Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles?

Are you trying to decide between a metal roof and shingles for your home? It’s a common question that many homeowners face, and it’s not always an easy one to answer. On the surface, shingles may seem like the more affordable option, but when you take a closer look, you may find that a metal roof is a better value in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question of whether a metal roof is cheaper than shingles and explain why a metal roof may be the most cost-effective choice for your home.

Upfront Cost

The upfront cost is a major deciding factor for homeowners when they choose a specific material for their roofs. Metal roofs seem expensive initially, but they are the cheaper option in the long run. On the other hand, shingle roofs seem to be a cheaper choice upfront but they need timely replacement and repair since their lifespan is shorter. Let’s compare the upfront cost of both metal and shingle roofs in detail. 

Metal Roofing

As we discussed above, metal roofs sound expensive, but their durability, longevity, and lifespan make them a cheaper option in the long run. Metal roofs have a lifespan of up to 50 years or more on one-time installations. Their cost depends greatly on the metal you choose for your roof. 

Additionally, metal roofing comes with other long-term benefits like energy efficiency, fire-resistant properties, and weather resistance. 

Like shingle roofing, metal roofing requires additional labor and material costs. Metal roofing with steel costs between $5-$12 per square foot, whereas copper roofing is the most expensive, ranging between $10-$14 per square foot.

Shingles

Shingles, for their low cost and availability, are the most popular choice among homeowners. Their widespread use and popularity are the reason for their low cost, but in comparison to metal roofing, they cost higher in the long run. 

Shingles, on average, have a lifespan of around 30 years or less. Within this lifespan, shingle roofs require timely maintenance, replacements, and repair, which comes as an occasional burden for homeowners. 

The cost of shingle roofs varies depending on the type of shingles you are using for your home. 

Asphalt shingles, on average, cost between $3-$5 per square foot.  However, this roofing material is vulnerable to natural disasters such as hail damage, storm damage, and lightning damage.

From the above discussion, we can conclude that metal roofing, though it’s the more expensive option, accompany homeowners their entire life. While shingle roofs cost less upfront, they also require timely maintenance, replacement, and repair, plus they provide less protection from the elements compared to metal roofing. 

Eager to know about their longevity or lifespan, read our blog on how long asphalt shingles last. 

Long-Term Benefits

In this section, we will extend our discussion on why metal roofing is the cheaper option compared to shingle roofing in the long run. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are known for the many benefits they come with. The obvious benefits are as follows: 

1. Durability

One of the main long-term benefits of metal roofs is their durability. Metal roofs are known for their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, hail, and heavy snowfall. They are also resistant to rot, mold, and insect damage. 

As a result, metal roofs have a longer lifespan than many other roofing materials, often lasting 50 years or more with proper maintenance. This means that homeowners can expect to replace their metal roofs less frequently than they would need to replace a roof made of other materials.

2. Energy Efficiency

In addition to their durability, metal roofs also have energy-efficient benefits. Metal roofs are able to reflect sunlight, which helps reduce heat transfer in the home. This helps keep a home cooler in the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning and potentially lowering energy bills. 

Metal roofs also act as an insulator, which helps you keep a home warm in the winter. This also leads to energy savings by reducing the need for heating.

3. Cost Savings

The durability and energy efficiency of metal roofing can result in significant savings over time. Because metal roofing lasts longer and requires less maintenance and repair than asphalt shingles, you can save money on these costs. 

In addition, the potential energy-saving benefits that metal roofs provide can also add up over time. By considering the long-term benefits of metal roofing, you can find that it is a more cost-effective option despite its higher upfront cost. 

Shingles

Shingle roofs have been popular among roofers and homeowners. The reason for their popularity and low upfront cost are as follows: 

1. Availability

Asphalt shingles are widely available and can be found at most home improvement stores and roofing supply companies. They are a popular roofing material, so they are usually easy to find in stock. You can also cut down on the final price by buying bundles of these shingles, reducing the overall installation cost.  

Their availability drives their material cost as well as the installation cost. Asphalt shingles are also available online. It’s important to carefully review the product descriptions and specifications when shopping online to ensure that the shingles are suitable for their intended use and are compatible with the roofing system on your home. 

2. Variety

Asphalt shingles tend to have more variety in terms of styles and colors compared to metal roofs. Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of styles, including traditional three-tab shingles, decorative architectural shingles, and shingles that mimic the look of other materials, such as wood or slate. 

They are also available in a wide range of colors, including shades of gray, black, brown, green, and red. This allows homeowners to choose a shingle that fits their personal style and the architecture of their home. 

3. Affordability

Asphalt shingles are generally considered to be an affordable roofing material. They are typically less expensive than other types of roofing materials, such as metal or clay tiles and metal sheets. 

The cost of asphalt shingles varies depending on the type and quality of the shingles, as well as the size of the roof and the complexity of the installation. On average, asphalt shingles cost $3-$5 per square foot to be installed. 

Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials, such as metal, and may require more frequent repairs or replacements. This can add up to high costs over time. When considering the affordability of specific roofing materials, it’s important to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term costs to maintain and repair it. 

Conclusion

Now that we understand the parameters, we can once again ask ourselves, “Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?” Though not at face value, metal roofs are the more cost-effective option when compared to shingle roofs due to their longer lifespan and the advantages they carry with them. 

Who wouldn’t want a new, energy-efficient roof on their home? With metal roofs, you can cut your energy bills and usage in half. 
If you are looking to replace your roof or install a new one and want professional roofers to take care of your roof, you are in the right place! Our team at BRH Enterprises has years of roofing service experience in roof replacement, installation, inspection, and repair. Call us today at (920) 249-4228 for a roof inspection by experts in Wisconsin.