Key takeaways
- Metal generally lasts longer than asphalt, often by decades.
- Asphalt shingles are the common choice and suit nearly any house style.
- Metal is light, sheds snow quickly, and can be louder in rain depending on how it is installed.
- Both need occasional inspection, especially around flashing and fasteners.
- The best choice depends on how long you will stay and what the house looks like.
Lifespan
Architectural asphalt shingles commonly last around 20 to 30 years, and basic three-tab shingles often less. Metal roofing commonly lasts 40 years or more. Those ranges depend on installation quality, ventilation, and exposure to weather, so treat them as general guidance.
In Southwest Ohio, asphalt shingles take a beating from hot summer sun and winter freeze-thaw cycles. They slowly lose granules, dry out, and curl. Metal does not do any of those things. Its weak points are the sealants, the fasteners, and the flashing, rather than the panel itself.
If you plan to be in the house for decades, metal's longer life is a real consideration. If you may sell in ten years, the difference matters less, though buyers often respond well to a roof that looks new and has a long life ahead.
Look and style
Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors and blends, and architectural shingles have a layered, textured appearance. They suit almost every house style found around Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding towns, from older brick two-stories to newer subdivisions.
Metal roofing comes in two main forms. Standing-seam panels have raised seams and hidden fasteners, giving a clean, modern look. Exposed-fastener panels have visible screws and a ribbed profile, common on barns, outbuildings, and some homes. There are also metal products made to resemble shingles, slate, or shake.
Metal looks good on farmhouse, craftsman, and modern designs. On a historic or very traditional house, it may or may not fit, and some neighborhoods or associations have rules. Look at samples on a house like yours before deciding.
Noise, weather, and weight
Noise. Metal has a reputation for being loud in rain. When it is installed over a solid deck with underlayment, and with attic insulation below, the difference from asphalt is often smaller than people expect. Over open framing, as on a barn, it will be louder.
Hail and wind. Hail can dent metal panels, which usually does not affect how well they shed water but does affect appearance. Hail can bruise asphalt shingles and knock off granules, which shortens their life. Both can be rated for wind, and installation matters as much as the material.
Snow. Metal sheds snow and ice quickly, sometimes all at once. That is a safety issue for anyone walking below, and a roofer may recommend snow guards over doorways, walkways, and gutters. Asphalt holds snow longer and releases it gradually.
Weight. Metal is lighter than most asphalt roofs, which is useful on older homes with framing that was not built for heavy loads. Neither material is a problem for a typical modern house.
Lightning. Metal does not attract lightning, and it is not combustible. Those are fair points in its favor, but they should not be oversold.
Maintenance and repairs
Asphalt roofs need little from you, but they are the more likely of the two to need repair along the way. Clear debris from valleys and gutters, trim overhanging branches, and have a roofer look at the roof after major storms. Individual shingles can be replaced easily and are widely available, though older shingles may not match new ones.
Metal roofs need even less in terms of routine care. Standing-seam systems are mostly maintenance-free apart from keeping them clear of debris. Exposed-fastener systems depend on rubber washers under the screws, which wear out over time, so those fasteners should be checked periodically and replaced as needed. Scratches that go through the coating should be touched up to prevent rust.
Repairs on metal need a roofer who knows the system. A mismatched panel or a poor patch can cause more problems than it solves. Do not walk on metal roofs yourself, especially when wet, frosty, or sloped. They are very slippery.
How to decide
Choose asphalt if you want the widest range of colors, the easiest repairs, or a look that fits a traditional house, and if your timeline in the house is moderate.
Choose metal if you want a longer-lasting roof, you live somewhere with heavy snow or want snow to shed, or the style suits your home. Be ready for a different installation process and look for a contractor who installs metal regularly rather than occasionally.
Whichever you choose, the underlayment, flashing, and attic ventilation affect how well the roof performs, as discussed in Replacing a Roof in Southwest Ohio. For options on the metal side, see metal roofing, and for the more common choice, see roof replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is metal roofing louder in the rain?
It can be, but it depends on the installation. Over a solid deck with underlayment and an insulated attic, many homeowners do not find it much louder than asphalt. Over open framing, it is louder.
Can metal roofing go over my existing shingles?
Sometimes, using battens or another system, but it depends on the condition of the existing roof and the installer's method. A tear-off lets the roofer inspect the deck, so ask which approach they recommend and why.
Does hail damage metal roofs?
Large hail can dent metal panels. The dents are often cosmetic and do not always affect how the roof sheds water, but they change how it looks. Asphalt shingles can be bruised and lose granules.
3 min read.