Cost Difference Between Metal Roof And Shingles

by S&K Construction And Remodeling | Oct 10, 2025 | Blog

Cost Difference Between Metal Roof And Shingles

When homeowners consider replacing or installing a new roof, one of the first questions they ask is: what is the cost difference between a metal roof and shingles? This question is important because the choice between metal roofing and traditional asphalt shingles affects both your upfront budget and long-term maintenance costs. Understanding these differences helps homeowners make informed decisions that balance appearance, durability, and investment value.

Metal roofing and asphalt shingles are the two most popular residential roofing options. While asphalt shingles are widely known for affordability and ease of installation, metal roofs are valued for longevity, energy efficiency, and resilience in extreme weather. Comparing their costs, lifespan, and performance is critical for every homeowner considering a roof replacement or new construction.

Upfront Material and Installation Costs

The primary cost difference between metal roof and shingles comes from materials and installation.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most affordable roofing options. They typically cost between $6 and $12per square foot, including materials and installation. For a standard 2,000-square-foot roof, the total price generally ranges from $12,000 to $24,000, depending on shingle quality, roof complexity, and regional labor rates.

Advantages of asphalt shingles include:

Simple installation, which keeps labor costs lower
Wide availability in various colors and styles
Compatibility with most home designs

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing, which can include steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, is more expensive upfront. Typical costs range from $10 to $22 per square foot for common metals, with premium options like copper or specialty steel panels costing more. A 2,000-square-foot roof can cost $20,000 to $44,000 or more, factoring in both materials and professional installation.

Factors contributing to higher metal roofing costs include:

More complex installation and labor
Specialized flashing, underlayment, and fastening systems
Safety considerations for working with metal panels

While metal roofs are pricier initially, their long-term value often offsets the upfront cost.

Lifespan Comparison

Another major consideration when weighing the cost difference between metal roof and shingles is longevity.

Asphalt shingles: Typically last 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingle and local climate conditions.
Metal roofing: Can last 40 to 70 years or more, depending on the metal type and maintenance.

Longer lifespan means fewer replacements and potentially lower total costs over the lifetime of the home.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance requirements also impact long-term cost.

Asphalt Shingles Maintenance

Regular inspection for missing or damaged shingles
Minor repairs to prevent leaks
Cleaning gutters and debris to avoid water damage

Metal Roof Maintenance

Generally lower maintenance than shingles
Occasional inspection for loose fasteners or minor corrosion
Keeping the roof free of debris to prevent scratching or denting

While asphalt shingles may require replacement or repairs sooner, metal roofs typically remain functional and visually appealing for decades.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

Metal roofing can also provide energy savings that asphalt shingles generally do not:

Reflective coatings: Metal roofs reflect solar heat, reducing cooling costs in hot climates
Insulation compatibility: Metal roofs can work with advanced insulation layers to further improve efficiency

Over time, these savings can reduce the effective cost difference, making metal roofing a strong investment despite the higher initial price.

Cost Factors That Affect Both Roof Types

Several factors influence the price of both metal and asphalt roofs:

Roof pitch and complexity: Steeper or more complicated roofs increase labor costs, more so for metal.
Roof size: Larger roofs require more materials, directly affecting total cost.
Climate: In regions prone to hail, wind, or heavy snow, metal may be preferred for durability.
Local labor rates: Installation prices vary depending on your location and contractor availability.

Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate costs and make informed decisions.

Pros and Cons Summary

Feature	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Roof
Cost per sq ft	$3–$7	$8–$16+
Total 2,000 sq ft	$8,000–$14,000	$16,000–$32,000
Lifespan	15–30 years	40–70 years
Maintenance	Moderate	Low
Energy Efficiency	Moderate	High (reflective coatings)
Aesthetic Variety	Wide	Limited to panel styles and colors
Installation Complexity	Low	High
Resale Value	Standard	Often higher due to longevity

Long-Term Cost Considerations

While asphalt shingles are cheaper upfront, metal roofs offer advantages that may make them more cost-effective over decades:

Fewer replacements: One metal roof may last as long as two or three asphalt roofs.
Lower maintenance: Minimal repairs reduce annual expenses.
Energy savings: Reflective metal roofs can cut cooling bills in summer months.

Over a 50-year horizon, metal roofing often provides better value despite the higher initial cost.

Warranty Implications

When comparing the cost difference between metal roof and shingles, warranties play a role:

Asphalt shingles vs metal Typically come with 20–30 year material warranties.
Metal roofing vs asphalt shingles Often includes 40–50 year material warranties, sometimes longer for premium metals.

Labor and workmanship warranties may vary depending on the installer. A strong warranty adds peace of mind and can justify a higher upfront investment.

Final Thoughts

The cost difference between metal roof and shingles depends on your budget, long-term plans, and roofing priorities. Asphalt shingles are affordable and simple to install, but they typically require more frequent replacement. Metal roofs are more expensive upfront but last much longer, require less maintenance, and often provide energy savings.

When choosing between these two options, consider: