Comparing asphalt shingles vs metal roofing? Asphalt costs $4–6/sqft with 25-year life. Metal costs $10–16/sqft but lasts 50+ years. Full comparison inside.
Asphalt shingles cost $4–6 per square foot installed and last 25–30 years. Metal roofing costs $10–16 per square foot installed but lasts 50–70 years. On a 1,800 sq ft roof, that's roughly $8,000 for asphalt vs $20,000 for standing seam metal.
Over 60 years, you'd replace an asphalt roof twice (two replacement cycles) vs zero additional replacements for metal. Factor in inflation and the metal roof often wins on lifetime cost — but only if you plan to stay in the home long enough to realize that value.
| Factor | Asphalt Architectural | Metal (Standing Seam) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft installed | $4.50–$6.50 | $10–$16 |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years | 50–70 years |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Very low |
| Energy savings | Minimal | 10–25% cooling reduction |
| Wind resistance | Up to 130 mph | Up to 160+ mph |
| Noise (rain) | Quiet | Quiet with proper underlayment |
| Recyclable | Partially | Fully |
Asphalt is the right call if you're planning to sell within 10 years, working with a tight budget, or living in a climate without extreme heat or heavy snow. It's also the easier material to repair — any roofer can match and replace asphalt shingles, while metal repairs require more specialized skills.
Architectural shingles have improved dramatically. Modern products from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning carry 30-year warranties and look genuinely attractive. For most homeowners in most markets, 30-year architectural asphalt is still the value sweet spot.
Metal roofing makes compelling economic sense if you plan to stay 20+ years, live in a high-wind or high-snow area, or want to minimize long-term maintenance. Metal handles hail better, sheds snow more effectively, and never rots, cracks, or needs granule replacement.
In hot climates, metal's reflectivity can meaningfully cut cooling bills. Many metal products qualify for energy tax credits. And for modern, farmhouse, or mountain home aesthetics, metal simply looks better than asphalt.
Ask yourself three questions: How long will I stay in this home? What is my budget? What does my climate demand? If you're staying 15+ years and can absorb the upfront cost, metal is worth serious consideration. If you're budget-constrained or planning to sell, quality asphalt is the smart, proven choice.