Comparing Metal vs Shingle Roofs: Costs, Durability, and Benefits

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. If you get it right, you create a great first impression, find protection from the outside and could also increase the value of your property.

So, if a new roof is on the agenda for your property, you may be wondering which material will be best for your home to enable you to capture all these elements. In this post, we’re going to examine two of the most popular types of roof—metal and shingles. Each brings unique characteristics and have their pros and cons

We’ll take you through a comparison of a metal vs shingle roof, discovering the features of both along the way. By explaining factors such as cost, durability, longevity and aesthetics, you’ll get to know the benefits of a metal roof vs shingles.

This new-found knowledge will help you make decide which material is best for your home—so read on to know more about metal roof vs shingles: pros and cons!

What is a metal roof?

A metal roof is made up of a series of sheets that can be arranged in various patterns. This type of roof is held together with interlocking seams and fasteners to ensure a snug and secure fit onto the roof frame below.

It’s a popular choice for homeowners who value longevity, value for money and great looks.

Types of metal roofing

Metal roofs are available in a number of varieties—these are some of the most popular ones:

• Aluminum: Lightweight with good corrosion resistance.
• Copper: Great performance and a stunning aesthetic.
• Galvanized steel: Affordable and long-lasting.
• Zinc: Less commonplace than other options but durable and eco-friendly as this metal takes less energy to manufacture.
• Composite metal: Robust and value-for-money.

Whichever type you go for, you’ll be rewarded with a durable, weather-proof roof that looks great.

Advantages of metal roofs

Wondering about how a metal roof vs shingle roof shapes up? Check out these advantages of metal roofs:

• Durable. One of the most noticeable differences of a metal roof vs asphalt shingles is its longevity. Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more before they start to wear down. And certain metals, for example zinc or copper, may last even longer—sometimes up to 100 years!
• Light. Another difference between metal roofing vs asphalt shingles is weight. Metal roofs are a lightweight option, which makes it easier for your roofing contractor to handle and fit. It also means that less stress is put on your property, helping to maintain the frame and overall structure.
• Value for money. While metal roofing tends to work out more costly initially, it still offers great value for money over the long-term. A metal roof that lasts 50 years (or more) could outlive several asphalt roofs, which typically last 15-20 years.
• Resistant to extreme conditions. Many homeowners love the fact that metal roofs are fire resistance, adding an extra layer of security to their property and boosting peace of mind. They are also durable in conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, storms, snow, hail and ice.
• Eco-friendly. When comparing metal vs shingle roofing, metal is thought to be the more sustainable choice. The metal is frequently recycled and can even be recycled again once it’s reached the end of its purpose. It’s also easier to fit solar panels onto metal roofs since they can be mounted on the surface without having to drill into the roof itself.
• Energy-saving. Metal roofs reflect heat and can help keep your AC costs down in the summer.
• Low maintenance. Metal roofs tend to be a low maintenance option when compared to asphalt. They usually only require minimal attention, which involves removing debris, cleaning gutters and washing down the surface of the roof with water and a mild detergent once in a while.

Potential drawbacks

To help you decide whether a metal roof vs shingles is right for your property, it’s important to learn about the drawbacks:

• Higher initial cost. It’s true that the cost of metal roof vs shingle tends to be higher. However, when you take into account the longevity of metal roofs, they can work out at better value for money over the long-term. The size of metal roofing panels can also mean that you incur increased installation costs.
• May increase heating costs in cold climates. Since metal roofs reflect heat, this may result in higher heating costs in colder climate zones.
• Dents easily. One drawback of metal roofs is that they may dent easily. So, if you live in an area that’s prone to hail or storms that could dislodge debris, metal may not be your best choice.
• Issues with municipality. Some home owners’ associations (HOAs) or municipalities ban the use of metal roofs within their area if it is thought to go against the aesthetic of a neighborhood or would cause too much glare.
• Finding an experienced contractor. Installing a metal roof requires a fully trained, skilled and experienced contractor and in some areas, there are not many of these around.

However, if you are fortunate enough to live in Massachusetts or New England, you can count on Plum ProExteriors to fit your metal roof to the highest standards. We are specialists in a wide range of roofs, including metal ones, and take pride in our exceptional service, from that first initial call right through to completion! Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation quote today!

What is a shingle roof?

Curious to know how shingles vs metal roof compare? Let’s find out what shingle roofs are all about. They’re made up of overlapping tiles, which come in different varieties, although asphalt is the most common type of shingles roof in the United States.

There are many reasons why shingle roofs are this popular—they’re affordable, look good and can last for decades or even longer, depending on which material you choose.

Types of shingle roofing

These are some of the most common types of shingle roofing, each of which has its own unique qualities:

• Asphalt: The most popular type of roof shingle, affordable and low maintenance.
• Cedar: Offers a beautiful, natural finish—perfect for rural areas.
• Slate: The most durable type of shingle, lasting for over decades or even centuries, but also a more costly option.

Given the variety of choice of shingle available, you should be able to find an option that ticks all your requirements.

Advantages of shingle roofs

To help you assess the benefits of a shingle vs metal roof, let’s take a look at the advantages of shingle roofs:

• Affordable. If you opt for asphalt shingles, you’ll get a budget-friendly option that looks good and lasts for up to 20 years or even more. Of course, if you are able, you can invest in a more expensive option like slate, which lasts at least a lifetime and therefore offers exceptional value-for-money over a long period.
• Good for cold climates. We’ve already seen that metal is a great choice for warmer climates, since it deflects heat. But what if you live in a colder climate? Choose asphalt shingles, which have a greater insulating effect and can help keep your heating costs down in winter.
• Easy to install and replace. Most roofing contractors will have experience of fixing asphalt roofs. They’re easy to install and replacement is straightforward too. In fact, it’s easier to make spot repairs too since you won’t necessarily have to replace a full sheet, like metal roofs, but can just focus on a few shingles at a time. This also works out as more affordable!
• Lots of options. Asphalt shingles in particular offer the homeowner lots of options for personalization—they’re available in a range of designs, textures and colors.
• Municipality-friendly. Most home owners’ associations accept asphalt shingles since many options are available to fit most aesthetics.

Potential drawbacks

Let’s explore metal roof vs shingles pros and cons further by discovering the disadvantages of shingle roofs:

• Shorter lifespan. When comparing metal shingles vs asphalt shingles, you’ll certainly find that asphalt shingles don’t last as long—up to a maximum of 30 years in exceptional circumstances. So, unlike metal roofs, they are not a ‘once in a lifetime’ investment.
• Greater long-term cost. Metal roof vs shingle roof cost shows that metal roofs provide better value for money over the long-term. They may cost more for initial install but they do last longer. On the other hand, shingles may cost less upfront but need regular repairs and realistically may only last around 20-25 years.
• Heavier. Shingles weigh more than metal and this can put additional strain on the structure of your property. This is not always an issue but may present challenges for your property over time.
• Not fire-resistant. We’ve already learnt that metal roofs offer a high degree of fire protection. However, shingles that contain asphalt are combustible since the material is derived from petroleum. While asphalt shingles have a protective coating, if a fire penetrates to the asphalt itself your roof may be at risk of fire.
• More easily damaged. When comparing shingles vs metal roof, you’ll find that shingles get damaged more easily, especially in extreme weather conditions like high winds, storms and snow. This means you will need to inspect your asphalt shingles regularly and pay out for repairs on an ongoing basis to keep your roof in good condition and watertight.
• Traps heat. While metal roofs reflect heat, asphalt shingles trap environmental heat and increase the interior temperature of your home. This in turns means that your air conditioning system will have to work overtime to keep your home cool, increasing your energy bills.
• Issues with mold, mildew and algae. Shingle roofs are susceptible to mold, mildew and algae growth. This often occurs on the north-facing side of a roof that doesn’t get much sunlight or areas that are shaded by trees or overhanging foliage. Mold, mildew and algae thrive in these dark, damp environments and can stain your roof and trap moisture, causing problems inside your home.

Clearly, both types of roof have their pros and cons. If you’re seeking further clarity on  metal roofs vs shingles to decide which is best for your property, give us a call at Plum ProExteriors, the number one choice for roofing solutions in Massachusetts and New England! 

With our customer-centric approach, we’ll work with you to find and fit a quality, durable roof that fits your budget and expectations.

Cost comparison: Metal vs shingle roof

According to the Forbes cost of metal roof vs shingle comparison, the average metal roof will set you back $13,200. Meanwhile, a shingle roof costs $8,500.

If you’re looking at the price per square foot, shingles cost between $1 to $10, depending on type. The installation of metal roofs cost between $1 to $25 per square foot.

Check out the table below to find out the lowest, average and highest metal roof cost vs shingles.

When you’re considering the cost of metal roof vs shingle, it’s also useful to understand the cost of repairing both.

Again, according to Forbes, asphalt shingles cost an average of $710 to repair while the figure comes in at $1,300 for metal roofs. But remember when comparing metal roof cost vs shingles that repairs to metal roofs will likely be less frequent than repairs to shingle roofs.

Durability & longevity

Still wondering a shingle vs metal roof is right for you? Let’s take a look at how each type shape up in terms of durability and longevity.

This data, taken from the Forbes comparison, will show you the average lifespan of asphalt shingles compared to various types of metal roofing. 

Whether your home is forever or you’re intending to sell up within a few years can be a consideration here. If you’ve found your dream home and can see yourself bringing up a family there, you may wish to install a metal roof which is unlikely to need replacing in your lifetime.

However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly roofing solution that may not last as long as metal but is still a reliable choice, asphalt shingles could be for you.

Aesthetic & home value considerations

Metal roof vs shingles: pros and cons naturally also include factors like aesthetic and home value.

When it comes to aesthetic value, your choice will be personal. Metal offers a clean, contemporary and modern look when first installed.

However, some metals such as copper develop a patina, a thin layer that changes the original color of the metal and gives a weathered, lived-in look. This can be an attractive feature if your home is older or uniquely designed.

Asphalt shingles are a more traditional choice for roofs. That’s not to say that they’re boring—shingles are available in a range of colors and designs to suit the unique style of your home.

When it comes to home value, metal can add to the value of your property simply because it lasts longer. However, in some communities a metal roof that stands out among asphalt roofs may devalue a property. As we’ve already discovered, many home owners’ associations do not permit metal roofs in their communities.

Making the right choice for your home

Your roof is one of the most important components of your property, sheltering you from the elements, protecting your home and setting the aesthetic tone.

In the end, your choice of a metal or asphalt shingles roof depends on a combination of factors which are personal to you. These include your budget, the character of your home, neighborhood, climate and your long-term plans.

Asphalt is an affordable and reliable option while metal delivers exceptional longevity and value-for-money, making both choices good for many homes.

If you’d like further help, give us a call at Plum ProExteriors. With a proven track record in installing and repairing both metal and asphalt shingles roofs throughout Massachusetts and New England, we are well placed to offer you advice and prepare a free, no-obligation quote.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal roof, we’ll guide you through every step of the way with exceptional dedication and customer service. So, reach out to know more about our home improvement and roofing services