What is the difference between a metal vs. a shingle roof? Which one should you choose? Both metal and shingle roofs have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, longevity, maintenance & repairs, sustainability, and climate.
A Comparison of Metal vs. Shingle Roofs
When comparing a metal vs. shingle roof, you will want to consider cost, longevity, maintenance & repairs, eco-friendliness, and climate.
Cost
According to This Old House, the average price of a shingle roof is between $4.50 to $12.25 per square foot while a metal roof averages $4 to $ 40 per square foot. A shingle roof is cheaper to install than a metal roof.
Longevity
The type of metal material is one of the larger factors influencing the cost per square foot as well as longevity.
Metal roofs can be made of aluminum, composite, steel, tin, zinc, copper, etc. Each material type also has its characteristics in terms of how long it lasts, how easy it is to corrode, how easily it dents, etc. Metal roofs can last 40 years or longer.
Shingles can be made of asphalt, wood, composite, or slate. Depending on the type of asphalt shingles, they can last anywhere from 20-30 years.
Maintenance & Repairs
Asphalt shingles can crack, warp, discolor, etc. They are also more prone to mold and mildew growth. An asphalt roof will require more maintenance over time. With how common shingle roofs are, any contractor will know how to repair them. Even though maintenance will come up, it will be easier to repair and easier to find a contractor to do the job.
Metal roofs require less maintenance but are more unique. If repairs are required, a metal roof may be more difficult to repair due to how the full-length panels are connected. Plus, not all contractors will work with metal roofs.
Eco-Friendliness
Metal roofs reflect sunlight and are energy efficient. Shingle roofs absorb heat and tend to be warmer. With a shingle roof, it will cost more to cool your home in summer but less to heat your home in winter. Metal roof material can be recycled, while asphalt shingles are not.
Climate & Weather
Metal roofs are also associated with less ice damming than asphalt shingle roofs.
Metal can dent easily. Dents in metal roofs are very common, especially with hail damage. With a metal roof, your homeowner's insurance may offer a reduced premium. However, there is a catch. You may be required to sign a hail damage loss waiver. Hail dents in a metal roof are often classified as cosmetic. This means the insurance carrier won’t be required to pay out in the event hail causes cosmetic damage, only if the metal breaks.
Also, in climates like Wisconsin, the seasonal shifts of hot/cold can push the screws out that fasten the metal down. Metal roofs may be a better choice for coastal climates where the temperatures are more moderate and stable from season to season.
Metal roofs are more fire-resistant than shingle roofs. This can be very beneficial where wildfires are common. If hot embers or ashes fall on a metal roof, it is less likely to catch fire.
Noise
A metal roof may be slightly louder than a shingle roof. A metal roof that is properly installed shouldn’t be too much noisier, especially when there is a solid roof deck and proper insulation. If a metal roof is installed on open framing like a barn, it will definitely be noisier.
Aesthetics
Shingle roofs are more popular and more likely to blend in with your neighborhood. Metal roofs are more likely to stand out. Some municipalities and homeowner associations do not allow metal roofing due to its inconsistent look, high glare, or appearance of looking industrial.
Each has a distinct look, so it's important to consider your preference and what potential future home buyers may prefer. Shingle roofs have a classic look while metal roofs have a more modern, sleek look.
Both types of materials come in various colors and styles. Metal roofs come in more colors and styles than shingle roofs. Shingle roofs have a more limited, traditional color palette. Your home style will also influence which type of roof will look best.
How Metal & Shingle Roofs Compare
The table below provides a summary of how metal and shingle roofs compare.
| Metal | Shingle |
Cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
Longevity | Longer lifespan of 40+ years | Shorter lifespan of 20-30 years |
Maintenance | Less maintenance | More maintenance |
Repairs | Difficult to repair & limited contractors | Easy to repair and replace with plenty of contractors |
Eco-Friendliness | Energy efficient & recyclable | Poor energy efficiency & not recyclable |
Maintenance | Less maintenance | More maintenance |
Repairs | Limited contractors | Plenty of contractors |
Noise | Noise during rain or hail | Less noisy |
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Metal Roof
Below are the advantages & disadvantages of a metal roof.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Advantages & Disadvantages of a Shingle Roof
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of a shingle roof:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Shingle Roofs Are Our Specialty
If you are thinking a shingle roof is for your home, contact us for a free roof estimate! PK Contractors specializes in shingle roofs whether it is asphalt, shake, etc. However, we do not offer metal roofs.
PK Contractors serves southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Considering our climate and weather conditions, shingles are a better fit for our customers. They are also more widely accepted by insurance companies and offer better warranties.
Even though metal roofs are gaining in popularity, many are best suited for coastal areas and other climates. Shingle roofs are far more common in our territory. Plus, they are also accepted by local homeowner associations and municipalities.
Even though shingle roofs are more likely to require maintenance, they are easier to repair and less expensive to repair.
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