extreme weather changes.

🥇Winner: Metal

Energy Efficiency

Everyone wants an energy-efficient home! Not only does it keep energy costs low, but it helps to protect the planet.

When it comes to your roof, it means you want one that insulates well. Asphalt shingles do a decent job of helping your house regulate its temperature with the help of vents, but that is a recent change. If you have an older roof, you may find that it is absorbing more heat than you would like.

Metal roofing, on the other hand, is a great choice, as the reflective surfaces help to prevent excess heat from getting trapped in your home.

🥇Winner: Metal

Maintenance

two workers installing metal sheets using drill

Roof maintenance isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but it, unfortunately, comes with the territory of being a homeowner. If you are looking to cut down on our maintenance time, though, metal roofing is the right choice for you. Metal roofs tend to be particularly easy to care for, as their smooth surfaces are easy to keep clear of snow, branches, and other debris that can accumulate. They require no extra power washing or treatments to keep them functioning properly.

An asphalt shingle roof is also fairly low maintenance, but you should plan to clear the surface of debris at least twice a year for optimal performance.

🥇Winner: Metal

Who’s the Roofing King? 👑

We’ve hung up the gloves, and the winner is clear.

Metal roofing materials have more benefits than the standard asphalt shingle roofing system!

Get a Contractor’s Opinion

Ready to get started on your roof replacement project? Our team at Clean Cut Roofing can help. As the premiere roofing contractor in the area, we’ll help you assess your home and pick out a residential roofing system that meets all of your needs. Contact us today to get started!

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