Asphalt vs metal roof cost (2026)
A 1,800 sq ft architectural asphalt roof runs about $14,400 installed in 2026. The same size in standing-seam metal runs about $30,200. Metal costs roughly 2.1x more up front but lasts 2 to 3x longer (40 to 70 years vs 25 to 30).
Architectural asphalt shingle
- ✓Lowest installed cost of any common roof
- ✓Any roofer in the country installs it
- ✓Easy spot repair if a tree limb takes out a section
- –25 to 30 year warranty, often shorter in real life
- –Granule loss accelerates after year 15 in hot climates
- –Higher attic temps than reflective metal
Standing-seam metal
- ✓40 to 70 year lifespan, often the last roof you buy
- ✓Insurance discounts in hail and wildfire markets
- ✓Reflects solar heat, lowers cooling bills 10 to 25 percent
- –Roughly 2x the up-front cost of asphalt
- –Fewer qualified installers, longer scheduling
- –Walking on the panels for service requires soft-soled care
Side by side
| Asphalt | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | $14,400 | $30,250 |
| Typical lifespan | 25 to 30 years | 40 to 70 years |
| Insurance posture | Standard | Discount in hail/wildfire markets |
| Weight on framing | About 2.5 lb/sq ft | About 1.5 lb/sq ft |
| Salvage value at tear-off | None | Recyclable, real scrap value |
Pick Asphalt if
You plan to sell within 10 to 15 years, the existing rafters are unremarkable, or your HOA prohibits visible metal.
Pick Metal if
You plan to stay 20+ years, live in a hail / hurricane / wildfire zone, or are pairing a roof with rooftop solar.
Still deciding? Get quotes for both
We match you with local pros who can price both options on your home.
Request comparison quotesFrequently asked questions
Does metal roofing really last 50 years?+
Standing-seam panels with Kynar 500 finishes routinely hit 50 years. Exposed-fastener metal roofs are different; their gaskets fail at 20 to 30 years and they sit closer to asphalt in real lifespan.
Is metal roofing louder than asphalt in rain?+
Modern installs include a solid deck and underlayment, which puts metal within 2 to 3 decibels of asphalt indoors. Loud-rain stories come from old barn-style installs on open purlins.
Will a metal roof raise my home's value?+
Yes, modestly. Appraisers typically recover 50 to 70 percent of the install premium at resale in markets where metal is established. Recovery is lower in suburbs where asphalt dominates the streetscape.