With the increasing popularity of metal roofs in the roofing industry, more and more homeowners find themselves confused when picking a roofing material for their home. Asphalt shingles have been famous for decades, but with metal roofing gaining popularity every day, choosing between these two roofing variations has gotten harder. Making the right choice for your new home is not possible without an honest comparison, and for this, you need to understand the two options much better. This is why our experts at Blue Line Roofing & Exteriors LLC have created this guide.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: Understanding the Differences
If it is time to pick a roofing option for your new home, you are in the right place because we’re going to do an in-depth analysis of asphalt shingles and metal roofing to help you make the best choice. But first, it is important to understand both of them.
Asphalt Shingles 101
They consist of asphalt granules, tar, and fiberglass and come in individual strips which are layered and installed from the roofline to the ridge top. They come in three types: luxury, dimensional, and 3-tab shingles.
Let’s compare their pros and cons:
| Pros of Asphalt Shingles | Cons of Asphalt Shingles |
| Impact resistant. | Lower curb appeal. |
| Easy installation & repair. | Susceptible to storm damage. |
| Economical. | Yearly maintenance is required. |
| Availability in various colors & materials. |
All you need to know about Metal Roofing
Metal roofing includes the installation of a series of panels screwed down or locked together at the seams, with enough space for easy thermal expansion and contraction. It comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of them:
| Advantages of Metal Roofing | Disadvantages of Metal Roofing |
| Long-lasting & durable. | Expensive. |
| High curb appeal. | Chances of oil canning. |
| Plenty of metal and color options to choose from. | Makes noise during rain. |
| Minimal maintenance. | Hard installation & repair. |
| Versatile. | Heavy. |
Choosing The Best Roofing Option For Your New Home: Key Considerations
When it comes to picking the right roofing option for new homes from among metal roofing and asphalt shingles, there are a lot of factors to consider, like warranties, lifespan, and maintenance. A thorough analysis of all these considerations can help you make an informed choice when it’s time to invest in your roof.
Let’s analyze the top 5 questions you should ask yourself when going roof shopping for your new home:
a. Which one costs less?
As a homeowner, you cannot deny the fact that roofing cost is your biggest pain point. Roofs aren’t cheap, which is why you need to think twice before making this huge investment. Generally, asphalt shingle roofs are much more affordable than metal roofing, with lower purchase and installation expenses.
| Know your facts: Metal roofing costs can range anywhere from $4.50 to $16.00, with steel metal roofing cost being $12.00 to $16.00 per square foot and copper one being $30.00 to $50.00 per square foot. |
b. Which one lasts longer?
A roof with a better and longer lifespan can potentially last you a lifetime and reduce the need for replacement in the years to come. Generally, metal roofing has been known to last longer than asphalt shingles, but this again depends on the kind of metal roof or shingles you’re getting.
Different lifespans for different roofs are:
| Roof type | Lifespan | |
Asphalt Shingles | 3-tab Asphalt shingles | 20 years |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | 22-25 years | |
| Luxury asphalt shingles | 30 years | |
Metal Roofing | Exposed fastener metal roof | 20-30 years |
| Steel standing seam metal roof | 30-50 years | |
| Standing seam metal roof (copper, stainless steel, or zinc) | Lifetime |
c. Which one has a better warranty?
The warranty of your roofing material is what protects your investment if you ever come across damage or a defect in your roof. Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing come with good material warranties, such as:
| Roof type | Warranty type | |
Asphalt Shingles | 3-tab Asphalt shingles | 25-year prorated, limited warranty |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) | |
| Luxury asphalt shingles | 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) | |
Metal Roofing | Kynar 500 painted finish | 30-year warranty |
| Exposed fastener’s painted finish | Depends on the manufacturer |
d. Which one requires less maintenance?
Every roof comes with its own maintenance needs, which ensure that it continues to function smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Different roofing materials have different roofing needs, like quarterly, annual, and biannual. Maintenance for asphalt shingles is higher (once a year) than for metal roofing, which needs almost no maintenance.
| Did you know? Some metal roofing options, like a screw-down panel metal roof, need routine maintenance to replace the fasteners. |
e. Which option has a better resale value?
Whichever roofing option you go for, it will boost your house’s overall market value. But in this case, asphalt shingles have a better resale value and return on investment (ROI) than metal roofing. Let’s not forget that higher ROI means that you get to recoup some of the money you spent on your initial investment.
Conclusion
Both metal roofing and asphalt shingles come with their own set of pros and cons, which can make the choice harder for homeowners. This is why our expert guide with a detailed comparison of the top 5 considerations can help you choose a roof that boosts your house’s curb appeal and functions better while also adhering to your priorities and needs.
FAQs
1. Which is more affordable: asphalt shingles or metal roofing?
Asphalt shingles are generally more affordable upfront than metal roofing, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
2. Is metal roofing more durable than asphalt shingles?
Yes, metal roofing is typically more durable and can last 40–70 years, while asphalt shingles usually last 15–30 years, depending on quality and maintenance.
3. Which roofing option is more energy efficient?
Metal roofing is more energy efficient as it reflects solar heat, helping to reduce cooling costs in warm climates.
4. Do metal roofs make more noise during rain or hail?
Not necessarily. When properly installed with solid sheathing and insulation, metal roofs are no noisier than other roofing materials during rain or hail.
5. Can asphalt shingles or metal roofing be installed on any home style?
Both options work well with most home styles. Asphalt shingles are versatile and classic, while metal roofing offers a modern, sleek look that can also suit traditional designs depending on the panel type.
