Shingles have been the default roofing material for many homeowners, but metal roofs are slowly gaining popularity for residential and commercial properties.
The roofing material you choose affects more than just the look and feel of your premises. It will have an impact on your heating and cooling costs as well as the value of the property. Of course, the cost of the roofing will affect your decision.
Are you wondering whether to go for a metal or shingle roof? This article will give you all the information you need as far as cost is concerned.
Cost of Metal Roof vs Shingles
You might be wondering how these two roofing options compare as far as cost is concerned. Below we pit them against each other to help you make a more informed decision.
Cost of Metal Roofs
Metallic and asphalt shingle roofs are both significant investments, so whichever option you choose, you should ensure that you have a structured budget.
However, a metal roof generally costs more than shingles. The metallic panels are costly, and you also need specialized labor for installation.
For comparison, a 900 square foot house requires between $9,000 and $13,500 for a metal roof, including installation. Installing shingles on a similar-sized home requires $810-1,575, inclusive of installation.
See the table below for a breakdown of metal roof costs.
| Size (sq ft) | Size (square) | Metal Roofing Cost with Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 9 | $9,000-$13,500 |
| 1,000 | 10 | $10,000-$15,000 |
| 1,200 | 12 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| 1,300 | 13 | $13,000-$19,500 |
| 1,400 | 14 | $14,000-$21,000 |
| 1,500 | 15 | $15,000-$22,500 |
| 1,600 | 16 | $16,000-$24,000 |
| 1,700 | 17 | $17,000-$25,500 |
| 1,800 | 18 | $18,000-$27,000 |
| 1,900 | 19 | $19,000-$28,500 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $20,000-$30,000 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $25,000-$37,500 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $30,000-$45,000 |
Cost of Shingle Roofing
The data is based on the Standing Seam Steel panel.
Asphalt Shingle roofing is more prevalent among homeowners, owing to its cheaper cost.
On average, a metal roof costs several times as much as an architectural shingle roof. For instance, a 3,000 square foot home would cost you about $2,700 to roof with shingles. If you were to use a metal roof for the same house, the cost would be upwards of $30,000.
Shingles are also widely available, and skilled installers are not hard to come by.
The table below gives you a detailed rundown of shingle roofing costs in relation to house sizes.
| Size (sq ft) | Size (square) | Asphalt Shingles Cost with Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 9 | $810-$1,575 |
| 1,000 | 10 | $900-$1,750 |
| 1,200 | 12 | $1,080-$2,100 |
| 1,300 | 13 | $1,170-$2,275 |
| 1,400 | 14 | $1,260-$2,450 |
| 1,500 | 15 | $1,350-$2,625 |
| 1,600 | 16 | $1,440-$2,800 |
| 1,700 | 17 | $1,530-$2,975 |
| 1,800 | 18 | $1,620-$3,150 |
| 1,900 | 19 | $1,710-$3,325 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $1,800-$3,500 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $2,250-$4,375 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $2,700-$5,250 |
Shingles Vs. Metal Roof Costs
The data is based on the Architectural shingles.
We have already established that metal roofs can be costly. But why are metal roofs more expensive than shingles? Let’s delve into some of the reasons why.
Upfront Cost
Metal roofs cost more per square foot than shingles. Costs range from $8 to $16 per square foot. On the other hand, an asphalt shingle roof will cost you between $2 and $6 per square foot.
These numbers show that the cost of metal roofs could be two to three times more than shingle roofing.
So, how much would it cost to replace a roof on a 2500 square foot house? For a metal roof, it will cost you up to $37,500 compared to a maximum of $4,375 for shingle roofing.
Note that installation costs significantly increase the cost of roofing and should be factored in when budgeting.
Lifecycle Cost
Residential and commercial building owners have many reasons to choose metal roofs over other options, but a major factor is a low life cycle cost. Metal roofs do not require much maintenance and will last up to 70 years before they need replacement.
Investing in a metal roof is a viable long-term investment.
Asphalt shingles are more prone to weathering and structural damage, which means that you're likely to conduct more maintenance and repairs over the lifespan of the roof.
Which is Better: A Metal Roof or Shingles?
Metal and shingle roofs have their benefits and drawbacks. However, metal roofs have the upper hand when the two options are pitted against each other.
Here are some reasons why you should choose a metal roof over shingles.
Hailstorm and Fire Resistance
Asphalt roofs can withstand adverse situations, but metal roofs have significantly better resistance to fire.
It's believed that hail can easily cause dents in metal roofs, but this is not true. Metal roofs handle hail impact better than composite asphalt shingles.
Energy Efficiency
Since metal is a good heat conductor, most people think it will keep their homes hot during the hotter months. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Metal roofs are energy efficient and reflect a lot of the light that lands on them. You are assured of a cooler roof, thus reducing energy costs significantly.
Durability
Some of the biggest expenses for homeowners are roof repairs or replacements. So, when building a new house or replacing a roof, it makes sense to get the most durable option.
Climatic cycles degrade asphalt shingles over time which reduces their lifespan. Since composite asphalt is somewhat absorbent, it lets in moisture that eventually weakens the roofing structure.
In contrast, metal roofs are non-absorptive and have a well-sealed structure that keeps moisture and other damaging compounds out.
Maintenance
Roof maintenance is one of the most undesirable tasks for property owners. It is costly and time-intensive, especially if there's a lot of wear and tear.
Shingle roof maintenance involves using sealants and adhesives. Unfortunately, these wear out after a while. Metal roofing has a water-tight flashing design that channels water away, reducing degradation.
Shingles maintenance is not an intricate process, but you’ll have to do it more frequently than metal roofs.
Reasons for Choosing Shingle Roofs
Many property owners and contractors favor asphalt shingle roofs. Here are some of the reasons why you would choose shingles over any other options out there.
Lower Cost
Shingles are cheaper to purchase and install than roofing materials such as metal and are widely available.
Easier to Work With
Most building professionals are conversant with shingle installation and repair since the roofing procedures are quite straightforward.
Relatively Durable
Asphalt shingles are pretty sturdy and can handle various weather conditions. A well-maintained shingle roof should give up to 20 years or more of service.
Conclusion
Is a metal roof better than shingles?
If cost is not a determining factor, it is worth investing in a metal roof that will give you a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance costs.
Shingles are the way to go if you are more thrifty and want a straightforward roofing option that any contractor can fix.
Note that both roofing options can last for decades if maintained well.