Are Metal Roofs Better Than Shingles? (2024) (2024)

All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Metal roofs and asphalt shingles are two of the most popular choices for new roofing, and both have merits: Shingles are less expensive in the short term, but metal is more durable. Read our guide below to help you decide if metal or asphalt is the right choice for your roofing project.

Metal roofs are large flat sheets that are folded longitudinally and sold as either flat seam metal roofing systems or corrugated metals.

Flat seam metal roofing features an interlocking seam design that connects with fasteners. It costs more to produce and install, but it has a reputation for being one of the best metal roofing options available.

Corrugated metals such as corrugated steel, aluminum, tin, and composite metals aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as flat seam metal roofing but are equally durable.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are available as sheets, stacks, or rolls and consist of a fiberglass base covered by a smooth asphalt layer. They’re topped with ceramic granules for texture and nailed directly into a roof’s underlayment.

An asphalt shingle roof is the most economical option for a roofing project and the easiest system to install for DIY roofers.

Finish Options: Both Types Offer Variety

Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles are available in a number of styles and finishes to suit your curb appeal preferences.

Paint is a popular finish for metal roofing systems, especially since metal roofs have more color choices available than any other type of roof. Metal roofs can also mimic the look of natural stone.

Asphalt systems are available in a number of shingle types, some of which mimic materials such as wood or slate. Architectural shingles are especially popular and offer a three-dimensional look to a roof.

Durability: Metal Roofs Are More Durable

Metal roofs are the superior choice when it comes to durability. A metal roof doesn’t absorb any water, no matter the amount of rainfall. Shingles soak in most types of precipitation. As trapped water freezes and expands, shingles may eventually lift or crack. In hot weather, moisture trapped in a shingle can lead to mildew or algae growth.

Cost: Shingles Are Less Expensive

Roof shingles cost less than metal roofing per square foot, at least initially. Compared to metal roofs, shingles have the following characteristics:

• Easier and quicker to install
• Made from relatively inexpensive and widely available materials
• Widely available with more competitive pricing

However, a metal roof might be the more cost-effective choice in the long run, as homeowners with metal roofs will likely save on repairs, replacements, and maintenance costs over time.

Life Span: Metal Roofs Last Longer

A metal roof can last up to 80 years, while a shingle roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years. A metal roof typically outperforms a shingle roof because of the following factors:

• Durable, even in extreme weather conditions such as high winds and hail storms
• Fire-resistant, which is beneficial for warm climates with a high risk of wildfires
• Inaccessible to most pests, such as insects, rodents, birds, and squirrels
• Moisture-proof, which offers protection from freeze-thaw cycles, mold, mildew, and rot

Sustainability: Metal Roofs Are More Eco-Friendly

Metal roofs have longer life spans than shingle roofs. This ultimately makes them better for the environment and lowers your energy costs. Metal roofing materials are also recyclable (steel roofing is an astounding 100% recyclable), and some materials such as aluminum can be reprocessed indefinitely.

Metal roofs can shave up to 40% off your home’s energy bill, making them decisively more eco-friendly.

Maintenance: Shingles Are Easier to Install and Repair

Shingles are easier to repair and maintain than metal roofing, whether you’re hiring professionals or roofing a house for the first time as a DIY project. Shingles likely require more work over the years than metal roofing, but related labor won’t require any specialized knowledge or tools.

Regular visual inspections and basic debris removal are typically enough to keep a metal roof in tip-top shape for decades. Gutter guards for a metal roof can also contribute to roof maintenance.

How to Choose Between Metal Roofing and Shingles

Shingles are the winning choice for anyone with a limited budget. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and design options and can easily match a home’s existing style. Shingles are also easier to install as a DIY project.

Metal roofing lasts decades longer than asphalt shingles and is the superior choice for a long-term investment. The material is eco-friendly and requires minimal maintenance.

Other Roofing Options

There are several roofing options to consider beyond metal and asphalt shingles, including the following:

• EPDM roofing: This roof type is often made from recycled materials that are easy to install but can be punctured by branches and other sharp objects.
• Green roofing: This roofing offers environmental benefits and can lead to high energy savings, but installation can be expensive.
• Slate roofing: Slate can last for more than a century with proper maintenance but is less budget-friendly than other options.
• Tile roofing: Tile is highly durable and available in various colors and styles but may require additional work to support its heaviness.
• Wood shakes: This roofing material offers rustic charm and is a great insulator but requires routine maintenance.

Our Recommendation

A shingle roof investment is more cost-effective in the immediate term, but a metal roof’s durability, longevity, energy efficiency, and low maintenance make it a better value and choice overall. We recommend choosing metal for your roof replacement or installation if your budget allows for it.