Metal Shingles vs Asphalt Shingles: Which Should You Choose?

Metal shingles, most often stone-coated steel, cost roughly $7 to $19 per square foot installed against $4.50 to $7.00 for architectural asphalt, last about twice as long, and weigh much less. They look like shingles, shakes or tile, but they are steel panels, and most are installed by trained crews rather than as a weekend project.

What metal shingles are

Metal shingles are steel panels formed to look like shingles, shake or tile. In the common stone-coated version a steel panel carries a protective coating and a layer of stone granules, which gives the surface its texture and dulls the sound of rain. They are different from the two metal roofs most people picture: standing seam and corrugated panels are long, flat-looking sheets, while metal shingles are shorter interlocking pieces laid in courses like shingles. Most are installed on battens over the deck, which adds to the cost compared with fastening directly to the deck.

Metal shingles vs asphalt shingles at a glance

Architectural asphalt Metal shingles
Installed cost per sq ft $4.50 to $7.00 About $7 to $19
For a 2,000 sq ft roof $9,000 to $14,000 $14,000 to $38,000
Typical life 15 to 30 years 40 to 70 years
Cost per year of life $300 to $930 $200 to $950
Weight Heavier Often less than half as heavy
Wind rating Set by class; commonly 90 to 130 mph Often 120 mph or more; check the product
Hail Class 1 to 4 depending on the product Commonly Class 4; check the product
Installation Common; a DIY job on a shed Trained installer; panels interlock

The metal prices come from HomeGuide ($7 to $13 per square foot for stone-coated steel) and Angi, whose 2026 figures run higher. The asphalt, lifespan and per-year figures are the ones used in how much a metal roof costs: the per-year row is simple division of the 2,000 sq ft cost by the life. The wind and hail rows vary by product, so use them as questions to ask rather than as guarantees.

When metal shingles make sense

  • You will stay for 20 years or more. Sources that compare the two put the break-even at about that point. If you may sell within ten years, asphalt is usually the better money decision, and a metal roof recoups less at resale.
  • You live where hail or high wind is common, and want a roof built to resist both.
  • The house cannot carry much weight, or you want a slate, shake or tile look without that weight. The roof weight calculator compares them for your roof area.
  • You want low maintenance. There are no granules to lose and nothing to curl, though fasteners and sealant still need checking, as asphalt shingles against metal roofing explains.

Asphalt still wins on price, on availability of installers, and on ease of repair.

What to check before you buy

  • The warranty: who honors it, what it covers, and whether it transfers to the next owner.
  • The product’s actual wind and impact ratings, which are on its data sheet.
  • Whether the installer is trained or approved by the manufacturer.
  • Whether the quote includes battens, trim and flashing, since a low price may leave them out.
  • Three quotes on the same scope, compared line by line; how to compare roofing estimates shows how.

If the choice is between all metal roof types rather than shingles alone, metal roofs: pros, cons, cost and lifespan covers them.

More roofing material guides

The roofing material comparison and roof lifetime cost calculator compare the options for your own roof.

Conclusion

Metal shingles vs asphalt shingles is a choice between paying more now for a roof that lasts about twice as long and costs less per year, or paying less now and replacing sooner. Decide by how long you will own the house, how hard the weather is, and whether the structure favors a lighter roof, then compare three installed quotes against the table above.

Luca Clements

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