When it's time to reroof, the big fork in the road is asphalt shingles or metal. Shingles are what most homes have and cost far less to install. Metal costs a lot more up front but can be the last roof you ever buy. Which one wins depends almost entirely on your time horizon.
Upfront cost
| Roof type | Installed / sq ft | ~1,700 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt (3-tab) | $3 – $5 | $5,100 – $8,500 |
| Asphalt (architectural) | $4 – $6 | $6,800 – $10,200 |
| Metal (corrugated / ribbed) | $5 – $12 | $8,500 – $20,400 |
| Metal (standing seam) | $9 – $16 | $15,300 – $27,200 |
So metal typically costs 2–4× more up front than asphalt. Add tear-off of the old roof to either. Price your roof by size and pitch in the roofing cost calculator.
Lifespan: where metal pays you back
Asphalt shingles last about 15–30 years (architectural at the upper end); metal lasts 40–70+, and standing seam can outlive the house. If you buy shingles twice over the life you'd get from one metal roof, the cost gap narrows — and you skip a second full tear-off and install. The catch: those savings only land if you stay in the home long enough to collect them.
The other trade-offs
- Insurance & energy: metal is fire- and impact-resistant (possible insurance discounts) and reflective finishes can trim summer cooling bills.
- Noise & dents: modern metal over solid decking isn't loud in rain, but hail can dent some panels.
- Resale: a new roof of either type helps a sale; metal's "never replace it again" pitch appeals to buyers planning to stay.
- Install pool: more roofers install shingles than metal, so get multiple metal quotes.
The bottom line
Stay 15+ years? Metal's longevity and lower lifetime cost make a strong case. Moving sooner? Architectural shingles give you a great-looking roof for a fraction of the price. Model both by your roof's size and pitch in the roofing calculator, and remember roofing is a hire-a-pro job — see our DIY vs. pro guide.