Homeowners looking for a new roof or a replacement are often surprised by how many options are available. If you are considering a new roof or replacement any time soon, you’ll quickly discover there isn’t one single “best” option for every home. Of course, most of us have an idea of what color we would like, but color is only one decision. Homeowners also need to consider how long they want their roof to last, how much maintenance they’re willing to take on, how well the material will handle local weather, and, for many, how much it will cost.
Two of the most popular options for residential homes are asphalt shingles and metal shingles. Both types of shingles are widely used and protect homes, but they differ in key ways. This guide is here to help homeowners understand each shingle type and how they differ in construction, appearance, durability, cost, and performance. Taking a neutral stance, this article lays it all out: facts about both materials, the benefits of each, and the trade-offs that can help homeowners decide which material best fits their expectations, budget, and, most importantly, their home. Let’s begin with asphalt shingles since they are the most commonly used shingle in the United States.
Asphalt Shingles: The Go-To Choice
Drive through any neighborhood, and you’re likely to see most homes covered with an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles are the most popular and commonly used roofing material in the United States. They are made with a base (typically fiberglass), then coated with asphalt, and finally, topped with small mineral granules. Each layer serves a specific purpose: the base provides the shingle’s foundation and reinforcement; the asphalt coating provides waterproofing; and the mineral granules protect against UV damage and contribute to the shingle’s color. Asphalt shingles come in many color options, profiles, and price points. Three of the most common types of asphalt shingles are:
3 Tab Shingles: These are the most basic, single-layer shingles and the least expensive option.
Architectural Shingles: These shingles have multiple layers for a thicker, more textured appearance and are the most popular asphalt shingle among homeowners.
Designer Shingles: True to their name, designer or luxury shingles are the most premium asphalt shingles available. Also multi-layered, this style of shingle can be made to look like other high-end materials, such as wood shakes or slate.
The traditional go-to choice for Americans, many homeowners automatically consider asphalt shingles because it’s what they are familiar with. Local roofing contractors also commonly work with this material because it’s a well-established, effective roofing option. However, like any roofing material, asphalt shingles have strengths and limitations that are worth weighing.
The Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
Below, you’ll see why asphalt shingles remain one of the most widely used roofing materials in the country. Advantages include:
- Compared to metal shingles, asphalt shingles cost less to purchase and install. This makes asphalt shingles more available to homeowners on a budget.
- Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of textures and colors, giving homeowners more options to complement their home.
- Being the most commonly installed roof material, asphalt shingle installation is relatively easy and fast, especially with an experienced crew.
- Asphalt shingles make less noise during rain or hail than some other roofing materials.
- Most local roofing contractors are experienced with asphalt shingle installation, making it easy to find a professional in most regions.
- High-quality asphalt shingles have strong wind and fire ratings.
- Asphalt shingles are easy to install and also to repair when individual roof sections are damaged.
The Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Like all roofing materials, homeowners should weigh the advantages of asphalt shingles against the disadvantages to get a complete picture of what the product offers, and what it doesn’t. The disadvantages include:
- Even with proper installation and the highest-quality asphalt shingles, asphalt shingle roofs last about 25 years. Although 25 years is a decent amount of time, it’s relatively short compared with materials like metal shingles. Of course, the initial installation, your climate, and maintenance always factor into longevity.
- Compared to metal shingles, asphalt shingles are more susceptible to weather-related damage from sunlight (UV damage), wind, moisture, and the temperature fluctuations we are accustomed to here in Traverse City.
- With freeze-thaw cycles, asphalt shingles are more likely to develop ice dams, especially if the underlayment and attic ventilation are inadequate.
- Asphalt shingles may require more maintenance than metal shingles and face a higher risk of developing algae, although algae-resistant options are available.
In the end, asphalt shingle roofs offer many benefits and can protect your home for many years. The key to avoiding performance or longevity issues is good ventilation, proper fastening, flashing, and a quality installation performed by an experienced professional.
Metal Shingles: Same Idea, Different Material
Not to be confused with a metal roof, metal shingles are more like the traditional asphalt shingle but made from metal. Unlike metal roofs, metal shingles are individual (small) panels that interlock to form a roof that resembles traditional shingles, shakes, or slate tiles. Common base materials for metal shingles include:
- Steel (galvanized or coated)
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
Like asphalt shingles, metal shingles come in different colors, textures, and finishes, giving homeowners more aesthetic options. Metal shingles also offer many performance benefits that make them attractive to homeowners in Northern Michigan, where the weather can wreak havoc on roofs.
The Advantages of Metal Shingles
Although metal shingles have been used for over a century, they didn’t become more mainstream until the late 1990s. This rise in popularity is partly due to improved coatings and growing interest in longevity, among other factors. The advantages of metal shingles include:
- Metal shingles last significantly longer than asphalt shingles. They typically last 40 to 70 years, and even longer with premium products and high-quality installation.
- Metal shingles are extremely durable, resistant to wind, fire, and rot.
- Metal shingles perform well in snowy climates, shedding snow more easily and reducing the risk of ice dam formation.
- Metal shingles are offered in a wide variety of styles and colors, meeting almost any aesthetic a homeowner wants.
- Unlike asphalt shingles, which lose granules over time, metal shingles don’t suffer the same surface deterioration and require very little maintenance once installed.
- Metal shingles are energy efficient, many with a reflective coating that helps reduce cooling costs during the warmer parts of the year.
- Metal shingles are highly recyclable at the end of their life, making them eco-friendly.
The Disadvantages of Metal Shingles
Despite the many advantages of metal shingles, it’s only fair to examine the trade-offs. The following are disadvantages of metal shingles:
- Metal shingles cost significantly more than asphalt shingles. Depending on the type of metal used, they can cost around twice as much as asphalt.
- Installing metal shingles is not as straightforward as installing asphalt shingles and requires experience and product-specific knowledge.
- Installing metal shingles can take longer than installing a traditional asphalt roof.
- Metal shingles produce more noise during heavy rain and hail; however, the amount of noise depends on underlayment, insulation, or the use of stone-coated products to reduce noise.
- In regions with moderate snow loads, snow movement off metal can be hazardous, so many local roofing contractors in Traverse City recommend snow guards on metal roofing.
- Metal shingle repair is usually more complex and costly than an asphalt repair.
Every Roof Has Its Trade-Offs: What’s Right for You?
Both asphalt shingles and metal shingles are reliable options for a new roof. When choosing, it’s not about which one is best. The better question is: which material is right for you? By comparing each option’s initial investment with its long-term value, durability, lifespan, and maintenance needs, homeowners can clearly see what each offers. The right choice depends on the homeowner’s priorities. With asphalt shingles offering a lower upfront cost, a familiar look, and easier repairs, and metal shingles providing greater longevity, strong weather and fire resistance, and lower long-term maintenance, there are many trade-offs to consider. For many homeowners, it comes down to budget, how long they plan to stay in their home, and how well the chosen material will handle local weather. To choose the right roof for your home, speak with an experienced local roofing contractor to find a roof that fits both your home and your expectations.