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Is a Metal Roof More Expensive Than Shingles? A Full Cost Comparison
When homeowners start planning for a new roof, one of the first questions they ask is: is a metal roof more expensive than shingles? It’s a fair question, because the roof is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make in your home. On the surface, metal roofing almost always costs more than asphalt shingles. But when you start peeling back the layers—lifespan, durability, maintenance, and even energy savings—the story gets more interesting.
In this article, we’ll walk through every angle of the comparison. By the end, you’ll not only know which option is more expensive upfront, but also which one delivers more value over time.
The Basics: What We Mean by Metal Roofs and Shingles
Before diving into costs, it’s important to define the materials.
- Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America. They’re made of a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and covered with mineral granules. They come in three main types: 3-tab, dimensional (architectural), and luxury shingles.
- Metal roofs come in several styles, including standing seam panels, corrugated panels, and metal shingles. They’re made from steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc.
Both materials have their place, and both are designed to protect your home from the elements. But they behave very differently over time, and that’s where cost discussions get interesting.
Upfront Cost: The First Big Difference
Most homeowners begin with sticker price. On average:
- Asphalt shingles typically cost $100 to $200 per square (a square = 100 square feet) for materials, and installed costs usually range between $350 and $550 per square. For a typical 2,000 square foot home, that adds up to $7,000 to $11,000.
- Metal roofing is significantly higher. Depending on the material and style, it usually runs $300 to $900 per square for materials, with installed costs ranging from $800 to $1,600 per square. That same 2,000 square foot home would land between $16,000 and $32,000.
So if you’re looking strictly at the day-one price tag, metal roofing is undeniably more expensive than shingles. But that’s not the whole picture.
Lifespan: How Long Each Roof Lasts
One of the most overlooked parts of roofing cost is longevity.
- Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years. High-end luxury shingles can stretch toward 30, but climate and maintenance have a big impact.
- Metal roofs routinely last 40 to 70 years, with copper and zinc lasting even longer.
This means a homeowner who chooses asphalt may have to replace their roof two or even three times in the same period a metal roof lasts. When you factor that into cost, the balance begins to shift.
Maintenance and Repairs
Another factor is upkeep.
- Shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift, curling, and granule loss. Storm damage often means replacing entire sections. Leaks can form around flashing and valleys.
- Metal roofs require far less maintenance. They can dent from hail or heavy branches, but they don’t crack, curl, or shed granules. Fasteners and sealants may need occasional attention, but repairs are typically less frequent.
The reduced maintenance with metal often translates into fewer repair bills and less hassle over the decades.
Energy Efficiency and Cooling Costs
Energy savings can also impact long-term roofing cost.
- Shingles absorb heat and make attic spaces hotter, increasing air conditioning demand. Some manufacturers produce “cool roof” shingles with reflective granules, but most still retain heat.
- Metal roofs naturally reflect solar radiation. Many are coated with special finishes that improve reflectivity and thermal emittance, keeping homes cooler in summer.
In warm climates, a metal roof can reduce cooling costs by 10% to 25%. Over decades, that can add up to thousands of dollars in energy savings.
Weather Resistance and Durability
Where you live also influences cost-effectiveness.
- Shingles can perform well in mild climates, but they’re prone to damage in high-wind, hurricane-prone, or hail-heavy areas. Freezing and thawing cycles also wear them down.
- Metal roofs shine in extreme weather. They withstand winds over 120 mph, shed snow easily, and resist fire, mildew, and rot. While hail can dent metal, it rarely punctures it.
For homeowners in areas with severe weather, the extra upfront investment in metal often pays for itself in reduced storm repairs and replacements.
Insurance and Resale Value
Two financial angles many homeowners overlook are insurance premiums and resale value.
- Insurance: Some insurers offer lower premiums for metal roofs because of their fire resistance and weather durability. That’s not universal, but it can save hundreds per year where offered.
- Resale: A home with a metal roof often stands out in the real estate market. Buyers know they won’t have to budget for a roof replacement anytime soon, which can increase the home’s perceived value.
While shingles don’t necessarily hurt resale value, they don’t carry the same “wow factor” as a durable, low-maintenance metal roof.
Environmental Impact
Cost isn’t only about dollars—it’s also about sustainability.
- Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based, and most end up in landfills. While recycling programs exist, they’re limited.
- Metal roofs are highly recyclable. Many are made with 25%–95% recycled material, and when they’re eventually replaced, the panels can be recycled again.
For homeowners who care about eco-friendliness, this factor can make the “value” of metal roofing feel greater than shingles.
Style and Curb Appeal
It may not seem like a cost issue, but aesthetics play a role in long-term value.
- Shingles offer a traditional look and come in many colors and textures. They fit in well in suburban neighborhoods and work with most home designs.
- Metal roofing used to be limited to barns and industrial buildings, but that’s changed dramatically. Today, you can find metal roofs in sleek standing seams, rustic corrugated styles, or even stamped panels that mimic slate or tile.
Curb appeal can impact resale value, but it also matters for homeowner satisfaction. A roof you love looking at every day adds intangible value that shingles or metal alone can’t quantify.
Regional Cost Differences
The question “is a metal roof more expensive than shingles” can’t be answered the same way everywhere.
- In regions where shingles dominate, metal roofing may cost significantly more due to lower contractor availability.
- In areas with strong metal roofing markets, competition can bring prices down.
- Shipping also matters—steel is heavy, so distance from the mill can increase costs.
This means homeowners should always get local quotes rather than relying on national averages.
Financing and Payment Structures
Another way cost plays out is in how you pay for the roof.
- Shingles: Because they’re cheaper upfront, more homeowners can pay cash or take out smaller home improvement loans.
- Metal roofs: The higher upfront cost often requires financing, whether through a home equity loan, HELOC, or roofing contractor financing.
While financing spreads payments out, interest costs add to the total expense. However, the long lifespan of a metal roof means you may finish paying off the loan long before you’d otherwise need a shingle replacement.
Return on Investment (ROI)
If we put it all together:
- Shingles are less expensive upfront, but you’ll likely replace them two to three times over 50 years.
- Metal roofs cost more upfront, but usually last the lifetime of the home.
According to industry reports, asphalt shingles recoup about 60–68% of their cost in resale value, while metal roofs recoup around 85–95%. That’s not a full payback, but it’s closer.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When budgeting for roofing, there are costs many homeowners don’t consider:
- Tear-off: Removing old shingles adds labor and disposal fees. Some metal roofs can be installed over existing shingles, saving money.
- Underlayment: Metal often requires specialized underlayment to prevent condensation issues.
- Accessories: Flashing, ridge vents, snow guards, and gutters can raise costs depending on roof style.
These hidden costs don’t always swing the balance one way or the other, but they highlight why accurate quotes matter.
Myth Busting: Common Misconceptions
- “Metal roofs are noisy in the rain.”
With modern underlayment and attic insulation, metal roofs are no louder than shingles. - “Metal roofs attract lightning.”
Metal doesn’t attract lightning, but if struck, it safely disperses the energy without burning. - “Shingles are always cheaper.”
True upfront, but not always over 40+ years. - “Metal roofs make homes hotter.”
Actually, they reflect more heat than shingles, often lowering cooling costs.
Cost Example: A 50-Year Comparison
Let’s run a simple side-by-side comparison for a 2,000 square foot home:
- Asphalt shingles:
- Installation: $10,000
- Lifespan: 20 years
- Replacements over 50 years: 2–3
- Total cost (with inflation, repairs, disposal, etc.): roughly $30,000–$40,000
- Metal roof:
- Installation: $22,000
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Replacements: 0
- Maintenance/repairs: minimal
- Total cost: roughly $22,000–$25,000
This example shows how metal can cost less over the long haul, even though it costs more upfront.
Which Roof Is Right for You?
The final decision depends on your priorities:
- Choose shingles if…
- You need the lowest upfront cost.
- You don’t plan to stay in your home more than 10–15 years.
- Your neighborhood or HOA requires shingle-style roofing.
- Choose metal if…
- You want a roof that lasts a lifetime.
- You live in a harsh climate.
- You want lower maintenance and better energy performance.
- You value long-term cost savings over immediate affordability.
Final Thoughts
So, is a metal roof more expensive than shingles? The simple answer is yes—at the time of installation. But the longer, more complete answer is that metal roofing often costs less over the lifespan of a home. Asphalt shingles are affordable and widely available, but they require replacement and maintenance that add up. Metal roofs demand a larger upfront investment but pay dividends in durability, energy efficiency, and peace of mind.
For homeowners, the best approach is to balance short-term budget with long-term value. A roof isn’t just another project—it’s the shield that protects your home for decades. Whether you choose shingles or metal, understanding the full cost picture helps you make the choice that truly fits your home, your finances, and your future. 440-235-4124
