Is a Metal Roof Way More Expensive than Asphalt Shingles?

Welcome to the beginning of a seven-part series on the most common questions homeowners have about metal roofing versus asphalt shingles. The questions we will be covering are as follows:

NOTE: We are trying to keep this post updated, but the number’s accuracy is not guaranteed.

Is A Metal Roof Way More Expensive Than Asphalt Shingles?

At a Glance (This Might Not Be What You Expect)

Actually, no. Corrugated metal panels (like our ABM Panel) often cost just as much per square as asphalt shingles. Before you get too excited though, remember that a metal roof requires more accessories like screws, flashing, and ridge caps. With the accessories included, a metal roof can cost about the same or slightly more than a shingle roof on an average home. And considering that our premium and standard metal panels come with 40-year paint warranties (with many metal roofs even lasting over 100 years with proper maintenance), the savings over time makes metal a smarter choice.

Watch how metal roofing is made.

The Full Scoop – Let’s Compare a 30′ x 30′ Garage Roof

Both metal and asphalt roofing get the job done when it comes to sheltering a building, but they really part ways in respect to durability, energy efficiency, and long-term savings.

Let’s look at a 30′ x 30′ garage for an example. But before we go any further, let’s just clarify that the example and prices are not meant to be an official quote. The numbers in our example are for informational purposes only but are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Every roof project is different. Rest assured we have a dedicated and knowledgeable team that would be happy to get you a custom quote.

On the surface, an asphalt shingle roof is the slim winner at $1,936 versus $2,199 for an ABM Panel metal roof (does not include tax or labor). But if you look at the bigger picture, metal is the obvious choice. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association states on their website, “If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, it is a prime candidate for reroofing.”

Compare that to our ABM Panel that comes with 40-year paint warranty. There is no question that a metal roof can stand the test of time better than asphalt shingles in most situations, and contractors will tell you that there is very little keeping a properly maintained metal roof from lasting over 100 years (especially if it is a hidden fastener panel like our ABSeam Panel). Metal lasts longer, is more energy efficient, is more beautiful, and can cost about the same as asphalt shingles.

Let’s take a closer look at the cost.

Asphalt Shingles

Materials estimate includes:

38 – Virginia Slate Tamko Bundles
15 – 10’ White Aluminum Drip Edge
1 – Tamko Hip & Ridge Cap (covers 33’)
4 – #15 Warrior Felt Underlayment

The ABM Panel

Materials estimate includes:

22 – ABM Panels
4 – 10’ Ridge Cap
22 – Filler Strips
4 – 10’ Residential Rake
1,100 – 1.5” Color-matched Screws
200 – 2” Color-matched Screws

Both estimates include tax, but do not include labor. AB Martin does not offer installation, but we have compiled a list of recommended contractors which you can search through here: https://www.abmartin.net/contacts/find-contractor.

Additional Costs Associated with a Metal Roof

An additional cost you may incur that is not reflected in the quote would be the removing and disposing of old shingles if replacing them with more asphalt shingles. Since metal can be installed on top of an asphalt shingle roof (see local building codes for possible weight limitations), you’ll save labor and disposing costs, but keep in mind you will have to buy and install wood purlins (we recommend 1×4 pine spaced 2′ on center) to provide an even base for the metal panels. So the cost might still be a wash.

If the project is new construction, such as an addition or new garage, metal is a big winner because an asphalt shingle roof would require a plywood base.

Also, the cost will be affected by the complexity of the roof. If it is a simple roof with few or no valleys, metal panels may be significantly cheaper and faster to install than asphalt shingles (including labor). But if the roof is more complex with several valleys and peaks, though the material costs might still be about the same, asphalt shingles are going to install faster and cost less in labor than metal panels. That said, it is still hard to beat the long-term savings of a metal roof.

If you want to compare the energy efficiency of our metal panel colors before making your final selection, take a look at the SRI values for our colors found in the links below. (Helpful hint: the higher the SRI value, the more energy efficient the panel.)

Choose metal. Long-Lasting. Energy Efficient. Beautiful.

Disclaimer: Obviously AB Martin believes in the benefits of using metal roofing, or we wouldn’t be manufacturing it. But we do sell asphalt shingles too. These articles attempt to make a fair comparison between asphalt shingles and metal roofing. If you decide asphalt shingles are better for your needs, we stock Tamko’s 30-year Heritage Shingles that have the best warranty on the market.