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Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Metal roofs offer roughly double the longevity of asphalt, plus outstanding resistance to harsh weather conditions.
Metal roofs are about twice as expensive as asphalt roofs.
Choosing between a metal roof and an asphalt roof comes down to budget, aesthetic preferences and the weather where you live.
The main differences between metal and asphalt roofs are their life span and durability. Metal roofs last about twice as long as asphalt roofs — up to 50 years compared to 25 for asphalt shingles — which helps offset their higher initial costs. Metal roofs are also more durable and can stand up better to impact.
“Asphalt roofs are excellent for those on a budget or looking for a traditional appearance,” said Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration, a home renovation company in Tempe, Arizona. “However, they may require more maintenance over time and have a shorter life span compared to metal or other roofing types.”
Metal roofs are typically more reflective than asphalt roofs, which can help limit solar heat gain in hotter climates. Metal roofing “allows for additional insulation to be installed,” said Niki O’Brien, operations manager at Custom Exteriors, a home renovation company in Berthoud, Colorado. “This is obviously a huge advantage in terms of energy efficiency.”
Choosing the right roof material for your home starts with learning about the pros and cons of both roof types, as well as understanding how the weather in your area will affect your roof over time. Armed with that knowledge, you can have more insightful interactions with a local roofing company to get your roofing project underway.
A new asphalt roof can cost $5,000—$10,000.
A metal roof replacement ranges from $7,000 up to $70,000.
Clay tile and slate roofs can cost between $55,200 and $59,800.
Metal roofs are made from steel, aluminum, copper or zinc. They’re known for their longevity and durability, with typical life spans of 50 years or more. Metal roofs are naturally fire-resistant and can be a good option in areas prone to wildfires. They also are resistant to mold and mildew, so they’re a low-maintenance roof material that will leave you with a pleasant curb appeal.
There are several types of metal roofs:
Asphalt roofs are made from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass and ceramic granules. They’re about half as expensive as metal roof options, easy to install and repair, and have solid durability for the cost. This may be why they’re the most popular type of roofing in the U.S., according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
There are three main types of asphalt roofs:
Neither a metal roof nor an asphalt roof is always better than the other. The best type of roof for your home depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences, the weather conditions where you live and your tolerance for ongoing maintenance.
Asphalt shingles cost about half as much as a metal roofing system, so it’s the better option if you’re on a budget.
“Asphalt roofs are excellent for those on a budget or looking for a traditional appearance,” according to Rudin. They’re the most popular roof option, in part because they provide a good balance between cost and durability.
While metal roofs cost double that of asphalt roofs, they last around twice as long. If you have a large enough budget to cover installing a metal roof, you’ll see about the same value in terms of cost for longevity, so the long-term price is about the same for installation.
However, you should factor in the average cost of roof maintenance and repair as well.
Metal roofs need less maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs. Metals such as aluminum and galvanized steel are naturally corrosion-resistant, so they won’t rust or decay even in high-salt or high-humidity environments.
According to Oregon State University, metal roofs resist mold and moss, which can reduce roof cleaning costs over time. Asphalt roofs are prone to mold and moss growth, so you may need routine cleaning services to keep your roof looking neat and clean.
Metal roofs can also get dented from hail or other impacts and won’t sustain more than cosmetic damage in many cases. “Larger hail can damage [metal roofing] aesthetically but not compromise the roofing system at all,” said O’Brien. On the other hand, asphalt roofs can take structural damage from impact if the protective aggregate is damaged.
Both cosmetic and structural damage vulnerability are important things to consider. “We have seen customers whose insurance coverage didn’t cover ‘cosmetic’ damage, and as such, the metal roof was left with dings and dents from heavy hail,” said O’Brien.
Metal roofs last for around 50 years, while asphalt roofs tend not to exceed a 25-year life span. You’ll have to replace asphalt shingles about twice as often as a metal one. Replacement frequency for asphalt roofs can increase if you opt for more affordable but less durable three-tab shingles.
“If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with versatility in style and color, asphalt may be the way to go,” said Rudin. “However, if you’re prioritizing durability [and] longevity, metal roofing is the clear winner.”
Metal roofs are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than asphalt shingle roofs in hot climates. That’s because metal is more reflective than asphalt, meaning less of the sun’s heat enters your home. On the flip side, reflecting sunlight makes it harder to heat your home in the winter, so metal roofs are less popular in cooler climates.
One study conducted by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee found that metal roofs provided more stable inside temperatures throughout the year than asphalt shingle roofs. The energy savings you get with a metal roof could help offset the higher price of roof installation over the long term, effectively making metal roofs more cost-effective over time.
“Some forms of roofing, particularly metal, allow for additional insulation to be installed,” said O’Brien. “This is obviously a huge advantage in terms of energy efficiency.”
“Additionally, metal roofs are eco-friendly, as they’re often made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves at the end of their life span,” said Rudin. Asphalt roof shingles are also recyclable and can be used in roadways, but according to the National Park Service, most used asphalt shingles end up in landfills, making it the less eco-friendly option overall.
Both metal and asphalt roofs can provide protection from heavy rain, high winds and other extreme weather conditions. Ultimately, you should speak with a local roofing company to determine which options are a good fit for your particular area.
With that said, “[metal roofs are] highly resistant to fire, wind and hail,” said Rudin. “This makes them perfect for areas prone to extreme weather conditions” and wildfires. You might see dents or dings from hail storms or blown debris, but the risk of structural damage and a resulting roof leak is lower if you have a metal roof.
If you choose an asphalt roof and have a risk of impact damage, opt for shingles with a Class 4 designation from ASTM International for better protection. “The more robust roofing systems such as metal…or even Class 4 asphalt [shingles] are typically the best choices for severe weather resistance,” said O’Brien.
Metal roofs are usually lighter than asphalt roofs, weighing 50–270 pounds per 100 square feet, as opposed to 195–430 pounds for an asphalt roof. A metal roof will, therefore, put less strain on your roof’s supporting structures, although this shouldn’t be a concern provided an experienced and knowledgeable installer carries out the installation.
Lighter metal roofing can be a better option in areas that see heavy snowfall, though, not only because it weighs less, but also because the slick material will shed snow more readily.
Choosing between a metal roof and an asphalt roof mostly comes down to whether you place more value in upfront cost or longevity. Asphalt shingle roofs are half as expensive as metal roofs, but they typically last for 25 years as opposed to 50 years. The cost-to-value ratio is, therefore, about the same. The downside is that you’ll have to arrange roof replacement more often.
Metal roofs last roughly twice as long as asphalt roofs, hold up better to impacts and are more energy-efficient than asphalt shingle roofs. The only drawbacks are the cost and risk of cosmetic damage. If you live in a hot climate, a metal roof can reduce solar heat gain inside your home, and you can also install insulation underneath to boost efficiency even more.
The cost and longevity even out over the course of each roof’s life span. However, because metal roofing is more efficient, “for long-term value and peace of mind, metal roofing often emerges as the top choice,” said Rudin.
Your next step is to consult a professional roofer to get an inspection and an estimate for a roof replacement. Make sure the roofing contractor you contact offers the type of roof you’re looking for and has experience in your specific area.
Be prepared to explain your preferences to the company representative and ask questions about the suitability of the type of roof you want for your local climate. Remember to ask about impact and wind resistance, insulation value, durability and warranty coverage.
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