If you’re thinking about making your next big home improvement project, you may want to consider the difference of a metal roof vs shingles. Replacing your roof is no small task, but it’s a significant investment in the future of your home.

Whether you need to replace your roof or simply weigh your options, it’s essential to do some fact-finding before making a final choice. Deciding which roof to use means understanding the key differences between a metal roof vs shingles.

This article will examine key differences between a metal roof and asphalt shingles. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each and help you gain a better view of which option might be best for you and your family.

Metal vs Shingle Roof: What Are We Looking At?

In the question of which option is better, metal roof vs shingles, one of the first things we need to do is define our terms. So what exactly is a metal roof? What is an asphalt shingle roof? What are the key elements that set them apart?

Let’s start with some basic definitions.

What Is a Metal Roof?

A metal roof is an increasingly common roof material choice over tiles, concrete, or even asphalt shingles.  While not every project or consumer will benefit from the metal roof option, there are many viable reasons for going with metal over asphalt shingles.

It’s pretty common to find metal roofs on hotels, hospitals, government buildings, or military structures. Because of a metal roof’s design components and longevity, they are a reliable investment option.

Materials

Typically, a metal roof is made from materials such as:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Zinc
• Copper
• Stainless steel

Types

There are two basic types of metal roofs:

• Standing seam
• Screw down panel

With a standing seam metal roof, you attach the metal roofing panels with concealed fasteners. With a screw-down panel metal roof, dozens of individual screws are used.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Now the second half of the equation: what are asphalt shingles? How do they compare to a metal roof?

It should be no surprise that an asphalt shingle roof is perhaps the most common type of roof, and they are especially common options for residential homes.

Asphalt shingles are popular for a couple of key reasons:

• Waterproof
• Inexpensive
• Simple installation
• Easy to replace

Combining these elements makes it easy to see why residential homeowners love asphalt shingles.

Material

Asphalt is a form of petroleum, usually found in natural deposits and refined for various uses. Sometimes it comes in semi-solid form; sometimes, it’s a liquid. It’s typically sticky and black. Asphalt is made solid through evaporation and emulsification when mixed with an aggregate, binder, and filler.

Key Differences

Looking at the basic definitions of a metal roof vs shingles shows us some critical differences to consider. The material alone produces different expenses, longevity, and function results.

Noting these differences will further increase our understanding of these different roofing options.

So, first, let’s look at the cost difference between metal roofs and asphalt shingles, and then we’ll examine the durability of each roofing choice.

It all depends on your climate as well.  If you’re in Columbia MO, then you’d hire a Columbia MO roofer, but in Minnesota, you’d obviously hire a the best Minnesota roofer you can find.

Cost of Metal Roof vs Shingles

Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? Along with the metal roof vs shingles resale value debate, this is probably one of the biggest questions you’ll want to answer before deciding on your roofing options. The cost of the roof will likely play a significant role in determining what material you pick.

Metal Roof Cost

The amount you pay for a metal roof will depend on a few key factors:

• The square footage of your roof
• The metal material you choose
• The installers who do the job

All these factors go into determining how much you’ll pay. On average, aluminum costs anywhere from $3 to $6 per square foot. So you ought to budget at least $17,000 for an aluminum roof.

Steel is going to be a little cheaper on average. You could pay anywhere from $3 to $4.50 per square inch. Again, budgeting around $17,000 is a good starting point.

Paying for a metal roof from an experienced contractor could cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on these factors.

Asphalt Shingles Cost

Asphalt shingles tend to be much cheaper than a metal roof. The material is more affordable, and the installation is also significantly cheaper.

You could pay anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the roofing company and their shingles. Generally, the cost of installing asphalt shingles will range from around $4,300 to $6,500.

The Durability of a Metal Roof vs Shingles

Metal roof vs shingles: which option will last longer and make your investment go farther? You’re investing in more than just your home when you decide to go for a new roof; you’re investing in your family’s future. A durable roof makes for a happy home.

Metal

Metal roofs are highly durable. They can withstand strong gusts of winds, are generally impervious to leaks, and hold up for decades.

You might be worried about rust with a metal roof. The good news is that rust isn’t an issue. Metal roofs are created to withstand corrosion and cracking with unique rust-proof coatings.

There are plenty of reasons to love metal roofs, and their durability is only one. The fact that they’re fireproof is another.

Shingle

The durability of your shingle roof will depend significantly on the quality of the shingle you choose. Cheaper shingles will act as you might expect and need replacement much sooner than more expensive shingles.

Length of Life

Asphalt shingles are surprisingly durable. Have you ever heard of a 30-year roof? Well, asphalt shingles out there will last you up to 30 years.

Depending on your area’s climate and weather patterns, you can get anywhere from 15 to 30 years out of your shingle roof. Shingles marketed for 15-20 years are generally cheaper, although the 20-30 year option might be more reliable.

A metal roof usually lasts as long as your house lasts. That makes a metal roof one of the best investments you can make.

Most will stand firm anywhere from 40 to 70 years. So it’s not uncommon to have a 50-year roof when installing a metal roof.

How Each Type of Roof Performs in Cold Weather

Living in Minnesota means we see all kinds of different weather. There aren’t many places where you might experience all four seasons in one day, but that’s nothing new in the Midwest. Having a roof that can hold up in rough weather is critical.

Metal Roof vs Shingles in Cold Climate

Overall, a metal roof will likely hold up better in the cold climates of Minnesota. Shingles can do well, but they are much more prone to turning brittle and cracking. The last thing you want amid a Minnesota blizzard is your roof to fall!

Metal roofs can withstand extreme cold and last up to two times longer than other types of roofing material.

Wind

Asphalt shingles and metal roofs both hold up well in high wind conditions. Some shingles can withstand up to 150 miles per hour gusts, while metal roofs can withstand up to 180 miles per hour.

Of course, the installation plays a significant role in the strength of your metal roof vs shingles roof. Shingles are more likely to suffer damage in highly windy conditions. But when it comes to high wind situations, both options perform surprisingly well.

Pros & Cons

So, is a metal roof better than a shingle roof? Let’s recap some of what we’ve learned about a metal roof vs shingles.

Metal Roof

Here are some of the critical positive features that we’ve seen with metal roofs:

• Highly durable
• Long lifespan
• Can withstand extreme weather
• Assist in the resale value of your home
• Better protection

There are just a few cons concerning the metal roof:

• Highly expensive
• Could face denting
• Might be noisy

Asphalt Shingles

Here are some of the critical positive features that we’ve seen with shingle roofs:

• Highly affordable
• Easy to install

There are also a few cons to consider:

• Shorter lifespan
• Less durable
• More prone to damage in severe weather

Final Thoughts

So when it comes to the metal roof vs shingles, you have some choices. Both options are justifiable, depending on your budget. No matter what you choose, work with highly trained professionals who get the job done right the first time.