Metal Roof vs Shingles

A side-by-side comparison of metal roofing systems and asphalt shingles covering cost, lifespan, wind resistance, hail performance, energy efficiency, and insurance implications.

Specifications

Cost (Installed)	Asphalt: $3.50 to $7.00/sq ft; Metal: $7.00 to $14.00/sq ft (varies by region and product)
Lifespan	Asphalt: 15 to 30 years; Metal: 40 to 70 years
Weight	Asphalt: 200 to 350 lbs/sq; Metal: 50 to 150 lbs/sq
Fire Rating	Asphalt: Class A (most products); Metal: Class A

Common issues

Homeowners underestimating the upfront cost difference between metal and asphalt
Assuming all metal roofing is standing seam when metal shingles are a distinct product category
Overlooking cosmetic damage exclusions in insurance policies when choosing metal

Insurance relevance

Both metal and asphalt roofs are covered under standard homeowners insurance, but the claim experience differs. Asphalt shingle claims focus on granule loss, mat fractures, and blow-offs. Metal roof claims focus on denting, panel displacement, and fastener failure. Metal roofs often qualify for insurance discounts due to their fire rating and wind resistance, but cosmetic damage exclusions may limit hail coverage. The higher replacement cost of metal means claim payouts are larger when damage is covered.

Cost Comparison

The most immediate difference between metal roofing and asphalt shingles is cost. Asphalt shingles (architectural grade) typically cost $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot installed, depending on the product line and region. Metal roofing (standing seam or metal shingles) ranges from $7.00 to $14.00 per square foot installed. This means a metal roof on a 2,000 square foot home costs roughly twice as much as asphalt at the time of installation. However, cost-per-year tells a different story. If asphalt shingles last 25 years and metal lasts 50 years, the cost per year of service may be comparable or lower for metal. The break-even calculation depends on local material and labor pricing, which varies significantly by market.

Lifespan and Durability

Asphalt architectural shingles last 25 to 30 years in practice, with manufacturer warranties ranging from 30 years to limited lifetime. Metal roofing lasts 40 to 70 years depending on the material (steel, aluminum, copper) and coating system. Metal does not lose granules, does not curl, and does not develop moss or algae growth. It is also significantly lighter, which reduces structural load. Asphalt shingles degrade from UV exposure, thermal cycling, and moisture, with the south-facing slope typically failing first. Metal roofing degrades through coating wear and potential corrosion at cut edges or scratches, but the underlying metal remains structurally intact far longer than asphalt mat.

Storm Performance

In wind events, metal roofing generally outperforms asphalt shingles. Metal roofing systems are rated for wind speeds of 110 to 150 mph depending on the product and attachment method. Asphalt architectural shingles carry wind ratings of 110 to 130 mph, but real-world performance depends heavily on nailing quality. In hail events, the comparison is more nuanced. Asphalt shingles sustain functional damage (granule loss, mat fractures) that is clearly covered by insurance. Metal shingles sustain cosmetic dents that may or may not be covered depending on policy exclusions. For insurance claim purposes, asphalt hail damage is often easier to document and get approved.

Insurance Implications

Insurance is a significant factor in the metal vs. shingle decision. Metal roofs often qualify for premium discounts due to their fire rating and wind resistance, particularly in states prone to wildfire or hurricanes. In hail-prone states, the equation is less clear. If the insurer includes a cosmetic damage exclusion for metal roofing, the homeowner may not receive a claim payout for hail dents that do not compromise the roof's water-shedding ability. Meanwhile, the same hailstorm on an asphalt roof would generate a full replacement claim because granule loss and mat damage are functional, not cosmetic. Homeowners should compare the insurance premium savings from a metal roof against the potential coverage gap from cosmetic exclusions before making a material decision.

Frequently asked questions

Over a 50-year period, a metal roof can be cheaper than asphalt shingles because it typically requires only one installation versus two or three asphalt roof replacements. However, this calculation depends on the specific metal and asphalt products compared, local labor costs, and whether the homeowner plans to stay in the home long enough to realize the longevity benefit. If selling within 10 to 15 years, the upfront savings of asphalt shingles may be the better financial choice.

It depends on the hail size and the policy language. Metal roofs resist functional damage from hail better than asphalt shingles. They do not lose granules or fracture, but they do dent. Asphalt shingles sustain granule loss and mat damage from hail 1 inch and larger. For insurance purposes, asphalt hail damage is more clearly covered because the damage is functional (granule loss exposes the mat). Metal denting may be excluded under cosmetic damage clauses.

In many states, yes. Metal roofs with a Class A fire rating and high wind resistance can qualify for premium discounts, particularly in wildfire-prone and hurricane-prone regions. Florida, for example, offers wind mitigation credits for roofing that meets certain impact and uplift standards. The discount amount varies by insurer and state, typically ranging from 5 to 35 percent of the premium for qualifying roofing systems.

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