Are Metal Roofs Better Than Shingles?

When you’re in the process of narrowing down what you want as the roof that covers your home, the two choices are generally metal and asphalt roofing. And it’s not all about curb appeal, either — the type of roofing material you have can make a major impact on your home’s longevity, energy efficiency, and maintenance costs (not to mention your home’s resale value!) over the long term. Which brings us to our question: Are metal roofs better than shingles?

At Freedom Roofing Group, we want to help you find the ideal solution for making your home comfortable or protecting it full-time, day and night, while saving you money! We will also break down the comparison and discuss when either type of roofing is the best fit for your home.

Key Takeaways

• Metal roofs offer superior durability, lasting 40–70 years compared to shingles’ 20–30 years.
• They reflect heat, making homes more energy-efficient and reducing cooling costs.
• Shingle roofs are less expensive upfront but may require more frequent repairs or replacements.
• Metal roofing withstands severe weather, including heavy rain, hail, and wind, better than shingles.
• Aesthetically, both come in various styles, but metal roofing adds a modern, long-term value boost to your home.

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Understanding Metal Roofs

As technology improves, and the average consumer has become much more informed about energy-efficient roofing materials, over the past 10 years or so, metal roofing has become very popular. Options in the world of metal shingles, a catchall term for the likes of steel, aluminum, zinc or copper that can be fashioned in a variety of configurations that can mimic wood, tile, or other common materials, can, sometimes through the shape and manufacture of the product, look like such traditional materials.

Key Benefits of Metal Roofing

• Longevity: When properly installed, a metal roof can last as long as 50 to 70 years, far longer than the life of many asphalt products.
• Insulation assistance: Reflective metalized film helps reduce solar gain and heat transfer up to 25%.
• Durable: It will not blow away in high winds or buckle beneath hail, fire, or mold — an apt allusion to Florida’s wacky weather.
• Earth-Friendly: Metal roofing contains 25-95% recycled materials, and when you remove a metal roof, it can be fully recycled.
• Maintenance-Free: No more spending on all those shingles and repair costs that accumulate over time, and keep that money for something else with maintenance-free performance not just on your roof but also in your home with our “one and done” metal roofing.

Yes, installation is more expensive, but that is not the catch. But many of these homeowners say that in the long run, the savings — both in terms of energy and repairs — more than make up for the added cost.

Understanding Asphalt Shingle Roofs

American homeowners have been placing asphalt shingles on their houses for many years, and increasingly they seem to be choosing this type of roofing over any other. They consist of a fiberglass mat with asphalt covering both sides and are covered with ceramic granules. Shingles are a cheap way to go, so that’s why you will also hear it mentioned for new homeowners/homeowners on a fixed income in the future.

Key Benefits of Shingle Roofing

Cost-effective: In general, asphalt is far less expensive than a metal roof, with prices ranging from $4 to $7 a square foot, as opposed to the average $8 to $14 per square foot for metal.

• Easy installation: Shingles are easy to install.
• Great Look: Rich colors and deep textures fit any home.
• Reasons to Repair It’s Easy: Roof problems are often localized, meaning you can patch a small portion of the roof and call it a day.

But shingles typically last 15 to 30 years and are highly subject to weather, especially in places that get a lot of storms, such as hurricanes in Florida.

Shingles Vs. Metal Roofing: What is the Difference? A Head-to-Head Comparison

And now the crucial question: Is a metal roof better than shingles?

That will depend on your specific priorities, but when it comes to nearly every measure of performance, metal roofs are outperforming shingles, often by a significant amount:

Durability & Weather Resistance

Freedom Roofing Group is familiar with the Florida lifestyle, and since we’ve been in business, we’ve been working along the Florida coasts and beyond to help residents both literally and figuratively weather the storms of life; we’re talking about living on the coast where hurricanes are a thing and the last thing on our minds as we relax in the sunshine. 

Also, for residents who are in the inner part of the state, where the sun is always scorching during summer, and during other seasons. Metal is king as a material for fire-, wind-, and water-proofing in these circumstances. Asphalt shingles eventually curl or crack, and they wear away the granular surface that shields them.

Energy Efficiency

And unlike certain more traditional materials, metal won’t absorb the scorching sun, leaving you with a cooler attic and a wee bit less work for your HVAC system. The savings can be substantial in warmer states. Some shingles come with reflective coatings, but they still can’t beat the thermodynamic properties of metal.

Environmental Impact

Shingle or metal: What is best for a roof? Absolutely. remodeling, roofing debris, and roofing shingles. Roof repair adds to overfilled waste dumps. Gutter has around 100% recycled material., Gutters are 100% recyclable when removed.

Longevity and Lifecycle Costs

It all boils down to money. You pay more for a metal roof than you would for an asphalt one or a concrete tile roof. For homeowners who plan to remain in their home for many years, this may be an investment well worth making.

Aesthetic and Architectural Flexibility

While shingles are available in dozens of colors to suit any home, and while metal roofing is available in a variety of colors and finishes, over time, metal roofing has taken on a more design-friendly look. These days, metal roofs can be designed to look like anything from slate and shake to clay tile, only better and more substantial.

Drawbacks to Consider

If we want to make a fair comparison, it becomes even more challenging because we want to consider that there are limits to which regards the materials we are dealing with.

Metal roofing:

Higher upfront cost

(Supporting poles for awnings are required for snowy areas.) Not for use in icy areas. (May vary based on material thickness from severe hail)

Rain can be really loud. Is there anything I can do to soundproof it?

Shingles:

• Shorter lifespan
• Requires more frequent repairs
• Less environmentally friendly

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Are Metal Roofs Better Than Shingles For Your Home?

What you may not have given much consideration to until now is how your roof can affect the value of your house. Industry data also indicates that the installation of a metal roof would help a home differentiate itself from the pack when it comes time to sell and fetch a higher price: 6.6 percent over its purchase price on average, the Metal Roofing Alliance reports. And a nice home that they can easily pack up and take with them, and that could also have a relatively low long-term cost, might appeal to buyers, too.

Meanwhile, a new roof made of more pliable material, such as asphalt shingles — so long as they’re in good condition — can help lure in buyers and give your home a new and clean appearance for a lower price, should you be renovating to sell.

Why Choose Freedom Roofing Group?

If you are a new homeowner and are looking for a new roof, or are in the market for a new roof, Freedom Roofing Group is a premier residential custom roofer. We know it’s not just about shingles vs. metal at all, because this kind of choice is about more than money; this is a choice that has a different sort of value — the value you place in your home’s comfort and safety and the pricier investment in energy efficiency.

The Best of the Best

So, are metal roofs better than shingles? Should the answer about the type of building to go with on these grounds be a resounding yes, or far beyond no, almost always, and will be? But shingles remain the overwhelmingly dominant player in the market for an inexpensive, easy-to-install option.

Contact Freedom Roofing Group today to schedule your consultation and discover why so many homeowners in St. Louis trust us for reliable metal and shingle roofing services. Your home deserves the best—let’s build it together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are metal roofs better than shingles for hot climates?

Yes, metal roofs reflect solar heat, keeping homes cooler and reducing air conditioning costs—especially beneficial in hot areas like St. Louis, MO.

2. Which roof lasts longer: metal or shingles?

Metal roofs typically last between 40 to 70 years, while asphalt shingles generally last 20 to 30 years with regular maintenance.

3. Do metal roofs make homes louder during rain?

Not necessarily. When installed with proper insulation and underlayment, metal roofs are no louder than shingle roofs during rain or storms.

4. Are metal roofs more expensive than shingles?

The upfront cost of metal roofing is higher, but its longevity, lower maintenance, and energy savings make it more cost-effective over time.

5. Can a metal roof be installed over existing shingles?

In many cases, yes. As long as the structure is sound and local building codes allow it, metal roofs can often be installed over shingles to save on tear-off costs.