How metal roofing and asphalt shingles compare on price, lifespan, noise, energy, and resale — and which makes sense for your home and how long you'll stay.
Cost comparison
Metal typically costs two to three times more than asphalt upfront. Broad national ranges for a fully installed roof on a ~2,000 sq ft home as of 2026:
| Material | Typical installed cost | Cost per square (100 sq ft) |
|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingle | $6,000–$12,000 | $350–$600 |
| Architectural shingle | $9,000–$18,000 | $450–$900 |
| Standing-seam metal | $18,000–$40,000 | $900–$1,600 |
| Metal shingle / panel | $14,000–$28,000 | $700–$1,300 |
The gap narrows over decades: metal often outlives two or three shingle roofs, so the lifetime cost can be closer than the sticker price suggests — but only if you stay long enough to bank that.
Lifespan and durability
- Asphalt shingles: about 15–20 years for 3-tab, 25–30 for architectural. Vulnerable to high wind, hail, and heat.
- Metal: 40–70 years, often with strong wind and fire resistance. It sheds snow well and stands up to storms better than shingles.
If you plan to stay in the home for decades, metal's longevity is a real advantage. If you might move within 10–15 years, you may never recoup the premium.
Noise, energy, and resale
Noise. Metal can be louder in heavy rain or hail, but proper decking and underlayment dampen this — the "loud metal roof" reputation mostly applies to bare barn-style installs.
Energy. Metal reflects solar heat and can lower cooling costs in hot climates, especially with a reflective finish. Asphalt absorbs more heat. The real-world difference depends on your climate and attic ventilation.
Resale. Both are accepted by buyers. A new roof of either type helps a sale; metal's long warranty can be a selling point, though it rarely returns its full premium at resale.
Which should you choose?
- Choose asphalt if budget is the priority, you may move within 10–15 years, or you want the simplest, most widely serviceable option.
- Choose metal if you'll stay long-term, live in a wildfire, heavy-snow, or high-wind area, or want the lowest lifetime cost and are able to fund the higher upfront price.
There's no universally correct answer — the best choice is the one that matches your budget and your time horizon in the home.
How to compare quotes
- Get at least three itemized bids for the same material and scope so you're comparing like for like.
- Ask about tear-off, decking, and underlayment — these affect both price and how well the new roof performs.
- Compare warranties — the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty are separate; you want both in writing.
- Verify licensing and insurance. Any license number shown on Cliqs is as stated by the business — confirm it with your state or local board before signing.
FAQ
It can be if you'll stay in the home long enough to benefit from its 40–70 year lifespan, or if you live somewhere with wildfire, heavy snow, or high winds. If you expect to move within 10–15 years, the upfront premium is harder to justify.
Metal typically costs two to three times more upfront. As of 2026, a standing-seam metal roof on an average home often runs $18,000–$40,000 installed, versus roughly $6,000–$18,000 for asphalt shingles.
Not markedly, when installed over solid decking with underlayment — the setup used on homes. The loud-roof reputation comes from bare metal over open framing, as on barns.
How long does each type of roof last?
Asphalt shingles last about 15–30 years depending on grade, while metal roofs commonly last 40–70 years. Installation quality, ventilation, and climate all affect the real figure.
Sometimes — some metal systems can go over one layer of shingles, saving tear-off cost — but it depends on the product, your roof's condition, and local code. Have a contractor inspect the decking first; hiding a failing deck under a new roof causes bigger problems later.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Costs and recommendations vary by property, region and provider — always get a qualified local pro to assess your situation.