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Is Metal Roofing Cheaper Than Shingles? Comparing Costs and Long-Term Value
When it comes to roofing your home, two of the most common options are metal roofing and asphalt shingles. Homeowners in Northeast Ohio often ask, “Is metal roofing cheaper than shingles?” It’s a great question — and the answer depends on how you define “cheaper.”
If you’re only considering upfront costs, asphalt shingles usually win. But if you’re looking at long-term value, durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance, metal roofing might be the smarter investment. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost comparison between metal roofing and shingles — both short-term and long-term.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Upfront Cost Comparison
- Long-Term Cost Savings
- Durability and Lifespan
- Energy Efficiency: Saving on Utility Bills
- Maintenance Requirements and Costs
- Environmental Impact
- Curb Appeal and Home Value
- Insurance Benefits
- Installation Time and Labor Costs
- Regional Considerations for Northeast Ohio
- Pros and Cons Recap
- What’s Best for Your Home?
- Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
- Final Thoughts
1. Introduction
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements, insulates your living space, and contributes to your curb appeal. Choosing the right roofing material isn’t just about style — it’s about making a smart investment.
As roofing and siding specialists in Youngstown, Cleveland, Lakewood, Medina, and surrounding areas, we at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC get this question all the time: Is metal roofing cheaper than shingles?
Let’s dig in.
2. The Upfront Cost Comparison
Shingles: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material in the U.S., mainly because they are affordable and easy to install.
- Average cost per square foot: $3 to $5 (materials only)
- Installed cost per square foot: $5 to $8
- Average total cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. roof: $10,000 to $16,000
Metal Roofing: Higher Initial Investment
Metal roofing — whether it’s steel, aluminum, or copper — generally comes with a higher upfront cost.
- Average cost per square foot (materials only): $5 to $14
- Installed cost per square foot: $8 to $16
- Average total cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. roof: $16,000 to $32,000
Conclusion:
Shingles are cheaper upfront, no doubt. But that’s just one part of the equation.
3. Long-Term Cost Savings
While metal roofing may cost more initially, it can save you thousands of dollars over time.
Why?
- Fewer repairs
- Less frequent replacement
- Energy savings (we’ll talk more about this)
- Potential insurance discounts
Let’s say your shingle roof needs replacing every 20 years, but a metal roof lasts 50+ years. That means you’d replace your shingle roof twice or more in the lifespan of a single metal roof.
Metal roofs offer better long-term value.
4. Durability and Lifespan
Asphalt Shingles:
- Last 15–25 years
- Susceptible to wind, hail, and UV damage
- Can crack or curl over time
Metal Roofing:
- Lasts 40–70 years
- Resistant to high winds, hail, fire, and snow
- Doesn’t rot, crack, or split
In Northeast Ohio, where weather can be harsh with heavy snow, wind, and ice, metal roofs often outperform shingles when it comes to durability.
5. Energy Efficiency: Saving on Utility Bills
A metal roof reflects solar heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10% to 25% during hot Ohio summers.
Shingles, on the other hand, absorb more heat, making your air conditioner work harder.
Over decades, the energy savings from a metal roof can be significant — especially in homes with poor attic ventilation or older insulation systems.
6. Maintenance Requirements and Costs
Shingles:
- Require regular inspections
- May need patching, resealing, or replacing damaged sections
- Vulnerable to algae and mold
Metal Roofing:
- Minimal maintenance required
- Can be power washed
- Coated systems prevent rust and corrosion
You’ll spend less time and money maintaining a metal roof.
7. Environmental Impact
Metal roofing is more eco-friendly than shingles in several ways:
- Made from recycled materials (and recyclable at the end of its life)
- Can be installed over existing shingles (reducing landfill waste)
- Improves solar panel efficiency
Asphalt shingles often end up in landfills — and production has a higher carbon footprint.
8. Curb Appeal and Home Value
Metal roofs come in many styles — standing seam, ribbed panels, stone-coated steel, and more. They can mimic the look of shingles, slate, or wood shake.
They also come in a wide range of colors and finishes. For buyers, this often translates into higher resale value.
According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners with metal roofs often recoup up to 85% of the cost in added home value.
9. Insurance Benefits
Some insurers offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums if you have a metal roof. That’s because:
- Metal roofs are more resistant to wind and fire damage
- Less risk means fewer claims
Check with your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible.
10. Installation Time and Labor Costs
Shingles are faster and cheaper to install, and most roofing contractors are familiar with them.
Metal roofing requires special skills, tools, and more time — especially if installing standing seam panels.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, our crews are trained to handle both materials with precision and care. But it’s important to remember that labor for metal is more intensive.
11. Regional Considerations for Northeast Ohio
Here in Youngstown, Cleveland, Medina, Lakewood, and surrounding towns, we get snow, ice, wind, and hail.
Metal roofs offer:
- Snow-shedding capabilities
- Resistance to ice dams
- Better performance during high winds
Shingle roofs, while common, often need repairs after storms. In our region, the durability of metal roofing adds extra value.
12. Pros and Cons Recap
| Feature | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 40–70 years |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Energy Efficiency | Low | High |
| Weather Resistance | Fair | Excellent |
| Curb Appeal | Good | Excellent |
| Environmental Impact | Higher | Lower |
| Insurance Discounts | Unlikely | Possible |
13. What’s Best for Your Home?
If you’re on a tight budget and plan to move in the next 5–10 years, asphalt shingles might make more sense.
But if you’re staying long-term or want to maximize the return on your investment, metal roofing offers:
- Durability
- Lower lifetime costs
- Greater efficiency
- More modern aesthetics
14. Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’re proud to be an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, offering expert roofing solutions across Northeast Ohio, including:
- Youngstown
- Cleveland
- Lakewood
- Medina
- Chardon
- Euclid
- Mayfield Heights
- Willoughby
- Twinsburg
- And more!
We bring experience, transparency, and trust to every job.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Free inspections and estimates
- Expert knowledge of both shingle and metal roofing systems
- Fast, clean, and efficient installations
- Excellent customer service with 5-star Google Reviews
- Locally owned and operated — we know Ohio roofs!
15. Final Thoughts
So, is metal roofing cheaper than shingles?
Not in upfront costs — but absolutely in long-term value. Metal roofs may seem expensive at first, but they can save you money for decades through fewer repairs, lower energy bills, and reduced replacements.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we can help you make the right choice based on your budget, your goals, and your home’s specific needs. Whether you’re considering a durable metal roof or a high-quality shingle system, our team is here to help.
Ready for a Quote?
If you’re in Northeast Ohio and looking for honest, skilled roofing pros, call S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your goals, answer your questions, and give you a roof that lasts.
📍 Serving Youngstown, Cleveland, Medina, and beyond
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