- Metal runs ~$5–$16 per sq ft installed for common types; asphalt runs ~$4.50–$9.
- Exposed-fastener metal (corrugated) costs about half what standing seam does.
- Over a 50-year span you typically replace asphalt 2–3 times — so metal's higher upfront cost often evens out or wins on cost-per-year.
- Metal also adds energy savings (10–25% on cooling) and possible insurance discounts (10–30%) that asphalt doesn't.
Upfront cost: metal vs. shingles
On day one, asphalt shingles are cheaper. A typical asphalt roof runs $8,000–$20,000 installed, while a metal roof runs about $12,000–$30,000 or more, depending on the metal and profile you choose. The gap is widest against premium standing seam and narrowest against budget corrugated panels.
Roofing is priced per square foot of roof area (not house footprint). Here is how the common options compare in 2026:
| Roofing type | Installed cost / sq ft | Typical home total | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt — 3-tab | $4.50–$7 | $8,000–$15,000 | 15–20 yrs |
| Asphalt — architectural | $5.50–$9 | $10,000–$20,000 | 22–30 yrs |
| Corrugated / exposed-fastener steel | $5–$12 | $10,000–$22,000 | 25–40 yrs |
| Metal shingle / stone-coated steel | $8–$14 | $14,000–$28,000 | 40–50 yrs |
| Standing seam steel or aluminum | $10–$16 | $18,000–$32,000 | 50–70 yrs |
| Copper or zinc (premium) | $20–$40+ | $40,000+ | 70–100 yrs |
Why metal costs more to install
Metal is a more expensive material, but labor is the bigger driver. Standing seam in particular is a specialized install — panels are custom-cut, seams are mechanically locked, and fasteners are concealed, which takes skilled crews and more time. Exposed-fastener corrugated panels install faster and cost roughly half as much as standing seam.
When you compare quotes, compare the full installed scope, not just the panel price: tear-off and disposal, decking repairs, high-temperature underlayment, custom trim and flashing, and warranty registration. A cheap quote often leaves these out.
Lifetime cost: where metal wins
The upfront number is only half the story. Asphalt lasts 15–30 years; metal lasts 40–70. Over a 50-year horizon, most homeowners replace an asphalt roof two to three times — so the true comparison is one metal roof against two or three asphalt roofs plus repeated tear-off, disposal, and labor at rising future prices.
Run the math on cost-per-year and metal frequently comes out even or ahead. A $24,000 standing seam roof lasting 60 years is $400/year. Two architectural-asphalt roofs over the same 60 years at ~$16,000 each is $32,000 — about $533/year — and that ignores inflation on the second replacement.
The savings asphalt doesn't offer
Metal also pays you back during its life in ways asphalt does not:
- Energy: reflective metal can cut cooling costs 10–25% (the EPA estimates reflective roofs can save up to 40% of cooling energy in hot climates).
- Insurance: a Class 4 impact-rated metal roof can lower homeowners premiums roughly 10–30%, and up to 35% in hail-prone regions.
- Maintenance: no granule loss, no curling — metal needs far less upkeep than shingles.
When shingles still make sense
Asphalt is the better choice if your budget is tight, if you plan to sell within a few years and want the lowest upfront spend, or if a strict HOA limits your options. For a homeowner staying long-term, metal's longevity and savings usually justify the premium.