Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: How Do I Choose?

Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Best for YOUR Roof?

When it’s time to replace a roof, the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles is a critical decision.

Whether you’re an experienced roofer or a concerned homeowner, understanding the pros and cons of these two materials will help you make an informed decision.

In this post, we’re going to dive into this classic roofing showdown. We’ll compare metal roofing and asphalt shingles, breaking down their pros and cons, installation differences, cost considerations, and how to choose the best option based on your needs.

Ready to go?

Let’s dive in!

Defining Key Terms

Before we dive into the comparisons, let’s clarify some key terms:

• Metal Roofing: A roofing system made from panels or shingles of metal, typically steel, aluminum, or copper. Metal roofing is known for durability and longevity.
• Asphalt Shingles: Roofing shingles made from fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and granules. Due to their affordability and ease of installation, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America.

Pros and Cons of Both Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles

Metal Roofing

Pros:

• Longevity: A properly installed metal roof can last up to 70 years, significantly longer than most asphalt shingles. This is serious staying power and represents tremendous value over the long haul.
• Durability: A metal roof can withstand harsh weather, including heavy snow, high winds, and hail much better than an asphalt shingle roof. As we all know, Ohio weather can be a beast. From summer scorchers to winter blizzards, your roofs need to hold their own.
• Energy Efficiency: A light-colored metal roof painted with our Akzo Nobel painting systems can keep attics as much as 40 degrees cooler than control homes according to a recent study in Florida. This is because the metal reflects solar heat and greatly reduces cooling costs in the summer.

• Sustainability: A metal roof is often made from recycled materials and is usually 100% recyclable at the end of its long and useful life.
• Fire Resistant: Since a metal roof is non-combustible, it provides excellent fire protection.
• Low Maintenance: A metal roof requires minimal upkeep compared to asphalt shingles. A good spray with a garden hose once a year and periodic attention to any exposed fasteners are usually the only maintenance required.
• Curb Appeal: Metal roofs offer a modern, sleek appearance, while asphalt shingles provide a traditional aesthetic. And metal is growing in popularity, due to a swelling selection of colors and styles to choose from. Many suppliers carry options from traditional standing seam to metal shingles that mimic the look of slate or wood shake, including Buckeye Metal Sales where we offer our metal in 38 colors.
  Metal roofs can give a home a sleek, modern look or blend in with a more rustic style. It all depends on what your customer is after.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: Metal roofing systems are more expensive upfront than asphalt shingles. (Since pricing changes can occur frequently, contact your supplier for exact quotes.)
• Installation Complexity: Metal roofing systems require skilled labor and specialized tools such as special metal cutters, shears, and drills. Expertise is especially needed for cutting metal trim.
• Noise Factor: Metal roofs can be a little noisier during heavy rain or hail unless properly insulated.
• Expansion and Contraction: Metal roofs may expand or contract with temperature changes, requiring proper fastening systems to prevent buckling or other problems.

Asphalt Shingles

Pros:

Affordability: Asphalt shingles carry a lower initial price tag compared to metal roofing. But one thing to remember is that these costs occur over time since metal roofs last twice as long as shingle roofs on average.

• Ease of Installation: Asphalt shingles can be installed quickly with common tools.
• Versatility: Shingles are available in various colors and styles to match different home designs.
• Widespread Availability: Asphalt shingles are readily available at most building supply stores and only the rarest styles or colors would involve any significant deliverability delays.
• Noise Deadening: Asphalt shingles tend to dampen sound rather than amplify it, even without the help of insulation.
• Fire Resistance: Shingles offer some fire resistance, depending on the rating, although it is less significant than metal.

Cons:

• Shorter Lifespan: This is the most significant drawback. Shingles typically last 30 years, if things go well.
• Weather Vulnerability: Shingles are susceptible to damage from wind, hail, and moisture. They’re especially prone to blow-off in high winds, which can lead to leakage and rotting.
• Higher Maintenance: Asphalt shingles require more frequent repairs and replacements than metal roofing. Patching, replacing, and inspecting yearly or more often is recommended. In fact, the best practice is to inspect your shingles after EVERY storm since shingles can be blown off or damaged by hail, wind, or flying debris.
• Environmental Impact: Asphalt shingles contribute 12 million tons(!) of waste to landfills due to shorter lifespan and limited recyclability.

How Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles Differ in Practice (Contractor Point of View)

When comparing these roofing products, it’s useful to look at real-world differences in application and performance, especially from the point of view of the contractor.

• Weather Resistance: Metal roofs hold up better against extreme weather, while asphalt shingles may require frequent repairs in storm-prone areas. Think about what working on metal roofs means: fewer call-backs, less warranty work, and a reputation for roofs that can take a beating.
• Less Maintenance Work: Less roof maintenance work from doing metal roofs means more time for new jobs and growing your business. Time is money, and nobody wants to spend all their time fixing roofs.
• Happier Customers (and Contractors): That lifespan difference? It means fewer replacements, less hassle, and happier customers down the road. Although less repeat business might sound bad, those referrals to your business will be golden! Plus, you can take pride in a job well done.
• Installation Time: Here the advantage goes to shingles. Asphalt shingles can be installed in a day or two, whereas standing seam metal roofing takes longer, due to specialized requirements. (Although over 80% of the panels we sell are exposed fastener panels and only 20% is standing seam.)
• Installation Expertise: Most contractors know how to install asphalt shingles, since it’s a pretty straightforward process. Metal roofing requires more specialized knowledge and skill. You need to know how to properly flash and seal the panels to prevent leaks.

But don’t let that scare you off! Buckeye Metal is here to help. We offer training and support to help you get comfortable with metal roofing installation.

We’ll even come out to your job site and answer your questions – free of charge. We also roll our own panels here in the shop and on site.

Consider These 5 Points as You Make Your Choice (Both Homeowner and Contractors)

1. Consider Your Budget
   If the budget is tight, asphalt shingles may be the more practical option. However, for long-term savings, metal roofing’s durability and efficiency can easily offset its initial cost.
   For homeowners, another consideration is how long you plan to live in the home. If you plan to sell within a few years, you may opt for shingles. But here again, the higher resale value of a home with a metal roof may make it worthwhile to make the extra investment.
2. Think About Climate
   For areas with heavy snow, hurricanes, or extreme temperatures, metal roofing is often the superior choice due to its resilience. Asphalt shingles perform well in moderate climates but may deteriorate faster in extreme weather conditions.
   Here in Ohio, our weather is extreme enough to make metal roofing well worth a second look. Our scorching summers and snowy winters are not kind to asphalt shingles and the expected lifespan is usually on the lower end of the spectrum.
3. Factor in Maintenance and Longevity
   As we’ve said, if you are looking to minimize maintenance and enjoy long-term reliability, metal roofing is the clear winner. Metal roofing requires next to no maintenance, and when you factor in the extra lifespan, well … let’s just say the savings really add up!
4. Resale Value
   Since metal is seen as a premium roofing option, it can significantly boost a home’s resale value. And a NEW metal roof can add serious value to a home.
   It’s a selling point that can really grab a potential buyer’s attention.
   New shingles can increase resale value, of course, but not by nearly as much as metal. For instance, a homeowner can resell a house with a 10-year-old metal roof and still get the full installation cost back out of it, whereas a shingle roof would have to be brand new for the full value to be recouped.
5. Consider the Building Type
   Residential Homes: Both options work, but metal roofing is ideal for longevity and energy efficiency. Learn more about energy efficiency here.
   Commercial Buildings: Since companies are making a long-term investment with a new building, metal roofing is often preferred due to durability and lower long-term costs.
   Agricultural Structures: Metal roofing is the top choice here as well, due to its ability to withstand the harsh conditions of modern ag. Again, because of the long-term nature of ag structures, metal is usually the only type of roofing considered.

5 Final Tips and Reminders for Homeowners

1. Check Local Building Codes – Some areas may have regulations that favor one material over the other. Product weight matters, especially on older homes. Shingles are heavier than metal, which can put stress on the roof structure. Metal is lightweight, reducing the load on the roof and making it a good choice for re-roofing projects.
2. Work with a Trusted Supplier – Do you have a metal supplier that you can trust to supply high-quality materials and reliable support?
3. Consider Energy Savings – As we said, metal roofing often carries special coatings that reflect heat and can reduce cooling costs, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Asphalt shingles actually absorb heat, which can drive up cooling costs in the summer.
4. Environmental Concerns – More and more homeowners are concerned about the environment. As we said, 12 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every year. Metal roofing, on the other hand, can be recycled, reducing waste and conserving resources. Plus, the energy savings from a metal roof can also help reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Hire a Qualified Contractor – Proper installation is key to maximizing the benefits of any roofing material, so make sure you hire wisely.

Again, that’s where our expertise at Buckeye Metal comes in. We can guide you through the process and make sure you have the roofing supplies you need.

Wrapping It Up

So, metal vs. asphalt? Here’s the deal.

1. You’re on a tight budget and need a quick, affordable roofing solution. Asphalt shingles are the obvious choice.
2. You want a roof that will last a lifetime, withstand the elements, save energy, and add value to your home or business. See you in the metal department.

Now, we know that some contractors are probably thinking: “Metal’s too complicated. I don’t have time for that.” But please don’t let that stop you; with Buckeye Metal on your side, you can do it! We’ll provide the materials and the support you need to install metal for any customer that wants it!

At Buckeye Metal Sales, we understand the challenges homeowners and contractors face when selecting a new roof. We’re always happy to talk metal and help you find the right roofing solution for your customers. That’s the Buckeye way: premium materials, quick turnaround, and personable customer service.

Try us today!

Ready to explore your metal options?

Contact Buckeye Metal Sales today for expert guidance, high-quality materials, and fast, reliable service.

Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, we’re here to help with the advice and metal products you need every day!

Call us at (740) 674-3556, email us, or stop by our shop today!

Buckeye Metal Sales
406 Jamison Rd
Frankfort, OH 45628

Contributed by Stennett Eberly Certified Copywriter