What Is The Cost of Shingles vs. Metal Roofs? (2023)

One of the most important factors when considering the cost of a new roof is your choice of roofing materials. Shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, are the most common material and are budget-friendly. Metal roofs are growing in popularity thanks to their durable and eco-friendly design but remain pricier. We’ll compare and contrast these two roofing materials based on cost, maintenance, durability, and other factors in the guide below to help you make your choice.

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Major Cost Factors of Shingle Roofs

Shingle material, roof size, and installation labor dictate most shingle roof costs.

Shingle Material

Shingles can be composed of a variety of materials, and each boasts its own pros, cons, and price points.

• Asphalt: The most readily available and cost-effective shingles are made of asphalt. Basic three-tab shingles cost the least and last 15 to 20 years, but they aren’t as durable as premium architectural shingles, which have a life span of about 30 years.
• Composite: Composite shingles, which are made of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled material, hold up better against high winds and severe weather than asphalt or wood. These shingles often have a life span of up to 50 years, and they can be made to look like wood or other materials.
• Slate: Slate shingles may be composed of solid natural stone or stone-coated steel. Either way, they are extremely durable and last up to 100 years. However, they are pricey, and the shingles are so heavy that the roof must often be reinforced.
• Solar: Solar shingles power your home with energy from sunlight. Solar shingles are expensive, but they’re typically only used on the side of your roof that gets the most sun.
• Wood: Tree species such as red cedar can be cut into smooth-cut shingles or rough-cut shakes. Wooden shingles offer a classic look that few other materials can match, but they require regular maintenance and sealing to protect against water damage. They can last 40 to 50 years if properly maintained.

Here’s how these shingle options compare in price.

Shingle Material	Price per Square Foot
Asphalt	$4–$15
Wood	$6–$18
Composite	$7.50–$13
Slate	$15–$30
Solar	$21–$25

*Cost data in this article was sourced from Fixr and HomeAdvisor.

Roof Size

Most types of roofing materials are priced by the square foot, and larger roofs require more materials. Here’s what an asphalt shingle roof is likely to cost at $4 to $15 per square foot.

Roof Size in Sq. Ft.	Cost Range
1,000	$4,000–$15,000
1,500	$6,000–$22,500
2,000	$8,000–$30,000
2,500	$10,000–$37,500
3,000	$12,000–$45,000

Labor Costs

Consider the price of professional installation in addition to material costs. Licensed roofing contractors typically charge $30 to $80 per hour or $2 to $3 per square foot, depending on the job’s complexity. Most professional roofers will be able to install asphalt shingles quickly and easily.

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Major Cost Factors of Metal Roofs

Metal roof installation pricing depends on the type and style of metal material, roof size, and labor.

Style of Metal Roof

Metal roofing systems may be made up of sheets, panels, or shingles.

• Corrugated sheets: Corrugated metal sheets have a ribbed or crimped appearance and are the least expensive option for metal roofing. The sheets are held together with exposed fasteners, which must be carefully maintained to prevent rust or corrosion.
• Flat sheets: Other types of sheeted metal, such as galvalume and galvanized steel, may be applied flat or shaped into domes or curves.
• Shingles: Metal shingles resemble asphalt shingles in appearance, but they’re more durable. You’ll have your choice of a variety of metals, from low-end aluminum to high-end copper.
• Standing-seam panels: A standing-seam metal roof offers the best defense against extreme weather. The panels interlock in raised seams that house the fasteners, protecting them from the elements and preventing leaks.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for these different styles of metal roofing materials:

Metal Roof Style	Cost per Sq. Ft.
Corrugated sheet	$3.50–$15
Flat sheet	$4–$6.50
Shingles	$7–$22
Standing-seam panels	$7–$30

Type of Metal

Not every style of metal roofing is available in every type of metal, but you’ll have some choice. All metal roofing options are durable and fire-resistant, but they have different appearances, life spans, and costs.

• Aluminum: Aluminum is used in both sheets and shingles and is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It can help keep your energy costs down by reflecting heat, and it’s usually on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Aluminum roofing materials are more prone to denting than other metals, but they can last up to 45 years.
• Copper: Copper can endure all kinds of weather conditions for 100 years or more. Copper is the most expensive option, though, and requires specialty installation.
• Lead: Lead is a soft, highly corrosion-resistant metal that’s more frequently used in flashing than in surface materials. As a roofing material, lead isn’t toxic and has a life span of up to a century.
• Steel: Galvalume, an aluminum-coated steel, is the most cost-effective option and boasts the greatest resistance to rust and corrosion. Steel is one of the most versatile roofing metals, used in metal roofing panels, shingles, and sheets.
• Tin: Tin is somewhat rare for new installations, and what is commonly known as a “tin roof” is actually aluminum. Terne shingles have a steel core with a tin coating, and they develop a gray patina over time that gives them a classic look. Tin roofs have a life expectancy of up to 70 years.
• Zinc: Zinc panels and shingles will develop a patina that disguises scratches or imperfections, making zinc a low-maintenance roofing material. It’s extremely durable and can last up to 100 years.

Here’s how these metals compare in terms of price:

Metal	Cost per Sq. Ft.
Aluminum	$4–$11
Tin	$5–$12
Zinc	$6–$12
Steel	$6–$16
Lead	$10–$15
Copper	$15–$30

Size of Metal Roofs

Size plays a significant role in determining a roofing project’s total cost. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for standing seam panels based on square footage:

Roof Size in Sq. Ft.	Cost Range
1,000	$7,000–$30,000
1,500	$10,500–$45,000
2,000	$14,000–$60,000
2,500	$17,500–$75,000
3,000	$21,000–$90,000

Labor

Roofers typically charge $3 to $5 per square foot for metal roof installation labor. Note that not all professional roofing contractors have the knowledge and experience necessary to install metal materials.

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Other Cost Factors of Shingles vs. Metal Roofs

Consider these additional cost factors when deciding between a shingle roof and a metal roof:

• Curb appeal: You may want to consider the look of other roofs in your neighborhood. Shingles are popular, and some homeowners prefer that their roofs don’t stand out.
• Energy efficiency: Metal materials will reflect more heat than shingles, which means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
• Old roof removal: Your existing roof materials, including underlayment, will likely require removal before roof replacement can begin. This comes with additional costs.
• Resale value: Asphalt shingles have a higher return on investment (61.1%) than a metal roof replacement (48.9%), according to Remodeling magazine’s 2023 Cost versus Value report.

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Professional vs. DIY Installation

Here’s how shingle roofing and metal roofing compare based on the ease of DIY installation:

Shingle Installation

Asphalt shingles are easy to lay and cut into shape, but roofing is still a risky job. Additionally, a home’s roofing system is incredibly important to its structural integrity, and the warranty on most roofing materials requires professional installation. Your upfront costs will be lower if you don’t pay for labor, but you’ll likely pay in the long run when it comes to roof repair costs if you install a roof yourself. We recommend hiring professionals for installation in most cases.

Metal Roof Installation

Metal is less DIY-friendly than shingles. Corrugated and flat sheets may appear simple to install, but the project can easily go wrong—incorrect installation can lead to leaks and corrosion. Some standing-seam metal panels require special machinery to crimp the seals between panels. Only licensed roofing contractors should perform metal roof installation.

How to Hire a Professional

Here’s how to approach contacting professional roofing contractors:

• Ask about warranties or guarantees on workmanship.
• Ask for proof of up-to-date licensure, as all states require roofers to maintain a specific roofing license.
• Ask for references, and search for customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot.
• Ensure all contractors are bonded and insured.
• Ensure that the contractor you choose has experience installing a specific material, particularly if you choose metal panels or specialty shingles such as solar shingles.
• Get quotes from at least three local contractors. When possible, get an itemized estimate.
• Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau website for information about rating and accreditation, as well as customer reviews and complaints.

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs offer ease of installation and solid resale value, but they are a less durable option.

➕ Better resale value
➕ Easier to install and repair
➕ Lowest total cost of all popular residential roofing materials

➖ Lower energy efficiency in hot weather
➖ Not recyclable and will end up in landfills
➖ Substantially less durable, particularly basic asphalt shingles

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs last longer than other roofing types but are pricier to install.

➕ Longer life span than shingles
➕ Offers more energy savings by reflecting heat
➕ Requires less maintenance

➖ Harder to install and repair
➖ Lower resale value
➖ More expensive than shingles

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Our Recommendation

The average cost of shingles is lower than metal, but metal is more durable. The best roofing option for you will ultimately depend on your budget, the climate in which you live, and your tolerance for roof maintenance. We recommend talking to a roofing professional who has experience with both shingles and metal roofing materials to help you make your decision.

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