Short answer: Asphalt shingles cost less up front, are easy to repair and suit most homes. A metal roof costs more but often lasts twice as long, handles wind and fire well, and reflects heat. The better choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, your climate and any HOA rules.
When it is time for a new roof, most homeowners choose between asphalt shingles and metal. Both are good roofs when installed well. This guide compares asphalt vs metal roof options on cost, life, weather, noise and upkeep.
Side by side
- Lifespan: asphalt shingles often last around 20 to 30 years. Metal roofs often last 40 years or more.
- Up front cost: asphalt costs less. Metal usually costs considerably more to buy and install.
- Wind: both can be rated for high winds. Many metal systems resist wind very well when properly fastened.
- Fire: both can achieve a Class A fire rating, important in wildfire areas.
- Hail: metal can dent in large hail, while shingles can crack and lose granules. Impact resistant versions of both exist.
- Heat: light colored and coated metal reflects more sun, which can lower cooling costs.
Asphalt shingles: pros and cons
- Lower cost and widely available
- Many colors and styles, including architectural shingles
- Easy and quick to repair
- Shorter lifespan, especially in strong sun and heat
- Granule loss and curling as they age
Metal roofing: pros and cons
- Long lifespan and low maintenance
- Sheds snow and rain quickly
- Lightweight and often recyclable
- Higher up front cost
- Can dent in large hail, depending on the gauge and style
- Repairs need a roofer experienced with metal
Is a metal roof noisy?
Over a solid roof deck with underlayment and attic insulation, as on most homes, a metal roof is usually not much louder than shingles in rain. Metal over open framing, as on some barns, is much louder.
Which is better for your home?
- Choose asphalt if your budget is tight, you may sell within 10 to 15 years, or your HOA requires shingles.
- Choose metal if you plan to stay a long time, face wildfires, heavy snow or strong sun, or want less maintenance.
Other roofing materials
- Clay and concrete tile: common in the South and West, very long lasting, heavy, and the underlayment beneath needs replacing over time.
- Slate: can last a century, but is heavy and costly.
- Synthetic shingles: designed to look like slate or wood shake with less weight.
- Flat roof membranes: such as TPO and EPDM on low slope roofs.
What affects the cost
Roof size and pitch, the number of old layers to remove, deck repairs, flashing, ventilation, access and local labor rates all affect cost, whichever material you choose.
Other things to check
- HOA and historic district rules
- Whether the roof deck needs repair first
- Ventilation and underlayment, which matter as much as the covering
- Manufacturer and workmanship warranties
- Insurance, since some insurers lower premiums for impact resistant roofs
Read about roof replacement, roofing cost and how long a roof lasts.
Quick answers: asphalt vs metal roof
Is a metal roof better than shingles?
It lasts longer and needs less upkeep, but costs more up front. Shingles cost less and are easier to repair.
How long does a metal roof last?
Often 40 years or more, compared with around 20 to 30 years for asphalt shingles.
Is a metal roof louder in rain?
Usually not by much when installed over a solid deck with underlayment and insulation.
Does a metal roof dent in hail?
It can in large hail. Thicker metal and impact rated panels resist denting better.
Who installs metal and shingle roofs?
A licensed roofing contractor. Sifixit can connect you with a local roofer.
Related
This guide covered asphalt vs metal roof. For more background, see Ready.gov’s severe weather advice, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.
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