Exploring the pros and cons of these popular roofing options
If you're planning a roof replacement, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the right roofing material. Two of today's most popular options - asphalt shingles and metal roofing - each offer unique advantages.
This is a question we hear every day. While our team specializes in asphalt shingle roof repair, restoration, replacement, and maintenance, we also believe in helping customers make informed decisions. Metal roofing certainly has its place, but for most residential properties - and many commercial buildings - asphalt shingles continue to be the preferred roofing system for good reason.
Let's take an honest look at how these two roofing materials compare so you can choose the option that's right for your property.
Understanding Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles have been America's most popular residential roofing material for decades. In fact, they cover the majority of homes throughout Wisconsin, North Carolina, Indiana, and across the United States.
Modern asphalt shingles are made with a fiberglass mat, waterproof asphalt coating, and ceramic granules that provide color, UV protection, and weather resistance. Today's architectural shingles are significantly more durable and attractive than older three-tab shingles, offering improved wind resistance, longer lifespans, and a wide variety of colors and textures.
Because they're versatile, affordable, and proven to perform in a wide range of climates, asphalt shingles remain the roofing system of choice for millions of homeowners.
Understanding Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has grown in popularity over the past several years, particularly among homeowners seeking a modern appearance or an extended roof lifespan.
Residential metal roofs are typically manufactured from steel or aluminum and come in several styles, including:
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Standing seam panels
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Metal shingles
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Corrugated panels
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Stone-coated steel roofing
Metal roofs are known for their longevity, durability, and resistance to fire and severe weather. They can also provide energy efficiency benefits under certain conditions.
However, they also come with higher installation costs and may not be the best fit for every property.
Cost Comparison: Asphalt Shingles Usually Win
For many homeowners, budget is one of the biggest deciding factors.
Compared to nearly every premium roofing material, asphalt shingles offer an excellent balance between upfront cost and long-term performance. Installation is generally faster, labor costs are lower, and replacement materials are readily available.
This makes asphalt shingles an attractive solution for:
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First-time homeowners
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Growing families
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Rental property owners
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Property managers
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Businesses working within a renovation budget
Metal roofs, meanwhile, typically cost considerably more than asphalt shingles. While exact pricing depends on the type of metal and complexity of the roof, homeowners should expect a significantly higher initial investment.
Although some owners eventually recover those costs through longevity and potential energy savings, the higher upfront expense simply isn't practical for every budget.
Lifespan
One area where metal roofing clearly stands out is longevity.
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Asphalt Shingles: Most quality architectural asphalt shingles last approximately 7-15 years under normal conditions. Many modern premium shingles also include manufacturer warranties that provide additional peace of mind.
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Metal Roofing: Properly installed metal roofs often last 40-70 years, sometimes even longer depending on material and maintenance. If you're planning to remain in your forever home for several decades, metal may offer long-term value.
Appearance and Curb Appeal
Roofing plays a major role in your property's overall appearance.
Today's architectural shingles are available in dozens of colors and styles, including options that mimic:
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Slate
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Wood shake
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High-end dimensional roofing
Whether your home is traditional, colonial, farmhouse, craftsman, or contemporary, there's usually an asphalt shingle that complements the design beautifully.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, often create a bold, modern appearance. They're especially attractive on:
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Contemporary homes
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Barn-style homes
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Mountain cabins
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Agricultural buildings
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Some commercial properties
However, they don't always blend naturally into traditional suburban neighborhoods. Depending on HOA guidelines or neighborhood aesthetics, metal may not always be the preferred visual choice.
Weather Performance
The Midwest and Southeast both experience challenging weather. Homes throughout Wisconsin, Indiana, and North Carolina may experience:
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Heavy rain
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High winds
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Hail
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Snow
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Ice
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Temperature swings
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Summer heat
Fortunately, both roofing systems perform well when properly installed.
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Asphalt Shingles: Modern architectural shingles are engineered to withstand strong wind ratings, heavy rainfall, ice and snow, and UV exposure. Proper attic ventilation and quality installation are essential to maximizing their lifespan.
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Metal Roofing: Metal roofs also perform exceptionally well in severe weather. Benefits include: excellent snow shedding, strong wind resistance, fire resistance, and resistance to moisture penetration. However, metal panels may dent from significant hail impacts depending on the product and gauge of steel.
Overall, both roofing systems perform well in challenging climates when professionally installed.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners wonder whether metal roofing saves significantly more energy. The answer depends on several factors.
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Metal Roofing: Reflective coatings can reduce heat absorption during hot summer months. This may help lower cooling costs, particularly in warmer climates like Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Asphalt Shingles: Many modern asphalt shingles are now manufactured with reflective granules designed to improve solar reflectance. Combined with proper attic insulation, adequate ventilation, and air sealing, a shingle roof can also provide excellent energy efficiency.
For many homeowners, improvements to insulation and ventilation have a larger impact on utility bills than changing roofing materials alone.
Repairs and Maintenance
Eventually, every roof needs maintenance.
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Asphalt Shingles: One advantage of shingles is repair simplicity. If a localized issue develops - perhaps after a storm - individual shingles can often be replaced without replacing large portions of the roof. Materials are readily available, making repairs relatively straightforward and cost-effective.
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Metal Roofing: Metal roofs generally require less routine maintenance. However, repairs can become more specialized if panels are damaged, fasteners loosen, or sealants fail. Finding matching materials years later can also be more challenging depending on the manufacturer.
Noise Considerations
One common misconception is that metal roofs are extremely loud during rainstorms. In reality, professionally installed metal roofing with proper underlayment and attic insulation is much quieter than many people expect.
However, asphalt shingles naturally absorb more sound.
For homeowners who value quieter interiors during heavy rain or hail, shingles typically provide better sound dampening.
Environmental Impact
Both roofing systems offer environmental advantages.
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Asphalt Shingles: Many asphalt shingles today are recyclable through specialized recycling programs that convert old roofing materials into pavement products. Additionally, because shingles remain affordable, homeowners are less likely to delay replacing aging roofs that could lead to structural damage.
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Metal Roofing: Metal roofing often contains recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its service life. Its extended lifespan also reduces replacement frequency.
Both options can be environmentally responsible when installed and maintained correctly.
Which Roof Is Better for Homes?
For the vast majority of residential properties, asphalt shingles continue to offer the best overall balance of:
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Affordability
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Appearance
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Performance
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Repairability
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Design flexibility
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Value
Architectural shingles provide attractive curb appeal while delivering decades of dependable protection against changing weather conditions.
Which Roof Is Better for Commercial Buildings?
Commercial roofing decisions depend heavily on the building itself.
Metal roofing may be an excellent option for:
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Warehouses
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Agricultural buildings
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Industrial facilities
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Workshops
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Manufacturing buildings
Its durability and long service life can make financial sense for these applications.
However, asphalt-based roofing systems and asphalt shingles may still be appropriate for:
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Multi-family housing
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Office buildings with pitched roofs
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Churches
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Schools
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Small retail buildings
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Mixed-use developments
A professional roof inspection can help determine which roofing system is the best fit for your commercial property.
When Metal Roofing May Be the Better Choice
Although we specialize in asphalt shingle roofing, there are situations where metal roofing deserves serious consideration.
Metal may be a better investment if you:
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Plan to stay in your home for several decades
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Want the longest possible roof lifespan
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Prefer a modern architectural style
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Own an agricultural or industrial building
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Have a higher renovation budget
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Prioritize minimal long-term maintenance
Every property is different, and the "best" roof isn't always the same for every owner.
Why So Many Homeowners Still Choose Asphalt Shingles
Even as metal roofing becomes more visible, asphalt shingles continue to dominate the residential roofing market - and it's easy to see why. They provide an exceptional combination of:
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Proven durability
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Attractive appearance
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Excellent value
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Easier repairs
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Wide product availability
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Faster installation
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Compatibility with nearly every home style
For many homeowners, asphalt shingles deliver everything they're looking for without the higher upfront investment associated with metal roofing.
When installed by Roof Scientist’s experienced roofing professionals and supported with proper attic ventilation and routine inspections, a quality asphalt shingle roof can protect your property for decades.
Let Our Roofing Experts Help You Choose
Whether you're replacing an aging roof, repairing storm damage, or planning a complete exterior renovation, choosing the right roofing material is an important decision.
Our team proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout Appleton, WI, Charlotte, NC, Fishers, IN, and the surrounding areas with professional asphalt shingle roof repair, roof restoration, and roof replacement. We understand the unique weather challenges in each region and can recommend roofing solutions that fit your property's needs, appearance, and budget.
If you're weighing the pros and cons of asphalt shingles versus metal roofing, we're happy to provide honest guidance. We'll assess your roof, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision - without unnecessary pressure. Whether asphalt shingles are the ideal fit or another roofing system better suits your goals, our priority is ensuring your property is protected with a roof built to perform for years to come.