Metal versus Shingle

Metal VS Shingle Roof

Wondering which roofing material will serve you the best for the longest period of time?

In this post we will explore the pros and cons between metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing for residential applications. And the pricing differences between the two kinds of roofing.

Metal VS Shingle pros and cons.

Metal Roofing

PROS
  • Can be installed over an old roof
  • Material is lighter
  • More energy efficient
  • Little maintenance
  • Eligible for tax credits
  • More durable
  • Fire resistant
  • 100 percent recyclable
  • Higher home resale value
  • Longer warranties
CONS
  • More difficult to install
  • Can be noisy without proper installation
  • Materials and installation cost more
  • More difficult to repair
  • Shingle Roofing 1

    Shingles

    PROS
  • More popular with homeowners
  • More variety of colors
  • Easier and faster to install
  • Materials and installation cost less
  • Performs well in winter
  • Less expensive to repair
  • Some are fire resistant
  • Can be recycled
  • CONS
  • Old roof should be removed before installation
  • Material is heavier
  • Less durable
  • Subject to wind and hail damage
  • Susceptible to mildew, algae, and mold
  • Absorbs heat from the summer sun
  • Metal VS Shingle Price Difference

    Shingle Roof Price

    On average, you can expect to pay between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot or $350 to $550 per square (100 sq.ft.) to install or replace an asphalt shingle roof on a typical house.

    Metal Roof Price

    On average, you can expect to pay between $5.50 and $15.50 per square foot of metal roofing installed. Granted, this is a pretty wide pricing range, but you can expect a metal shingle roof to average between $7.50 and $12.50 per square foot installed, while a standing seam metal roof will cost between $9.50 and $15.50 per square foot installed.

    Metal VS Shingle Durability Difference

    The higher cost of metal roofing is also offset by its long-life expectancy. A metal roof can last for 60 years or more with little maintenance. Most roofing manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on metal roofs. However, an asphalt roof will need to be replaced two or three times during that same 60-year period. Warranties for asphalt shingles vary from 20 to 25 years.

    Asphalt shingles are susceptible to hail and high wind damage, although fiberglass shingles are more durable than organic ones. Also, if asphalt shingles do not get adequate sunlight, they can accumulate mold, algae, or mildew. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are superior performers in high winds and bad weather, and they are impervious to molds, mildews, and bugs.

    Metal VS Shingle Repairability Difference

    When the unfortunate happens to your roof and you need to repair it a shingle roof will be a lot easier to repair, but having said that a metal roof is a lot more resistant to hail, wind, and other damages.

    So while a shingle roof is easier to repair a metal roof will give you more peace of mind.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, a shingle roof will cost you less money upfront but will require more maintenance and will need to be changed sooner than metal. 

    While a metal roof will cost you more money upfront it will require less maintenance and most metal roofs will last your lifetime.

    Scroll to Top