Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Cost, Lifespan, Noise and Weight

A metal roof costs more up front than an asphalt shingle roof, usually two to three times as much, according to both a cost survey and the metal roofing industry's own trade group ^{1 2}. In return, metal is expected to last longer: NRCA says most new roofs are designed to give about 20 years of useful service, and that some types, including certain metals, can last longer ³. Shingles win on price and on how easy small repairs are; metal wins on expected service life and, in snowy areas, on shedding snow.

Which is better for a given house depends on the budget, how long you plan to own it, the roof's shape and pitch, and the look you want. The sections below put the two side by side, with each figure tied to its source.

Side by side

Cost

Fixr reports that metal roofs average $11 per square foot installed, against $4 for asphalt shingles, and that a 2,400-square-foot steel roof averages $26,500, with most projects between $14,400 and $38,400 (updated January 23, 2026) ¹. By style, Fixr lists corrugated metal at $3.50 to $26 per square foot, metal shingles at $6 to $22 and standing seam at $7 to $30 ¹. Its asphalt guide puts 3-tab shingles at $3 to $5 per square foot installed and architectural at $4 to $8 (updated January 21, 2026) ⁵.

The Metal Roofing Alliance, a metal roofing industry group, says to expect a metal roof to cost roughly two to three times an asphalt shingle roof, comparable to tile or cedar shake, and less than slate ². It also says the roof's shape and pitch influence an estimate more than the style of metal chosen ². For full price breakdowns, see metal roof cost and asphalt shingle roof cost.

Lifespan

Lifespan claims vary widely by source, so treat the figures as the makers' and trade groups' own statements. NRCA's general guidance is that most new roofs are designed for about 20 years of useful service; slate, clay tile and certain metals can last longer, and climate, design, material quality, installation and upkeep decide the real figure ³. The Metal Roofing Alliance says to count on 30 to 50+ years for metal, and puts the average asphalt roof at 12 to 20 years ². Shingle makers attach their own warranty terms; Owens Corning, for example, gives its Duration laminated shingle a limited lifetime warranty ⁸. A warranty term is not a lifespan, and our article on how long a roof lasts covers what shortens one.

Noise

This is where sources disagree. The Metal Roofing Alliance says there is little difference between metal and other materials in noise from rain ². Fixr lists potential noise as one of metal's two main downsides, saying heavy rain can make a metal roof noisy and that insulation beneath the metal reduces sound ¹. In practice, what is under the metal (solid decking, underlayment, attic insulation) shapes what you hear inside. Ask the roofer what goes beneath the panels in the quote.

Weight, fire and snow

• Weight. The Metal Roofing Alliance says metal roofing weighs half as much as asphalt ², and NRCA describes metal shingles as relatively lightweight ⁴. That matters most when a new roof goes over an old one.
• Fire. NRCA says most fiberglass asphalt shingles carry Class A fire ratings, the highest, and that some metal shingles have Class A ratings too ⁴. Ask for the rating of the exact product quoted.
• Snow. The Metal Roofing Alliance says metal sheds snow fast ². Ask the roofer where snow sliding off the roof will land, such as over doors, walkways or lower roofs.

Installing over an old roof

The model building code lets complete, separate roof systems such as standing-seam metal systems, which carry loads directly to the building's structure and do not rely on the old roof, go on without removing the existing covering, as quoted in East Point, Georgia's guide to the 2018 IRC ⁶. Fixr says that while metal can be installed over existing shingles, it is usually best to remove the old roof first, and reports removal at $1,000 to $7,400 depending on size and the weight of the old material ¹. Our article on tear-off vs. roof-over covers when a recover is ruled out.

Repairs

Fixr notes that asphalt shingles are easy to replace in small sections, while standing-seam metal comes in large panels, so a repair often means replacing a bigger section, which takes longer and raises material costs ⁷. If a roof has many penetrations, skylights or valleys, ask each roofer how they would handle a future repair on the system they are quoting.

Questions to ask before choosing

• What metal, gauge and panel style is quoted, and is it standing seam, exposed fastener or metal shingles?
• What goes under the panels: decking repairs, underlayment type, insulation?
• What wind and fire ratings does the product carry, and what are the maker's warranty terms?
• For shingles: which product line, and what does its warranty cover?
• Is the old roof coming off, and what does removal cost?

For the full range of materials, see types of roofing materials; for the two shingle grades, architectural vs. 3-tab shingles. When you are ready to price both, you can compare quotes from roofing companies. We are not affiliated with the manufacturers named.

About these figures

• ¹ Reported: Fixr metal roof cost guide, $11 versus $4 per square foot, the 2,400-square-foot steel roof range, prices by style, removal at $1,000 to $7,400, and its note on noise, updated January 23, 2026, checked November 11, 2026.
• ² Reported: Metal Roofing Alliance FAQs (an industry group), cost of two to three times asphalt, 30 to 50+ year lifespan, 12 to 20 years for asphalt, weight, snow and noise statements, checked November 11, 2026.
• ³ Reported: NRCA consumer answers on the roughly 20-year design service life of most new roofs and longer-lasting types, checked November 11, 2026.
• ⁴ Reported: NRCA roofing materials page on fire ratings and metal shingles' weight, checked November 11, 2026.
• ⁵ Reported: Fixr asphalt shingle cost guide, $3 to $5 per square foot for 3-tab and $4 to $8 for architectural, updated January 21, 2026, checked November 11, 2026.
• ⁶ Official record: City of East Point guide quoting 2018 IRC section R908.3.1 on separate roof systems installed over an existing roof, checked November 11, 2026.
• ⁷ Reported: Fixr roof repair cost guide on repairing asphalt shingles versus metal panels, updated January 21, 2026, checked November 11, 2026.
• ⁸ Reported: Owens Corning Duration spec page, limited lifetime warranty, checked November 11, 2026.