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Whether it’s time to replace your current roof or you’re building a new home – congratulations! Your home is a major investment – for most of us the biggest one we’ll make in our lives – and your roof is going to protect that investment for years to come. Deciding what roofing material and company to go with is an important decision that will affect your home’s ability to weather the elements, function efficiently, and protect your family and belongings.

While traditional asphalt shingles are a very popular choice for their affordability, metal roofing is making a comeback for its long-lifespan and durability. What you chose will depend entirely on your taste and budget. But to help you make your decision, we’ve pulled together this comparison of the long-term metal roof cost versus asphalt shingles roof cost.

Is a Metal Roof More Expensive Than a Shingle Asphalt Roof?

The answer to this question is actually dependent on a few factors:

  • How long you will be living in your home
  • The severity of the climate in your area
  • How much energy your family consumes
  • What type of metal you choose

Type of Metal

First, let’s take a look at the type of metals that affect the metal roof cost because that will have the most immediate and tangible effect on your budget. There are many types of metal and metal blends that you can choose from when building a metal roof, including:

  • Galvanized steel
  • Tin
  • Zinc 
  • Aluminum
  • Silicone-coated steel 
  • Lead 
  • Copper

It’s also worth noting that each of these can be treated with different coatings which will also affect the cost. Corrugated metal panels (made from galvanized steel or tin) are the cheapest option. In fact, per 100 square feet (typically called a “square” in roofing) they cost about 20% less than asphalt shingles.

However, this does not include the installation or accessories like screws, flashing, and ridge caps. With these included, certain types of metal roofing can be about the same price, or come within $100 of the average shingles roof cost.

Once you get into aluminum and silicone-coated steel, metal roofs can drastically increase in price compared to metal roofs. Copper is the most expensive option and can cost up to $900 per square. 

But this is where the other factors listed above come in.

How Long You’ll Live in Your House

When you’re considering costs, it’s important that you consider how long you’ll be in the house. The longer you live in the house, the more likely it is that you will be able to recoup your expenses. Metal roofs last for an average of 40-70 years. Compare that to an asphalt shingle roof, which lasts about 12-30 years depending on how well it’s maintained.

If you’ll be in your home for 5 years, an asphalt shingle roof is going to be cheaper short- and long-term. But if you’ll be in your house ten years or more, a metal roof won’t have to be replaced basically the entire time you’re living there.

The Severity of the Elements

Metal roofs are extremely durable. They are heat and spark resistant, water-resistant, can resist wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, they reflect heat and light, and they are very impact resistant (how impact resistant depends on the metal you choose). This makes them perfect for areas that experience wind storms, hail, heat waves, heavy snow, ice storms, and other extreme weather.

Metal roof under a cloudy sky

High durability means lower instances of repair and the costs associated with them. They’re also less likely to be damaged by falling debris which, again, lowers repair costs. Their durability and lifespan also lower the possibility of damage so severe you have to replace the roof before it’s time, which is a tremendous cost. In fact, because they are so infamously durable, most roofs come with a 30-50 year manufacturer’s warranty.

How Much Energy Your Family Consumes

Metal roofs reflect light and absorb heat which makes them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can lower your energy bills by as much as 25%! Over the years, that can add up and you may completely recoup your losses through this benefit of metal roofs alone!