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Asphalt vs metal roof: an honest comparison
The short answer
Asphalt shingles cost roughly $4.50 to $7.50 per sq ft installed and last 20 to 30 years. Metal roofing costs roughly $9 to $16 per sq ft installed and lasts 40 to 70 years. Metal wins on lifespan, wind and fire resistance, and long-run cost if you stay in the home. Asphalt wins on upfront price, repair simplicity, and looking right on most suburban streets.
This is a math problem wearing a style costume. Run the numbers over the years you will actually own the roof, then check the constraints: HOA rules, roof complexity, climate, and the crew quality available locally. Metal installed badly is worse than asphalt installed well.
Standing seam is the premium form of metal roofing and prices at the top of the range. Exposed-fastener metal panels cost less and need fastener maintenance over the decades.
Side by side
| Factor | Asphalt shingles | Metal roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $4.50 to $7.50 | $9 to $16 |
| Expected lifespan | 20 to 30 years | 40 to 70 years |
| Wind rating | Good, architectural grades | Excellent |
| Fire resistance | Class A available | Class A, non-combustible |
| Repairs | Simple, any roofer | Specialist, panel matching |
| Noise in rain | Quiet | Quiet when installed over solid deck and underlayment |
The rain-noise fear is mostly myth for modern installs over a solid deck. Bare metal over open framing is loud. A house roof is neither.
The 30-year math
On a 1,500 sq ft roof: asphalt at $9,000 today, replaced once in 30 years at inflated cost, versus metal at $18,000 to $24,000 once. Stay 25 years or more and metal usually wins or ties, with better storm performance the whole time. Sell in ten, and asphalt's lower entry price is the rational buy.
Energy claims need care: light-colored metal reflects more heat and can trim cooling bills modestly in hot climates. In cold climates the effect is small. Do not let an energy pitch carry the decision.
Questions homeowners ask
Does a metal roof hurt resale?
In most markets it is neutral to positive, and in storm-prone and rural areas it is a selling point. In strict traditional neighborhoods, check comparable sales and HOA rules first.
Can metal go over my old shingles?
Often yes for one layer, which saves tear-off cost, but deck condition must be verified. A soft deck under new metal is a hidden problem you paid premium money to cover.
Does metal attract lightning?
No more than any roof. Metal is non-combustible, which is why insurers in fire zones sometimes discount it.