Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Choosing between a metal roof and shingles for your Kentucky home depends on a few things. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it really comes down to your style, your budget, and of course, the Kentucky weather. We all know Kentucky weather can be a wild card, throwing everything from heavy rain and strong winds to hail at us.

Generally, metal roofs are more durable and longer-lasting compared to shingles. They can outlast 50 years, while shingles last 20-30 years. Also, you can achieve the same aesthetics as a traditional shingle roof with metal roofing, which has various styles and colors. But metal roofs are costlier to buy and install. 

This post will cover the debate about metal roofs vs. shingles. We’ll review some cons and pros of each, starting with overviews of both materials.

Overview of Shingle Roofs

As the name suggests, shingles are made of individual overlapping pieces of either metal or asphalt. In this post, we’ll discuss asphalt shingles.

The material composition of asphalt shingles includes a base layer of fiberglass or cellulose mat, an asphalt coating, and mineral granules. It’s relatively cheap and widely available, making it the most common roofing option in the country.

You can learn more about shingle roofs by reading our previous post: ”Slate Roof vs. Shingles.”

The Pros of Shingles

1. Cost

Producing and installing shingles is less expensive than metal roofing. The materials used are widely available, making them less costly. Contractors need less time to install them in most cases since they’re easy to install, so you’ll spend less on labor.

2. Availability

Shingles are readily available in the market because of their popularity. You can find them in local hardware stores or order from manufacturers directly. Transporting them from store to site isn’t a difficult task because they’re lightweight and easy to handle.

3. Style and Color Variety

What makes asphalt shingles so popular is their rich diversity of colors and styles, from traditional three-tab to architectural. With shingles, you can achieve the aesthetics of a traditional roof without having to pay a high price.

The Cons of Shingles

1. Durability

Compared to metal roofing, asphalt shingles are less durable. They have a lifespan of about 20-30 years, depending on weather conditions and maintenance. Remember, shingles are prone to damage from strong winds, hail, and UV rays.

For more context and details, read: ‘How Long Can I Expect My New Shingles to Last?’

2. Maintenance

Shingle roofs require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. You must clean the gutters, remove debris, and replace damaged shingles.

Shingles can deteriorate quickly without proper care, leading to leaks and costly repairs.

3. Environmental Impact

Asphalt shingles are not easy to recycle because of the many different materials glued or fused together with heat. They are also non-biodegradable, so they mostly end up in landfills after they’ve worn out.

Their production also involves the use of fossil fuels that release harmful emissions into the environment. Worse still, they’re less energy efficient as they have poor insulation properties, so your cooling and heating costs could be higher in the long run.

Overview of a Metal Roof

Material composition is the primary difference between metal roofs and shingles. Metal roofs are made of metals like:

• Aluminum.
• Copper.
• Coated iron.
• Zinc alloys.
• Steel.

Roofing companies specializing in metal roofing often curate metal roofs in panels or shingles that mimic traditional roofing materials. Common design profiles are:

• Standing seam.
• Metal tiles.
• Shingle-style.

You can also choose between raw or painted metal finishes. Raw metal roofs have a more rustic and industrial look, while painted metal is more customizable in terms of color and design.

The Pros of Metal Roof

As earlier stated, we prefer metal roofs over roof shingles. Here’s why:

1. Durability

Most metals used in metal roofing boast longevity, withstanding harsh weather and some natural disasters. They’re also resistant to fire, rot, and insects. So, they last longer than shingles, with a lifespan of 40-70 years.

2. Low Maintenance

Of course, all roofs need you to clean them once in a while and remove the top debris. But unlike roof shingles, metal roofs are much less demanding in terms of maintenance. They seldom crack or rot, and most remain intact even after taking hits.

3. Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs have superior insulation properties. So, heat won’t escape when you need it, and outside heat won’t creep into your cool interior during summers.

Therefore, your air conditioning and heating will work less and consume less energy, saving you money on your energy bills.

The Cons of Metal Roof

Everything has its downsides, so metal roofs are no exception. Here are some disadvantages you should consider before opting for a metal roof:

1. Rarity of Materials

Metals used for roofing are not as readily available as other traditional roofing materials. For example, silica may be easily available on surface rocks, but metal ores are found deep underground and require extensive mining processes.

2. Refining and Fabrication Costs

Turning metal ores into roofing material requires high energy consumption, labor, and advanced technology. Moreover, metal roofs are often custom-made, making them more expensive than shingles.

3. Noise

Metal roofs are more acoustic and louder than shingle roofs when it’s time for rain or hail. Creative insulation strategies can reduce such noises, but the costs will increase.

Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof Costs

Let’s weigh the initial installation costs of a metal roof against those of a shingle roof. Then, we can compare the initial costs to the longer-term ones and see if a metal roof is cost-effective.

1. Initial Cost: Metal Roof vs. Shingles

According to Forbes, it could cost you roughly $5 to $40 per square foot of metal roof installation. That figure excludes the insulation costs, which differ from region to region. The total costs also depend on the type of metal you pick. It helps to research and compare prices before deciding.

In comparison, Forbes puts the shingles’ cost at between $1.50 to $5 per square foot of installation. For it to cost you $5 per square foot, you would have picked premium shingles and hired a professional roofer.

Therefore, a shingle roof costs much less than a metal roof.

2. Long-Term Cost: Metal Roof vs. Shingles

The long-term costs of maintaining and repairing roofs are where the real comparison between metal roofing and shingles comes into play.

A. Maintenance Expenses

Metal roofing has an advantage over shingles in terms of maintenance expenses. You don’t need to care for it like fragile materials, whereas shingles need regular replacement, especially in harsh weather conditions.

However, keeping your metal roof clean and free of debris boosts reflection and heat dissipation, leading to even greater energy savings.

B. Lifespan

Metal roofs last much longer than shingles, which have a 20-30-year lifespan. Companies offering metal roofs will easily guarantee their products with warranties of over 50 years.

While the initial cost of metal roofing may be higher, it could save you money in the long run by not needing to be replaced as often.

3. Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Cost Effectiveness and Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs reflect sunlight, reducing the heat absorbed by your home, which reduces your cooling costs during hot weather.

Metal roofs also boast impressive thermal conductivity. Heat dissipates more easily through them, making them ideal for areas with hot climates. A metal roof will noticeably shrink your energy bills if you live in a generally hot region.

To maximize your metal roof’s energy efficiency, you may need to insulate the attic space properly and ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation from forming. Properly insulating and ventilating your metal roof will also help prevent ice dams from forming during winter.

Some metal roofs are usually recyclable, which is cost-efficient and also sustainable.

Verdict: Metal Roof vs. Shingles

At Jacob’s Ladder, we always advise homeowners to consider the long-term costs and benefits when deciding between a metal roof vs. shingles. While shingles may have a lower upfront cost, they often require frequent repairs and replacements, making them more expensive in the long run.

Meanwhile, metal roofs may have a higher initial cost, but their durability and energy efficiency can save you money in the long term. Their recyclability makes them an environmentally friendly option.

Ultimately, whether you choose a metal roof or shingles will depend on your budget, location, and personal preferences. However, if you can afford the initial investment, we advise going for metal roofing in Danville, KY, from a long-term cost-effectiveness and energy-efficiency standpoint.