Asphalt shingle roofs are still the most popular choice for American homes, but metal roofs are becoming more common. Metal roof panels and tiles are low-maintenance and durable. They cost more upfront but last for decades and provide great long-term value. 

A 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof typically costs $5,994–$9,791. A 1,700-square-foot metal roof typically costs $9,150–$16,743. Learn what goes into these costs and compare the pros and cons of metal versus shingle roofs below.

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Cost Factors of Shingles vs. Metal Roofs

Metal roofs typically cost more than shingle roofs, and our experience shadowing an Erie Home metal roof consultation showed that reps don’t shy away from this fact. We also found the following to be the largest cost determinants when getting a new roof:

• Material: The shingle material or metal type determines unit costs.
• Size: Larger roofs need more materials and labor to cover them.
• Labor: Metal roofs are harder to install. Anything that increases the roofing project’s complexity will increase installation costs. 

Type of Material

The most relevant cost factor is the type of roofing materials you choose. As you might imagine, high-quality metal and shingles will cost more, but they’re also more durable.

Cost of Metal Roof Material

The term “metal roofing” can cover everything from corrugated steel sheets to bespoke copper tiles. Our experience shadowing Erie Home’s metal roofing consultation informed us that companies sell metal roofing materials in premeasured sheets ranging from 50–100 square feet. Professional contractors use a “roofing square” measurement, which is equal to 100 square feet, to determine the materials and costs required for a project. The Erie representative also explained that roofers usually order slightly more material than necessary in case of any issues, which usually causes up to 10% of the material to go to waste.

Cost of Shingle Roof Material

When most people think of a shingle roof, they’re imagining three-tab shingles made of asphalt. But shingles can be made of many materials. A basic asphalt shingle roof isn’t your only option.

• Basic asphalt shingles: These inexpensive shingles remain the most popular residential roofing option. They’re easy to purchase and install, but they only last 15–20 years.
• Architectural asphalt shingles: Architectural shingles are made of similar asphalt material, but they’re thicker and sturdier. They’re more expensive than basic asphalt shingles, but they have a life expectancy of about 30 years and can stand up to more severe weather conditions.
• Composite shingles: Asphalt is also used in the creation of composite shingles, but it’s combined with fiberglass and recycled materials for additional strength. These shingles are often designed to look like wood or other materials and can last up to 50 years.
• Wood shingles or shakes: Wooden shingles (smooth cut) and shakes (rough cut) create a distinctive, beautiful look and last 40–50 years. The downsides are the price and the maintenance needed to keep them looking good.
• Slate shingles: Slate or natural stone shingles are durable enough to rival high-quality metal roofing materials with a life span of 100 years or more. But they’re expensive and very heavy, often requiring roof reinforcement.

Size of Roof

All roofing materials are priced by the square foot, so a larger roof will cost more money. Remember that your roof’s square footage will be slightly higher than your home’s floor area, thanks to roof pitch and overhangs.

Cost by Size of Roof

Basic, architectural, and composite shingles cost between $4.25 and $13 per square foot. By contrast, metal roofing systems cost between $4 and $30 per square foot. Based on these numbers, here are the combined installation and material costs for these two roof types.

Labor Costs

Metal roof installation costs are typically a bit higher than shingle roof costs because metal is a specialty material that takes longer to install. Roofing contractors typically charge $3–$5 per square foot for metal roofing, as opposed to $2–$3 for shingles. Regardless of materials, anything that makes installing a new roof more complicated or time-consuming will come with additional costs. Thus, roofers may charge extra for especially steep or inaccessible roofs.

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Can You Install Roofing Yourself?

Any kind of roof work comes with a risk of falling. This increases with the roof’s steepness. Additionally, roof replacement is a complicated project that has repercussions for your home’s structural integrity. An improperly installed roof can leave your home vulnerable to water damage and various other issues. While asphalt shingles are easier to install than most metal roofing materials, we still recommend hiring a professional.

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Professional Roofing Installation

Here’s what you stand to gain by hiring a licensed roofing contractor to install your new metal or shingle roof.

• The manufacturer’s warranty on most roofing materials requires professional installation. A contractor will often provide a workmanship warranty as well.
• Professionally installed materials typically have a more even appearance and better curb appeal.
• Licensed roofers will help you get the proper permits and ensure the end results meet all necessary building codes.
• Professional contractors can complete the job more quickly and neatly than do-it-yourselfers (DIYers).

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Factors Affecting Shingles vs. Metal Roof Costs

Depending on your project’s specifics, the following factors may play into the total cost.

Removal of Old Materials

To install a new roof, existing roof materials will first need to be removed and any damage repaired. Sometimes a second layer of basic asphalt shingles can be installed over the first, but this is not recommended. The cost to remove and dispose of old shingles and underlayment is typically between $1 and $5 per square foot.

Style of Metal Roofing

In addition to metal type, a metal roof’s cost is also determined by style. Metal is available as flat or corrugated sheets as well as shingles and standing-seam panels.

• Corrugated sheets: The rustic appearance of corrugated metal is accentuated by its exposed fasteners, which need to be maintained to prevent loosening and corrosion.
• Flat sheets: These sheets have the lowest average cost of all metal roofing materials. They are usually galvalume or galvanized steel and have exposed fasteners.
• Shingles: Metal shingles are often shaped and textured to resemble asphalt, wood, or slate shingles.
• Standing-seam panels: This style allows the locked-together seams to enclose the fasteners, reducing maintenance needs. These panels can usually stand up to high winds and other extreme weather.

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How To Save on a Roof Installation

Even though we recommend professional installation, homeowners can still save on roofing projects with the following tips.

• Choose the least expensive roofing materials that still meet your climate needs.
• If you feel comfortable, tear off and dispose of old shingles yourself.
• When possible, think long-term. A higher-quality, more durable material has higher initial costs, but it won’t need as much repair and may lower your energy bill in the long run.
• When your new roof is installed, keep up with maintenance and gutter cleaning to maximize its life span.

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Advantages of Metal Roofs

Here’s what you stand to gain by choosing a metal roof over shingles.

• Metal is more durable than asphalt, composite, and wooden shingles, so it costs less in the long run.
• Most metal materials require less maintenance and repair than asphalt shingles.
• Some types of metal can reflect heat, increasing your home’s energy efficiency and lowering your utility bills more than most asphalt shingle roofs.
• Metal roofs, particularly copper and zinc, form a patina that provides a unique appearance.
• Metal roofing can often be recycled, whereas asphalt shingles end up in landfills.

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Advantages of Shingle Roofs

Alternatively, here are the benefits of opting for asphalt shingles.

• Asphalt shingles are substantially less expensive than most types of metal, both to purchase and install.
• Most houses still have asphalt shingles, so they may be necessary to blend in with the neighborhood aesthetic.
• Asphalt roofs are easier and quicker to repair, and all roofing contractors have experience with them.
• According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost versus Value Report, an asphalt shingle roof replacement has a higher resale value (61.1%) than a standing-seam metal roof (48.9%).
• Asphalt roofing is far less noisy during rain and hail.

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Are Shingles or Metal Roofing Right for Your Home?

Both shingle and metal roofs have pros and cons, so the decision comes down to your needs and budget. Asphalt shingles are more popular because they’re less expensive. On the other hand, metal roofing is more durable and usually costs less over time. Whichever roofing material you choose, we recommend professional installation by a licensed contractor.

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FAQs About Shingles vs. Metal Roof Installation

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