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

If you're considering a new roof for your home, you may be wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing vs. shingles. Choosing the best option can be difficult when you don’t have all the information about each type. We’re letting you in on all the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof: How Do They Differ?

Durability and Longevity. Metal roofs are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, and hail. Roofs made of metal are also resistant to fire, insects, and rot. And while asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of about 20-30 years, metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance, making them an excellent long-term investment.

Advanced metal shingle options such as our eco-friendly enviro-steel shingles provide the same durability and lifespan as traditional metal roofing. These shingles are made with 25% recycled material. Enviro-steel shingles have the same benefits as any other metal roofing while cutting down on environmental waste.

Traditional shingle roofs are more susceptible to damage from severe weather, making their lifespan shorter than metal roofs. Honest Abe offers a variety of shingles with mixed materials including metal, to provide a longer lifespan and better investment.

Polymer Modified Shingles This shingle will give you the typical asphalt-roof look you may be more accustomed to seeing, while performing more like a metal roof. Our shingles are created with the same asphalt used in traditional shingles, but they are modified with a polymer called Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (S.B.S.). The S.B.S. allows for greater flexibility so the shingles resist cracking even in extreme weather.

Stone-Coated Steel Shingles Stone-coated steel shingles by Honest Abe Roofing are sleek and aesthetically pleasing. In addition to looking pristine, our stone-coated shingles are incredibly durable and can last up to 70 years.

Architectural Shingles Architectural shingles are also known as "dimensional shingles" because they offer a layered and aesthetically interesting look. This type of roof shingle can be engineered to imitate the styles of other roofing materials like wood shakes or slate.

Aesthetic Appeal. Metal roofs have come a long way in terms of design options, and today they come in a variety of colors and styles. Metal roofing can provide a modern, sleek look or a more conventional appearance, depending on your preferred style.

Shingle roofs are also available in various colors and styles. Their overall aesthetic appeal is more traditional but can be multilayered and dimensional, giving them an updated look.

Energy Efficiency. Metal roofs reflect the sun's rays, making them an excellent option for those looking to reduce their energy bills. They can also help regulate the temperature inside your home by keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: Cost

The difference in cost between metal roofing and traditional shingles can vary depending on several factors such as:

The type of metal roofing material.

Quality of the shingles.

Size of the roof.

Complexity of the installation.

In general, metal roofing is more expensive upfront than shingles. The average cost of metal roofing is between $5 to $12 per square foot, while asphalt shingles typically cost between $1 to $4 per square foot. However, metal roofing can last twice as long.

Over time, metal roofing may be more cost-effective due to its durability and longevity, as well as its energy efficiency, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs. Additionally, metal roofing is low-maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions, which can reduce the need for repairs and replacements over time.

It's always a good idea to consult with a roofing professional like Honest Able to determine the cost difference between metal roofing and shingles for your specific needs and budget.

Shingle Roofing Options Other Than Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing shingle made from a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass. They are a popular choice for roofing because they’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be produced in a wide range of colors and styles. Honest Abe offers an array of roofing materials including architectural shingles that can be engineered to mimic many other roofing materials.

Wood: Lightweight and durable, wood shingles are typically made of cedar but can also be made of other woods such as pine and redwood. Wood shingles offer massive curb appeal and can last 20-30 years, but are vulnerable to mold, fires, and insect damage.

Concrete and clay: These materials are very durable and can go without a replacement for 50+ years. The cost is generally 2-3 times more than asphalt, so it’s definitely an investment, and because of the extreme weight, many structures need to be reinforced in order to handle a concrete or clay roof.

Slate: This roofing material will last up to 100 years, if not more. Slate resists sun damage, corrosion, and fire, but costs between $16 and $28 per square foot and is also extremely heavy.

Honest Abe’s architectural shingles can give you the look and benefits of each of these shingle types. These shingles have a lifespan of up to 30 years and come in a variety of colors so you can customize your roof to the style of your home.

Which Roofing Material is Right for Your Project?

Both metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs have their pros and cons. When choosing between the two, consider the durability, aesthetic appeal, cost, and energy efficiency of each option. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what works best for your home. If you need help making a decision, make a free roof inspection appointment with Honest Abe roofing specialists today.