Deciding what roof style is best for your home can be a tough decision. Many homeowners are torn between going with the cheapest option or the option that will last the longest over time. You may consider a style that will be aesthetically pleasing and give your home a nice curb appeal. All of these factors should be weighed out when determining what material is best for your roof. Although asphalt shingles tend to be the most popular due to their low cost, homeowners are now considering what is best long-term for their roofs. Metal roofing, although initially more expensive, is rising in popularity due to its long life expectancy. This article will discuss the cost difference between metal roofs and traditional asphalt shingles as well as the reasoning for this cost difference.
| Metal Roof | Asphalt Roof |
|---|---|
| 60+ year lifespan | 10-30 year lifespan |
| $5 – $14+ per sq. foot | $3 – $7+ per sq. foot |
| Replacement ROI 85% | Replacement ROI 60-70% |
| Metal never decomposes | Easier to repair |
| Curb appeal | More readily available options |
| Metal Roof |
|---|
| 60+ year lifespan |
| $5 – $14+ per sq. foot |
| Replacement ROI 85% |
| Metal never decomposes |
| Curb appeal |
| Asphalt Roof |
|---|
| 10-30 year lifespan |
| $3 – $7+ per sq. foot |
| Replacement ROI 60-70% |
| Easier to repair |
| More readily available options |
Benefits of Metal Roofing Compared to Asphalt Roofing
- A metal roof can have triple the life expectancy of asphalt shingle roofs. While asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 10-20 years, metal roofing can have a lifespan of 60 years or more. Metal roofs are also commonly referred to as the “lifetime roof” due to their long lifespan.
- Along with its long life expectancy, metal roofs are less likely to need as many repairs compared to asphalt shingle roofs.
- Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt roofs. They are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and major storms while asphalt shingles are likely to need repairs or full roof replacements if damaged as a result of inclement weather events.
- Metal roofing will never decompose. This means it is perfect for more weathered climates as it will not grow mold or algae.
- Metal roofing material can also be recycled. This helps reduce the amount of garbage in landfills and lowers costs for disposal during replacements as metal can easily be sold and reused. Asphalt shingles can be recycled too if there is a nearby facility accepting them, but this is rare and they are much more likely to end up in landfills.
- Metal roofing has great curb appeal and provides a different aesthetic than asphalt shingles. The metal roofing style is pleasing to many and can add to the value of your home.
Cost of Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Roofing
Metal Roofing:
- Costs between $5-$14 per square foot.
- Has a lifespan of 40-60+ years.
- Installation costs can be more expensive due to the level of difficulty it takes to install. This impacts labor costs as it takes much longer to install metal roofs than it does asphalt shingles. A higher qualified roofer is needed to install a metal roof. – Less likely to need as much maintenance or repairs during its life expectancy.
Asphalt Roofing:
- Costs between $3-$7 per square foot.
- Has a lifespan of 10-30 years.
- Labor tends to cost less.
- Much more likely to need maintenance and repairs throughout its average life expectancy.
It is also important to note how each roof cost compares to one another throughout the years. Since the lifespan of a metal roof can average out to approximately 60 years, that means you would need about 3 full roof replacements for asphalt shingles during that same timeframe.
If the initial cost of a metal roof is around $20,000 and an asphalt shingle roof costs around $10,000, that means that in the long run over 60 years, you are actually paying more for the asphalt shingle roof than the metal roof. On top of the initial cost, asphalt shingles are much more likely to get damaged from harsh weather conditions and will likely need repairs throughout those years. Lastly, metal roofs actually conserve energy for your home and can therefore reduce your energy bill.
On average, a metal roof can save you about 20% of your annual energy costs.
Resale Value
Although the initial cost of a metal roof may be higher, this higher price can add to your home’s curbside appeal. Metal roofs are considered an improvement to your home that can add value if you plan to sell your house in the future. A metal roof can be a great investment for your home both for the resale value as well as the positive contributions it could make to your home’s energy efficiency. On average, a roof replacement will return 60%-70% of the investment, while metal roof replacements will return an average of 85.9% of the investment. These statistics reflect the value a metal roof can have to your home.
Deciding between a metal roof replacement and an asphalt roof replacement can be a difficult choice. Although asphalt shingle roofs have a lower initial cost, they are more likely to need more repairs and maintenance over the years. Similarly, their lifespan only lasts on average about 10-30 years. When compared to the lifespan of metal roofs which can last up to or more than 60 years, you end up paying more in the long run for the asphalt shingle roof than you do the metal roof and still have to deal with the headache of replacing your asphalt roof several more times in the future. A new metal roof contributes to the energy efficiency of your home, lowering energy costs and adds value to your home through its durability and curbside appeal. Overall, a metal roof might be the best investment for your home. It is critical to review all of the reasons for selecting different roofing materials and discuss your options with a local properly licensed and insured roofing professional when deciding which style of roof is best for your home.
Looking for a Trustworthy Roofer in Madison AL or a Trustworthy Roofer in Huntsville AL?
At Advanced Roofing & Construction, we educate our customers about different roofing products they can choose from, products with different levels of quality and performance as well as roof warranties and the different price points of the products and warranties we can offer. If you are considering a full roof replacement in Huntsville and want to get started or learn more about preparing for your roof replacement, reach out to our office at 256-603-9171, email us, send a message through our contact page or request a quote directly. We know how important it is to have a strong roof over your head and we are prepared to help make sure that is exactly what you get. We provide roofing services in Madison AL, Huntsville AL, and the surrounding areas within Madison County and the Tennessee Valley.
