Metal roofs and asphalt shingles are the two most common roofing options in North America. Asphalt shingles are affordable but may only last 20–30 years or less, while metal roofs cost more upfront but can last 50+ years instead. To choose the right option for you, consider your budget, the local climate, and how long you plan to own your home. The best way to save money on replacements is to maintain or restore the roof you already have
| Time to Read |
|
| What You’ll Learn |
|
| Next Steps |
|
Most rooftops in North America use asphalt shingles, and it’s been that way for nearly a century, but metal roofs are growing in popularity. It’s worth learning more about both options before you decide to invest in one because they each have their own pros and cons.
Roof Maxx’s independent dealers help homeowners extend the lifespan of their asphalt shingle roofs for up to 15 years every single day. Most of us are also roofers by trade, so we know all about materials like metal and asphalt, what makes them special, and what you need to know before installing them.
Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of each option, walk you through the biggest pros and cons, and explain why just having more “pros” doesn’t necessarily mean one material is better for you than the other.
Looking for quick info? Compare the main details of both roof types side by side in this easy-to-read chart. Then, keep reading to get the bigger picture on each option.
| Metal Roofs | Asphalt Shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost |
|
|
| Lifespan |
|
|
| Maintenance |
|
|
| Energy efficiency |
|
|
| Durability |
|
|
| Sustainability |
|
|
| Best for |
|
|
Metal roofs are roofing systems made from durable, weather-resistant metal materials, typically designed for longevity and resilience. The main materials used for are steel, aluminum, copper and zinc. You can quickly compare each option in the chart below:
| Material | Durability & Features | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Steel |
| General use; versatile finishes for many climates |
| Aluminum |
| Coastal or humid regions |
| Copper |
| High-end projects, historic or luxury homes |
| Zinc |
| Sustainable builds, long-term roofing solutions |
Metal roofs are versatile, so you’ll commonly find them in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They increase energy efficiency and longevity, but also come in a range of material and style options. This makes them popular in regions prone to harsh weather or for property owners prioritizing long-term value.
The biggest advantage of installing a metal roof is their incredible lifespan. On average, metal roofs can last from 40 to 60 years or longer when properly maintained.
The biggest drawback of a metal roof is upfront price. They’re more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles by a long shot and often cost two to three times as much to install.
Check out the other pros and cons in this table:
| # | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lasts 40–60 years or longer | Costs two to three times more than asphalt to install |
| 2 | Wind, snow, and wildfire resistant | Some materials, like copper, may develop dents from hail or other impacts |
| 3 | Highly resistant to pests, including mice, rats, and insects | May amplify the sound of rain and hail (good underlayment can help) |
| 4 | Reflects heat, which can help lower your cooling costs | Not every roofer knows how to install metal roofs |
| 5 | Batten installation system can improve airflow under the roof deck | Installation mistakes can be extremely expensive to correct |
| 6 | Sheds rain, snow, and ice easily | Some materials (steel, copper) may rust, corrode, or develop a patina over time |
| 7 | Metal roofs are easy to maintain and need fewer repairs over time | Damaged panels are difficult to repair and often need to be replaced completely. |
| 8 | No warping, cracking, or splitting (outside of actual defects) | You may need to reinforce your roof structure before installing heavier materials |
A metal roof might be suitable if you live in a place with extreme weather or want a premium aesthetic. Homes in areas prone to storms, wildfires, hail, high winds and extreme heat can benefit from the protection these materials offer, and materials like copper are definitely beautiful from the curb.
With a metal roof, you also won’t have to worry about replacing shingles, although you might not need to anyway if you treat your shingles properly. You’ll eliminate the need for frequent repairs over their lifespan.
Asphalt shingles are shingles composed of asphalt and fiberglass and are covered with a granular surface. The granules are added to increase the surface area of the shingles, ultimately helping dissipate the sun’s UV rays and keeping the roof cooler.
This is the most common roofing material in North America, with good reason. They’re beautiful, affordable, and reliable in all climates.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing options, which makes them ideal for budget-conscious homeowners. They provide a solid level of protection and durability at a fraction of the cost of other materials like metal, slate, or tile.
The main drawback? Today’s shingles contain less asphalt, so while they can last up to 30 years, it’s also common for them to fail much sooner. Timely Roof Maxx treatments can help you get as much life as possible out of them, but they still won’t last as long as a metal roof.
You can quickly review the other pros and cons below:
| # | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Affordable to install | Shorter lifespan of 20–30 years. Newer shingles may fail much sooner. |
| 2 | Straightforward installation process | Vulnerable to UV rays and high temperatures can degrade the asphalt core, causing thermal cracks |
| 3 | Shingles can be repaired one-by-one | High winds, hail, and other weather events can lead to shingle loss |
| 4 | Widely available at most home improvement stores | Must be inspected yearly and after every storm |
| 5 | Shingles come in many different colors, textures, and styles | Protective surface granules can wear off over time, causing the shingle to age faster |
| 6 | Overlapping install pattern helps to ward off water intrusion, mold, and algae | Asphalt shingles break down very slowly in the landfill and are harder to recycle than metal |
| 7 | Asphalt dampens the sound of rain, hail, and other weather | A shorter lifespan leads to higher long-term replacement costs |
Asphalt shingle roofs are a great option for budget-conscious homeowners as they are affordable to install and offer a good value. Choose them if you want to achieve solid weather protection and attractive aesthetics without the usual hefty expense of pricier materials like metal.
If you plan to sell or move in the next decade, an asphalt shingle roof offers good value without the need for a decades-long investment. This will also help keep any renovation costs down.
Asphalt shingles work well for homes with straightforward roof designs, such as single slopes or standard gable roofs. They’re easy to install on simpler structures, which helps keep labor costs low.
Extending the life of your shingles can be the perfect way to get the most out of your asphalt shingle roof. Roof Maxx’s eco-friendly treatment restores flexibility to aging asphalt shingles by replenishing the petrochemical oils they lose over time with safe, all-natural oils.
Having your roof treated delivers big benefits like:
Best of all? Roof Maxx costs up to 80% less than the cost of a new roof, which means you can spend less and keep more money in your pocket. We’re so confident that it works that we’ll even give you a 5-Year Flexibility Warranty that guarantees your shingles will stay flexible for at least 60 months. See the results for yourself in this 4 Homes Before & After Roof Maxx showcase.
Most roofs in the United States cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace, and these costs are increasing all the time. That’s why Roof Maxx is an increasingly attractive option for homeowners who want to save money without jeopardizing their roof.
The numbers make the value clear: a roof on a 2,000-square-foot home that would cost $20,000-$30,000 to replace might only cost $3,000-$6,000 to treat with Roof Maxx. That’s a big difference!
Prices like these are subject to change and can vary a bit by region. Find out the price for your roof by getting a free assessment from your local Roof Maxx dealership!
The roof restoration process can effectively extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof by up to 15 years if you time your treatments right. It’s a great way to reduce the need for repairs that also turns your roof into an even better long-term investment at the same time.
Metal roofs and asphalt shingles are more different than they are alike. Metal wins on longevity, weather resistance, and energy efficiency, but the upfront cost and specialized installation put it out of reach for many homeowners. That’s one of the main reasons asphalt is the most popular material in the U.S.!
Don’t spend money on unnecessary roof replacements when there’s a more cost-effective option out there that can help you make the most of what you already have for less. Get more value and longevity from your asphalt shingle roof by scheduling your free roof assessment today!
In most cases, yes. Building codes in many areas allow you to install a metal roof directly over one existing layer of asphalt shingles, which saves on tear-off costs. You’ll want a contractor to inspect the deck first to confirm it’s structurally sound and that local code permits it.
It depends on how you measure it. Dollar for dollar, asphalt shingles tend to recoup a higher percentage of their cost at resale, mostly because they cost so much less to install.
Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report puts the recouped cost for asphalt at around 68%. Metal came in at around 50% by comparison, which is nearly as positive, but undeniably lower. A new roof in good condition adds value either way, so the better choice often comes down to your budget.
Metal holds up better in extreme climates with high winds, heavy snow, wildfire risk, or intense heat. Asphalt shingles perform best in moderate or cooler climates, but a well-maintained asphalt roof can still be reliable almost anywhere in the U.S.
If you live along the coast, stick with asphalt, aluminum, or zinc. They’re more resistant to salt than some other alternatives (like steel).
We have a tool for that! Our free Roof Maxx assessment tool walks you through a few questions about the age and condition of your roof, then gives you a rough recommendation in seconds. While it isn’t intended to replace an in-person assessment, it can help you start planning for what happens next.
Even if you schedule an assessment with one of our dealers, the recommendation typically comes down to the same factors. If your shingles are brittle or losing granules but the deck underneath is still solid, roof restoration can be a great way to maintain it and get more life out of it.
Asphalt shingles can technically be recycled, but only around 9% of them actually make it through the recycling process. The cost of recycling them is prohibitively high, and there aren’t many facilities that can actually provide this service, which unfortunately means that most old shingles end up in landfills instead.
Choosing to treat your asphalt shingle roof with Roof Maxx helps you get more life out of your roof, but it also keeps shingles out of the trash for at least a little while longer. That’s important because they don’t really biodegrade the way other materials like wood.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
