Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Worth It?
When it’s time to re-roof, most homeowners weigh proven, affordable asphalt shingles against longer-lasting metal. Both are excellent; they simply trade off upfront cost against lifespan.
Asphalt is the budget standard — cheap, widely installed, and good for 25–30 years with architectural shingles. Metal costs two to three times more upfront but lasts 40–70 years, sheds snow and rain well, can reflect heat to cut cooling bills, and may earn an insurance discount. The table below shows how the two stack up so you can match the choice to how long you’ll own the home.
| Factor | Asphalt shingles | Metal roof |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $7,000 – $18,000 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Per square foot | $3.50 – $10 | $10 – $35 |
| Lifespan | 25 – 30 years | 40 – 70 years |
| Maintenance | Moderate; periodic repairs | Low |
| Energy efficiency | Standard | Reflective; can cut cooling bills |
| Insurance / resale | Standard | Possible discounts; premium appeal |
| Best for | Lowest upfront cost | Longevity, the 'last roof' you buy |
The verdict
Asphalt shingles win decisively on upfront cost and remain the right choice for most budgets and shorter time horizons. A metal roof costs two to three times as much but lasts roughly twice as long, needs less maintenance, and can lower cooling bills and insurance — so for homeowners staying put for decades, it often becomes the last roof they ever buy. Choose asphalt to minimize today's cost; choose metal to minimize lifetime cost.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a metal roof worth the extra cost over shingles?
- If you'll stay in the home 15+ years, often yes — metal lasts 40–70 years versus 25–30 for asphalt and needs less upkeep. For shorter stays or tight budgets, asphalt is the better value.
- How much more does metal cost than shingles?
- Metal runs about $10–$35 per square foot installed versus $3.50–$10 for asphalt — roughly two to three times as much.
- Which lasts longer?
- Metal lasts 40–70 years (copper and zinc longer); architectural asphalt lasts 25–30. That longevity is the core of metal's value case.
- Is a metal roof noisy or hot?
- With solid decking and underlayment, metal is no louder than asphalt in rain, and reflective coatings can actually reduce attic heat and cooling costs.
How we estimate: ranges are cross-checked against current 2026 industry sources (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on local rates — always get multiple written quotes.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: