Metal vs. Asphalt Roofing: What’s the Difference? (2026 Guide)

Asphalt and metal roofs both rank as popular material choices, but each option comes with different benefits. For example, asphalt shingle roof replacement costs $5,800–$12,200 on average, while metal roofing can cost twice as much or more. If you plan to install a new roof, you likely want a solution that balances cost, durability, and maintenance.

This guide compares metal and asphalt roofing by cost, installation, maintenance needs, lifespan, and environmental impact. Additionally, we included expert insights from a metal roofing expert featured in This Old House’s television series.

What Is the Difference Between Metal and Asphalt Roofing?

Asphalt roofs are cheaper, quieter, and easier to install. A metal roof is easier to maintain, lasts longer, and is more eco-friendly. We’ve broken down the main differences between each material below.

Comparing Costs

When you compare the cost of shingles versus a metal roof, asphalt comes out cheaper. Basic three-tab shingles cost $1–$3 per square foot, while more premium architectural shingles cost $2–$4 per square foot. It’s not uncommon for metal roofing to cost significantly more than that amount, with pricing ranging from $4–$30 per square foot.

The cost of metal roofing also varies by the style. The cheapest option is sheet metal at $4–$6.50 per square foot, followed by metal shingles at $7–$22 per square foot. Corrugated roofs with exposed fasteners cost $4–$26 per square foot, while cut-to-size standing seam roofs cost $9–$30 per square foot.

Homeowner Insights

Nearly 56% of homeowners who reported installing a metal roof in our survey spent $10,000 or more. There were slightly fewer homeowners (50%) who spent $10,000 or more when installing asphalt shingles.

_{Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from HomeAdvisor and Angi, unless otherwise noted.}

Durability and Lifespan Differences

You can’t compare costs without looking at longevity. Metal roofs cost more upfront, but the return on investment is higher. Metal roofs can endure a lot, which is why they often come with 30 to 50-year warranties. They may even outlast their warranty, holding up for 40 to 70 years. However, metal roofs are vulnerable to denting. A fallen tree branch or extremely heavy hail could cause dents, making leakage a concern and warranting at least a partial roof replacement, though this isn’t likely to occur in your typical storm. 

Asphalt shingles typically come with a 15 to 30-year warranty and are most vulnerable to humidity and moisture. Pooling water and climates with heavy rain or long-lasting ice can lead to cracks and algae or fungus growth. Asphalt shingles also experience a lot of cracking in climates with drastically different day versus night temperatures, which shortens their lifespan.

Maintenance Needs

The frequency and expense of roof maintenance for either type largely depends on climate and how well the roof was installed. Properly installed metal roofs typically require less maintenance since they’re less vulnerable to moisture. Regardless of the material, roofing experts recommend inspecting your roof at least once per year to check for any debris or damage that could cause a leak.

Asphalt shingles are more commonly the cause of problems, but not every issue is difficult or expensive to fix. Removing moss is a relatively simple DIY job, or you can pay $0.20–$0.70 per square foot for a professional roof cleaning plus $150–$250 for a preventive treatment.

Homeowner Insights

Homeowners in our survey who installed a metal roof said materials were the biggest cost factor in their estimate. Homeowners who installed asphalt shingle roofs said that labor cost the most.

Installation Processes

Asphalt shingles are much easier and quicker to install than metal. They can be installed in one to two days, in some cases over an existing layer.

Metal roofing materials are lighter and leave less room for error. Installing a metal roof takes longer and will likely require more specialized tradespeople, which can increase labor costs. According to a roofing expert featured in a past issue of This Old House’s magazine, metal roofing requires specialized equipment to correctly form and install raw metal, like a power seamer.

Homeowner Insights

The majority of homeowners we surveyed in 2026 who installed metal or asphalt shingle roofing said that their contractor completed their roofing project in seven days or less.

Sustainability Features

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 11 million tons of asphalt shingles are sent to landfills each year. They can’t be recycled and are petroleum-based products, which means they increase fossil fuel dependency.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

The three most common metal roof styles are standing seam panels, exposed fastener panels, and metal shingles. A standing-seam metal roof features panels that are locked together at the seam, allowing them to easily expand and contract as the temperature changes. Exposed fastener panels are attached to the roof with screws or nails, while metal shingles mimic the look of traditional roofing materials.

Homeowners can also choose from several types of metal, including aluminum, copper, zinc, and steel. The weight and durability of metal drives up its price, but higher quality metal typically leads to a better return on investment. 

Asphalt Roofing Pros and Cons

There are three types of asphalt shingle roofs. Basic three-tab asphalt shingles are thin and flat with a brick-like pattern, while architectural or dimensional shingles have a thicker and more textured appearance. Luxury or designer shingles are thicker still with a texture that mimics premium roofing materials like slate tiles or wood shakes.

Asphalt shingles are one of the cheapest roofing options available, but they also require more maintenance and don’t last as long. Most homeowners choose dimensional asphalt shingles for their curb appeal and midrange cost as compared to the other two choices.

Comparing Other Types of Roofing

If neither asphalt nor metal works for you, there are many other types of roofs to choose from:

• Built-up roofing: Built-up roofing, or BUR, is made from layers of asphalt, aggregate, ply sheets, and other materials. It’s mostly used for flat roofs and is typically cheaper than even asphalt shingles.
• Clay roofing: Clay, ceramic, and terracotta roofing materials are eco-friendly and durable, as well as fire-resistant. Expect to pay a higher cost for these.
• Concrete roofing: Concrete has a longevity comparable to metal. It also has great thermal properties and a midrange cost.
• Green roofing: Green roofing is made from plants and is gaining popularity in the United States. It can cost as much as $30 per square foot, though its energy efficiency may save you so much on your electricity bill that you recoup the expense.
• Slate roofing: Slate tiles are one of the more expensive options, but their lifespan may make it worth it. It’s not uncommon for slate roofing to last over 100 years. 
• Solar roofing: Solar roofing mimics a traditional roofing design but generates electricity like solar panels. It’s expensive, but your energy savings may make the extra cost worthwhile. 
• Wood roofing: Wood shingles and shakes are resistant to rot, easy to install, and naturally insulating. The cost is midrange, but they’re not recommended for fire-prone areas and are harder to insure if you live in a dry climate.

What To Consider When Choosing a Roof Type

Consider the following when choosing the right type of roof for your house:

• Climate: Homes in areas that experience frequent extreme weather, such as tropical storms or wildfires, may require a certain kind of roof. As mentioned, wood roofing isn’t suitable for fire-prone areas. Solar roofing wouldn’t be a smart investment in an area that’s often cloudy. Slate roofing is a good choice for high winds.
• Cost: Your budget could be one of the biggest factors when deciding on a roof type. Remember not to look at the material cost alone but also labor, maintenance, and repair. Also, consider resale value.
• Durability: The more vulnerable a roof type is to damage and degradation, the quicker repairs or replacement will be needed. 
• Energy efficiency: Even if you have to pay more upfront for a more energy-efficient roofing material, consider the savings in energy costs.
• Roof slope: The way your roof slopes affects water runoff and wind resistance. A material that doesn’t hold up well under standing water, such as asphalt, wouldn’t be appropriate for a roof with minimal sloping.

Is a Metal or Asphalt Roof Better?

The choice between metal vs. asphalt roofing comes down to cost and durability. Asphalt shingles are more budget-friendly yet require more frequent replacement and offer less weather resistance. Metal roofs, on the other hand, offer impressive longevity and durability but come with a higher initial cost. Take time to explore all the options, talk to a roofing contractor, and analyze your roof and climate to see which roofing type is best for your home. 

See our guide to new roof costs for a more detailed breakdown of what to expect for your roofing project.

Homeowner Insights

The majority of homeowners we surveyed who installed metal or asphalt shingle roofing said that their contractor completed their roofing project in seven days or less.

FAQs About Metal and Asphalt Roofs

How We Determined Asphalt and Metal Roofing Costs

To provide accurate and current pricing for asphalt and metal roof replacements, we collected estimates from Angi and HomeAdvisor. We also gathered pricing insights from our 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners who replaced their roofs within the last five years.

Our research provides a comprehensive overview of both national and local pricing. To better understand pricing, we analyzed estimates for different types of roofing materials for projects ranging from 1,000–3,000 square feet in size in several U.S. states. This allows our cost averages to reflect diverse homeowner needs across both urban and rural markets.

Prices shared in this guide represent the average cost of a new roof based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, home size, material quality, and project scope.