Are you stuck Googling pros and cons lists for shingles and metal roofs? Does it seem like there’s no clear answer on which material is “better”? There's a good reason for that. While it’s natural to want the “best” roof, the truth is that both materials have their strengths and weaknesses.
You’re about to spend thousands of dollars, and you’re worried you’ll make the wrong choice. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to help determine which roof is best for YOU.
Equity Roofing has worked extensively with shingle and metal roofing systems; we know them like our own families. We’re a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning, a designation awarded to only the top 1% of roofing contractors. Our team has helped hundreds of property owners choose their ideal roof using this same breakdown of comparisons.
Our guide will cover the most common decision factors we’ve seen over the years. This includes:
There is no “winner” in shingle vs metal roofs, but once you understand their differences, you’ll be able to choose YOUR perfect roof with confidence!
This guide focuses on exposed fastener metal roofs, also known as corrugated metal roofing. This is most comparable to shingle roofs. We cover standing seam metal roofs in our article, “The Ultimate Guide to Metal Roofing: Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal.”
A standard shingle roof can cost 50% to 70% less than a metal roof. Exposed fastener metal roofs and shingles are the most comparable in terms of cost. However, their price range varies depending on the complexity of the roof.
Metal roofing systems become significantly more expensive than shingles when installed on complex roof structures. Complex roofs have various angles, steep slopes, and valleys. The use of metal material in these designs becomes more expensive due to:
Material Waste
Metal roofing comes in standard panels that need to be cut and shaped around each roof. While shingles are easily trimmed, metal panels often result in substantial waste when fitted for complex designs.
Specialized Flashing and Trim work
Every roof opening, valley, ridge, and transition requires custom metal flashing and trim pieces. Each one needs precise cutting and installation to prevent leaks.
Labor Intensity
Skilled roofers are required to measure, cut, and fit panels around multiple angles and features. This detailed work takes more time than simple roofs.
Structural Add-On’s
Extra structural support is often needed for metal panels. This is especially true around valleys and intersections where snow and water gather.
Shingle roofs need replacement every 20-30 years. Homeowners may replace their roof early for aesthetic concerns, such as fading or discoloration. Mismatched repairs or outdated styles may also prompt residents to give their home a fresh look.
Minor issues sometimes lead to an early roof replacement. When dealing with a roof that’s nearing the 20-year mark, property owners sometimes opt to replace it rather than repair it. This can save them from paying for multiple small repairs in addition to their inevitable new roof.
Asphalt shingle roofs that were poorly installed tend to have shorter lifespans. When shingles aren't properly aligned, overlapped, or sealed, water may seep through. The trapped moisture can lead to issues that would make any homeowner wince, including:
Even more frightening, roofs that aren’t adequately fastened may cause shingles to lift or blow off entirely during storms. Contractors who don’t use enough nails or place them incorrectly create weak points. They can also drive nails too deep, puncturing the shingle. Likewise, underdriven (or shallow) nails won’t provide a secure attachment.
Roofs that suffer from inadequate insulation, extreme weather damage, and a lack of proper maintenance tend not to last as long. Improperly repaired areas won't seal naturally and must be hand-sealed. Even quality materials won't reach their full potential without proper installation and maintenance.
As an exceptionally durable material, metal maintains its structural integrity for decades. The lifespan of a metal roof can range from 40 to 70 years, according to U.S. News Real Estate.
Homeowners may replace their roofs sooner due to cosmetic damage or aesthetic renovations.
While metal as a material might last much longer than shingles, the challenge lies in the installation and fastening system. Poor workmanship significantly reduces the lifespan of a metal roof.
Metal roofs with exposed nails are vulnerable to:
Crew Installation Quality
Angled screws result in leaks over time. Always ensure your roofing company is trained in metal roofing systems to prevent future quality issues.
Gasket Degradation
If gaskets aren't protected from sun exposure, they degrade from UV damage within 15 years.
Screws Backing Out
If the wood strips underneath dry out, the screws can back out and cause leaks.
Roofing material has less impact on your energy bill than you might think.
The key factors that impact your home's energy efficiency include:
Metal roofing systems do offer one unique advantage for energy efficiency in the form of better insulation options.
With metal roofing systems, contractors can install radiant barrier underlayments. This improves your home's R-value (a measure of how well your home reduces heat) with minimal additional cost.
This special underlayment works particularly well with metal because of how the system is layered:
The gap created by the lathe strips allows the radiant barrier to be highly effective at reflecting heat away from your home. Similar insulation beneath shingles is less than half as effective.
Some homeowners lean on the idea that light shingles are best for keeping their cooling costs low. While light colors do reflect more heat, there are benefits to both dark and light shingles. A dark roof will help to keep your home warm during winter, and a light roof will help keep your home cool during summer.
Property owners should consider their local weather and state requirements when deciding on a roof color. Some states, such as California, require light-colored shingles due to their warm climate. Others have more flexibility. In Pennsylvania and Indiana, for example, there are more cold days than there are hot days. Homes in these states can benefit from a darker roof to help with their heating costs.
Regardless, having proper ventilation is the most important factor for energy efficiency.
Shingles come in a wide variety of colors and typically have a granular texture. This gives them a natural, matte appearance. Some premium shingles are designed to mimic wood shakes or slate for enhanced curb appeal.
Metal roofing has at least 14 standard colors that are typically available. Custom colors may be available depending on the manufacturer. Where this material shines, however, is in its finish options.
Shingle roofing pairs well with almost any house style. Traditional colonial homes, ranch-style homes, Craftsman homes, and Victorian homes are common matches.
Metal roofs are often matched with Craftsman homes, Modern homes, and Mediterranean homes. Their bold color options and ability to mimic designs make them ideal for Colonial homes, Victorian homes, and rustic style homes.
Although there is no “superior” warranty and insurance coverage when comparing shingles to metal roofs, there are substantial differences in their coverage that can influence a homeowner's decision.
Shingle warranties tend to look more impressive on paper, though they’re more nuanced than the average homeowner realizes. Standard-grade shingles are usually covered for 25-30 years and often prorated. Premium-grade shingles offer longer warranties (up to 50 years) and qualify to be non-prorated if installed by certified contractors.
Warranties for a shingle roof may transfer once if the home is sold, but often the new owner gets a reduced or shorter warranty.
Metal warranties usually focus on paint, with warranties that last 40 years. While this may seem purely aesthetic, paint doubles as protection against rust. Metal roofs often remain in good condition over time and can be repainted to extend their lifespan.
Metal roofs are less prone to hail damage than shingles, but when they are damaged, you're less likely to get coverage from homeowner's insurance. If the damage doesn't reduce the roof's life expectancy or cause leaks, insurance may not cover replacement. This creates a situation where you might have a cosmetically damaged roof (like a hail-damaged car hood) that's expensive to repair without insurance coverage.
Many insurance policies exclude cosmetic damage from their coverage for metal roofs. Homeowners who want cosmetic damage included in their insurance must confirm that it is explicitly stated in their policy.
Currently, the recycling options for shingles are severely limited. Asphalt shingles are composed of a mix of asphalt, fiberglass or organic mat, and mineral granules. This complex composition makes them difficult to separate and recycle efficiently.
As such, old shingles often end up in a landfill. Manufacturing companies are developing longer-lasting shingles that are more recyclable. There is optimism in the industry that these problems could be reduced or solved within the next few decades.
Metal roofs are one of the most sustainable roofing options as they are 100% recyclable. Note that “100% recyclable” doesn’t mean 100% of the material will actually be recycled. The recycling process depends on local infrastructure, costs, and proper roof removal.
Partially true, but not to the extent most homeowners assume. In homes with standard ceilings, the airspace and insulation between the roof and rooms absorb most of the sound. Houses with vaulted ceilings may be more susceptible to hearing roof sounds, such as rain on a metal roof.
Myth 2: Metal roofs attract lightning.
False. There is no difference between metal and shingle roofs in terms of attracting lightning. If lightning does strike the roof, a metal roof could be safer than combustible materials like wood shingles, because it won’t catch fire.
Myth 3: Shingles contain asbestos.
False. While older types of shingles once contained asbestos, modern shingles are completely asbestos-free.
| Aspect | Shingles | Metal (Exposed Fasteners) |
| Cost | Comparable to metal on simple roofs | Comparable to shingles on simple roofs; higher on complex roofs |
| Durability | Prone to granule loss; becomes rigid over time | Can become dented; rusts over time |
| Warranties | Standard shingles up to 30-year warranty; premium up to 50-year warranty | Up to a 40-year warranty for paint |
| Aesthetics | Traditional look that suits many architectural styles; wide variety of colors | Modern look with 14+ color options; textured finishes available |
| Environmental | Limited recycling options | 100% recyclable |
| Energy Efficiency | Standard efficiency | Increases efficiency with radiant barrier insulation |
| Noise | Standard | Slighter noisier; marginal difference with proper insulation in a standard roof |
| Repairability | Easier to repair individual shingles | More difficult to repair large metal panels |
Ultimately, choosing the right roof is about what aligns with your specific situation.
It’s normal to feel anxious when you’re spending thousands of dollars and want to get it right. You’ve taken the right steps in learning the differences between shingles and metal roofs for cost, durability, energy savings, and warranties. There’s no one more qualified to choose your new roof than YOU!
If your roof is complex with multiple valleys and slopes, then metal may become significantly more expensive, and shingles will likely be more cost-effective. If you live in an area with frequent hail or high winds, metal can provide better resilience. However, be aware that insurance may not cover cosmetic damage.
Before calling your contractor, be sure you’ve got a clear budget in mind. Equity Roofing’s 2025 Roofing Cost Guide breaks down real price ranges for roof replacements, financing options, and how to get accurate quotes for your project.
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Central PA and Northern Indiana choose the right roof. We’re ready to help you, too.