Comparison · 2026
Metal roof vs shingles
Is a metal roof worth it over shingles?
Metal costs more up front and lasts longer. On a 2,000 sq ft single-story home (6/12 pitch, one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included), standing seam is typically $36,414 against $17,967 for architectural shingles, about 2.0 times as much. InterNACHI rates metal at 40 to 80 years and architectural shingles at 30.
If you will stay in the house for decades, metal's cost per year of life can be lower; if not, shingles cost less to own.
Side by side
| Architectural shingles | 3-tab shingles | Metal panel | Standing seam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed per sq ft | $4.00–$6.00 | $2.00–$5.00 | $5.00–$12.00 | $9.00–$16.00 |
| 2,000 sq ft home, typical | $17,967 | $14,401 | $27,806 | $36,414 |
| Lifespan (InterNACHI) | 30 yr | 20 yr | 40 to 80 yr (metal) | |
| Cost per year of life | $599 | $720 | $695–$348 | $910–$455 |
| Weight per 100 sq ft | 275 to 425 lb (asphalt) | 85 to 120 lb (steel standing seam) | ||
Costs are from the Roof Cost Index at US-average labor, with one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included. Cost per year divides that by InterNACHI's life expectancy; InterNACHI gives one range for all metal, so both metal columns use 40 to 80 years. Weights are Englert's. Installed ranges are shown as the cost guides publish them. The Index builds its whole-roof figures from the separate material and labor ranges (see the methodology page), so the parts do not always add up exactly to the installed range.
Where metal wins
- Life. 40 to 80 years on InterNACHI's chart; McElroy Metal says fifty years or more.
- Weight. Steel standing seam is well under half the weight of asphalt shingles on Englert's figures.
- Fire and wind. The Metal Roofing Alliance says metal roofing carries a Class A fire rating and cites a 140-mph wind rating; wind ratings depend on the specific panel system.
- Over an old roof. Metal can often go over one layer of shingles: metal over shingles.
Where shingles win
- Price. $17,967 for architectural shingles against $36,414 for standing seam on the same house.
- Repairs. A few damaged shingles are a routine fix (roof repair cost).
- Resale horizon. If you sell in 10 years, you pay for decades of metal life the next owner uses.
Energy
ENERGY STAR says a clean white roof that reflects 80% of sunlight stays about 50°F cooler than a grey roof reflecting 20%. That is true of any reflective roof, including light-colored shingles. The Metal Roofing Alliance, an industry group, claims 10 to 40% energy-cost savings; treat that as an industry claim.
Prices in detail: metal roof cost and architectural shingle cost.
Sources for the figures on this page
Lifespan
- InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab) | 20
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
the average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years
- InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Asphalt (architectural) | 30
- This Old House, cost to replace a roof on a 2,200 sq ft house (page dated 2026-09-03), retrieved 2026-09-28:
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15–30 years, wood shingles and shakes last 20–30 years, and metal roofs can last 40–70 years.
- InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Metal | 40 to 80
- Union Corrugating Company, Benefits of Metal Roofing, retrieved 2026-09-28:
the expected lifespan of a low-slope, unpainted Galvalume® steel standing seam roofing (SSR) system — made from a 55% aluminum-zinc alloy-coated steel — is 50+ years.
- McElroy Metal blog, The Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof (page dated 2024-01-24), retrieved 2026-09-28:
Metal roofs can last for fifty years or more, outpacing a shingle roof's lifespan by decades.
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
a metal roof lasting 30 to 50+ years since metal roofs can often be repainted versus replaced
Weight, fire, wind, energy
- Englert (metal roofing manufacturer), Metal Roofs Versus Other Roof Choices, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Steel standing seam will weigh about 85 – 120 pounds per 100 square feet of roof area. Aluminum standing seam weighs about 70 pounds per 100 square feet.
- Englert, retrieved 2026-09-28:
asphalt shingles weigh from 275 – 425 pounds per 100 square feet.
- Englert, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Clay or Concrete Tile: 5.5 – 10 pounds per square foot
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Metal roofing weighs half as much as asphalt
- Metal Roofing Alliance, Fire, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Metal roofing carries a Class A fire-resistant rating, the highest possible.
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Metal roofing has a 140-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour
- Union Corrugating Company, retrieved 2026-09-28:
With select panel options capable of withstanding up to 140 mph winds, these systems play a key role in creating strong, weather-resistant building envelopes.
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
can typically save you between 10-40% in energy costs
- ENERGY STAR, Cool Roofs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
a clean white roof that reflects 80% of sunlight will stay about 50°F cooler than a grey roof that reflects only 20%
- Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs, retrieved 2026-09-28:
You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof.
Installed costs from the cost tables on the methodology page. Written by the Thomas Town Digital editorial team. We match homeowners with roofers; we do not roof.
Metal vs shingles questions
Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?
No, not up front. On a 2,000 sq ft single-story home (6/12 pitch, one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included), standing seam metal is typically $36,414 and exposed-fastener metal panel $27,806, against $17,967 for architectural shingles and $14,401 for 3-tab.
Does a metal roof last longer than shingles?
Yes. InterNACHI's life-expectancy chart gives metal 40 to 80 years against 20 years for 3-tab and 30 for architectural shingles.
Is metal roofing cheaper over its life?
Per year of expected life it can be. A typical architectural shingle roof is about $599 a year over 30 years; standing seam metal is $910 a year over 40 years and $455 over 80.
Is a metal roof lighter than shingles?
Yes. Englert, a metal roofing maker, puts steel standing seam at about 85 to 120 lb per 100 sq ft and asphalt shingles at 275 to 425 lb.
Do metal roofs save energy?
Reflective roofs run cooler: ENERGY STAR says a white roof reflecting 80% of sunlight stays about 50°F cooler than a grey one reflecting 20%. That applies to any cool roof, not only metal. The Metal Roofing Alliance, an industry group, claims 10 to 40% energy-cost savings.