Asphalt shingles cost less up front and are the most common choice for homes, usually lasting 20 to 30 years. A metal roof costs more to install but lasts 40 to 70 years, stands up well to wind and hail, and can lower energy bills. If you plan to stay in your home a long time, metal often pays off. If you want lower upfront cost or a quick budget-friendly roof, shingles make sense. The best way to decide is a free inspection and an honest quote on both.
Metal roof vs shingles: the short version
When homeowners weigh a metal roof vs shingles, it usually comes down to four things: cost, how long it lasts, how it looks, and how it holds up to weather. Both are good roofing materials. They just fit different budgets and goals.
Asphalt shingles are the default for most American homes because they are affordable and easy to install and repair. Metal is the long-term play. It costs more on day one but lasts decades longer and takes a beating from storms better than most materials. Here in the Midwest, where hail and high winds are part of life, that durability matters more than it would somewhere calmer.
Asphalt shingles: pros and cons
Asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with granules. They come in two main grades: basic 3-tab shingles and thicker, longer-lasting architectural shingles.
The pros. Shingles cost the least up front of any common roofing material. Almost every roofing crew installs them, so labor is easy to find and repairs are simple and cheap. They come in dozens of colors and styles, and a quality architectural shingle still lasts a solid 20 to 30 years. For Midwest hail country, you can also choose impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles that hold up better to hail and may earn an insurance discount.
The cons. Shingles do not last as long as metal. They can be torn off or lifted by high winds, they lose granules over time, and dark shingles can soak up heat and push up cooling costs in summer. You will likely replace a shingle roof at least once more in your lifetime than you would a metal one.
Metal roofing: pros and cons
Metal roofing has moved well beyond the barn look. Today it comes in standing seam panels with clean hidden fasteners, and in metal shingles and tiles made to mimic asphalt, wood, or slate. Steel and aluminum are the most common metal roofing types for homes.
The pros. A metal roof lasts a long time, commonly 40 to 70 years, so many homeowners never replace it. It handles wind, hail, and heavy snow well, it will not catch fire from embers, and it sheds snow instead of letting it pile up. Metal reflects heat rather than absorbing it, which can lower summer cooling bills, and most metal roofing is made with recycled material and is recyclable at the end of its life.
The cons. The big one is upfront cost. A metal roof costs more to buy and install than asphalt, often two to three times as much. Fewer crews specialize in it, so you want an experienced installer. Metal can be noisier in heavy rain or hail if it is not installed over proper underlayment and decking, and a serious hail storm can dent some softer metals (though it rarely causes a leak). The higher price is also harder to recover if you sell the home in just a few years.
Metal roof vs shingles cost
Cost is usually the deciding factor, so here is the honest picture without made-up numbers.
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing material, which is the main reason they are on most homes. A metal roof typically costs significantly more to install, often two to three times the price of an asphalt roof, because the material costs more and it takes specialized labor to install correctly.
What changes the final number for either one: the size and pitch of your roof, the specific material you pick (a premium standing seam metal roof costs more than basic steel panels, just as architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab), tearing off and hauling away the old roof, and local labor rates. For a sense of overall replacement pricing in our area, most Midwest residential roof replacements run from about $8,000 to $25,000 depending on those factors, with metal landing toward the higher end.
The way to think about it is cost over time, not just cost today. Shingles cost less now but you may replace them once or twice while a single metal roof is still going. Metal costs more now but spreads that cost over a much longer life. A free, detailed quote on both materials for your exact roof is the only way to know your real numbers.
Which roof is right for you?
There is no single right answer, only the right answer for your home and how long you plan to stay.
A metal roof tends to make sense if you plan to stay in your home for many years, you want the longest-lasting option, or you want better resistance to storms and lower cooling bills, and the higher upfront cost fits your budget. Asphalt shingles tend to make sense if you want the lowest upfront cost, you may move in the next several years, or you want a proven, easy-to-repair roof in a style and color to match your home.
Your climate matters too. In the storm-prone Midwest, both impact-resistant shingles and metal are strong choices, which is exactly the kind of thing worth talking through with a local roofer who knows the weather here. When you are ready to compare real options, our roof replacement team can inspect your roof and walk you through both materials with a clear written estimate. For offices, warehouses, and other commercial buildings, our commercial roofing crews install metal systems along with flat-roof options like TPO and EPDM. If you want to dig into pricing first, our guide on roof replacement cost in Overland Park breaks down the factors that move the number.
Shamrock has installed both metal and shingle roofs across the Midwest since 1977, and we are certified by manufacturers including Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed. We will tell you straight which material fits your home and budget, with no pressure.
FAQs
Is a metal roof better than shingles?
Neither is universally better. Metal lasts longer (40 to 70 years vs 20 to 30 for shingles) and handles storms and heat better, but costs more up front. Shingles cost less and are easier to repair. The better choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay in the home.
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
A metal roof usually costs two to three times more than an asphalt shingle roof to install, because metal materials cost more and require specialized labor. Your exact difference depends on roof size, the metal type you choose, and your local labor rates.
Do metal roofs make the house louder when it rains?
They can be louder than shingles if installed poorly, but a metal roof installed over solid decking and proper underlayment is only slightly louder than a shingle roof. Most homeowners do not find it a problem.
How long does each roof last?
Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years with good installation and maintenance. Metal roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years, and many homeowners never need to replace them.
Does a metal roof help with energy bills?
It can. Metal reflects the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it like dark asphalt shingles do, which can lower cooling costs in hot Midwest summers. Exact savings depend on your home, insulation, and attic ventilation.
Is metal or shingle better for hail?
Both can handle hail well. Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles are made to resist hail and may earn an insurance discount. Metal also stands up to hail, though softer metals can dent in a severe storm. A serious hail event is worth a professional inspection either way.
