Metal Roof vs Shingles: Cost, Lifespan & Which to Pick
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
Asphalt shingles cost less up front — about $4.50–$9.00 per square foot installed versus $10–$16 for metal — but a metal roof lasts 40–70 years against 15–30 for shingles, so over a long ownership it can cost less per year. Shingles win on budget and easy repairs; metal wins on longevity, energy savings and severe-weather resistance.
Metal and asphalt are the two roofs most homeowners choose between. Shingles are cheaper and simpler; metal is a bigger investment that lasts far longer. The right answer comes down to how long you'll own the house and your budget.
Side by side
| Factor | Asphalt shingles | Metal roof |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $4.50–$9.00/ft² | $10–$16/ft² |
| Cost per square (100 ft²) | $450–$900 | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years | 40–70 years |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Energy | Absorbs heat | Reflects heat (lower cooling bills) |
| Noise | Quiet | Louder in rain (helped by decking + underlayment) |
| Repairs | Easy, cheap, DIY-friendly | Specialized, costlier |
| Resale / ROI | Good | Good to excellent |
When shingles win
- You want the lowest up-front cost.
- You may not stay in the home 20+ years.
- You want a roof any local crew can install and repair quickly.
- Your HOA or neighborhood favors a traditional shingle look.
When metal wins
- You're staying long-term and want to buy a roof once.
- You're in a wildfire, hail, hurricane or heavy-snow region.
- You want lower cooling bills from a reflective roof.
- You want low maintenance and a 40–70 year service life.
Both roofs are priced by the roofing square (100 ft²), and a steeper pitch adds area and waste. Size your roof first, then apply the per-square prices above.
Size your roof & squaresRoofing CalculatorCalculate roofing materials from your roof's footprint and pitch — shingle bundles, squares, underlayment, drip edge, starter, ridge cap and nails.OpenFAQs
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost over shingles?
If you'll own the home long enough to use its 40–70 year lifespan, often yes — you avoid one or two full reroofs and save on cooling. If you might move within 10–15 years, asphalt shingles usually make more financial sense.
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
Roughly two to three times as much installed — about $10–$16 per square foot for metal versus $4.50–$9.00 for asphalt shingles. On a 2,000 ft² roof that's about $20,000–$32,000 for metal versus $9,000–$18,000 for shingles.
Do metal roofs make the house noisy?
Modern metal roofs installed over solid decking with underlayment are only slightly louder than shingles in heavy rain. Most homeowners don't find it a problem; attic insulation muffles it further.
Which lasts longer, metal or shingles?
Metal, by a wide margin — 40–70 years versus 15–30 for asphalt shingles. A metal roof often outlives two or three shingle roofs.