Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: A Complete Cost Comparison Guide 2025
When it’s time to replace your roof or build a new home, the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles represents one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. At Comanche Roofing, we understand that cost is often the deciding factor for many homeowners. However, making an informed decision requires looking beyond just the initial price tag.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the true costs of metal roofing versus asphalt shingles, helping you determine which option provides the best value for your specific needs.
Austin 2025 quick costs (installed):
Architectural asphalt shingles: $5–$7/ft² (typical TX 2025 pricing).
Metal (overall, Austin): $6.72–$14.36/ft² (material + labor).
Standing seam metal: $10–$16/ft² (installed).
(Pitch, tear-off, underlayment & complexity can move you outside these ranges.)
How much does a metal roof cost vs. asphalt shingles?
| Roof Size | Arch. Asphalt Shingles $5–$7/ft² |
Metal (Austin overall) $6.72–$14.36/ft² |
Standing Seam Metal $10–$16/ft² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 ft² | $7,500–$10,500 | $10,080–$21,540 | $15,000–$24,000 |
| 2,000 ft² | $10,000–$14,000 | $13,440–$28,720 | $20,000–$32,000 |
| 2,500 ft² | $12,500–$17,500 | $16,800–$35,900 | $25,000–$40,000 |
| 3,000 ft² | $15,000–$21,000 | $20,160–$43,080 | $30,000–$48,000 |
| Sources: Homewyse (asphalt, Oct 2025); Austin metal install ranges; standing seam benchmarks. Prices vary with pitch, layers, deck repairs, and system choice. | |||
| Material | Per Square (100 ft²) |
Per ft² (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Arch. Asphalt Shingles | $500–$700 | $5.00–$7.00 |
| Metal (Austin overall) | $672–$1,436 | $6.72–$14.36 |
| Standing Seam Metal | $1,000–$1,600 | $10.00–$16.00 |
| Note: 1 roofing “square” = 100 ft². Ranges reflect typical installed pricing in Austin and may vary with pitch, tear-off, underlayment, and complexity. | ||
Breaking Down Installation Costs and Factors (Austin, 2025)
Beyond material choice, installed price depends on labor intensity, roof complexity, and site conditions. Use these as realistic Austin baselines; your final quote will adjust for pitch, tear-off, underlayment, and any deck repairs.
Installed cost and typical duration
Architectural asphalt shingles: $5–$7 per ft² installed, 1–3 days on a typical home. Broad contractor availability; fastest installs; ideal for simpler roofs.
Metal (overall, Austin): $6.72–$14.36 per ft² installed, 3–7 days. Price varies by profile (corrugated/metal shingles vs. standing seam) and detail work.
Standing seam metal: $10–$16 per ft² installed, 4–7 days. Precision layout, flashings, and specialty tools push labor higher.
What drives installation cost up or down
Roof complexity: Steeper pitch; multiple valleys/hips; dormers, skylights, and chimneys increase cutting, staging, and safety time.
Tear-off vs. overlay: Shingles can sometimes overlay one existing layer (if code and deck condition allow). Metal typically requires a full tear-off for a clean substrate.
Underlayment & accessories: High-temp underlayment (common under metal), ice/water barriers, ridge vents, drip edge, custom flashings, and guards add cost.
Structural/deck repairs: Re-sheeting or replacing damaged decking and correcting soft spots adds labor and materials.
Access & logistics: Limited driveway access, landscaping protection, multi-story elevations, HOA/permit requirements, and weather can extend install time.
Profile & gauge (metal): Heavier gauges, specialty colors/finishes, intricate trim kits (e.g., standing seam) raise labor and waste factors.
Quick Austin example (2,000 ft² roof)
Architectural shingles: $10,000–$14,000 installed
Metal (overall range): $13,440–$28,720 installed
Standing seam metal: $20,000–$32,000 installed
Common Types of Metal Roofs?
Standing Seam Metal Roofs: Sleek vertical panels with hidden fasteners; durable and weather-resistant.
Corrugated Metal Roofs: Wavy panels with exposed fasteners; budget-friendly and easy to install.
Metal Shingles: Designed to look like asphalt, slate, or wood; stylish with metal durability.
R-Panel/U-Panel: Industrial-style ribbed panels; fast to install and cost-effective.
Stone-Coated Steel: Textured metal with a stone layer for a traditional look; high curb appeal.
Copper: Premium roofing that patinas over time; long-lasting but expensive.
Aluminum: Lightweight and rustproof; great for coastal areas.
Zinc: Self-healing and eco-friendly; very durable but costly.
Types of Shingle Roofs
Asphalt Shingles: Most common and affordable; includes 3-tab, architectural, and luxury options.
Wood Shingles/Shakes: Natural look, higher maintenance, often made from cedar or redwood.
Metal Shingles: Mimic traditional shingles but offer better durability and fire resistance.
Slate Shingles: Elegant and long-lasting, but heavy and expensive.
Tile Shingles: Made from clay or concrete; stylish and durable, but require strong roof framing.
Synthetic Shingles: Lightweight alternatives that imitate slate or wood; low maintenance and eco-friendly.
Metal roofs vs Shingles: Key Differences
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are what you see on most houses across America. They’re popular because they don’t cost much and are easy to put on your roof. Think of shingles like thick, flat pieces that look like fish scales when installed – they overlap each other to keep water out.
Here’s what makes shingles simple: They’re made of three basic layers. The bottom is fiberglass for strength, the middle is asphalt (like what roads are made of) for waterproofing, and the top has tiny colored stones that protect against sun and weather. Roofers nail them down row by row, starting at the bottom and working up.
The best thing about shingles is the price. They cost much less than other roofing materials, both to buy and install. Most contractors know how to work with them, so you won’t have trouble finding someone to put them on. They typically last 15-30 years, which is decent for the money you spend.
What is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is exactly what it sounds like – sheets of metal that cover your house. Instead of lots of small pieces like shingles, metal roofs use big panels that can stretch from the top of your roof all the way down to the edge.
These metal sheets come in different materials like steel (the most common), aluminum, or even copper. They’re shaped with ridges or patterns that make them stronger and help water run off quickly. The panels lock together at the edges, kind of like puzzle pieces, which keeps water from getting through.
Metal roofs cost more upfront – sometimes twice as much as shingles. But here’s the trade-off: they can last 40-70 years, which is much longer than shingles. They’re also tough against bad weather like storms, hail, and strong winds. Plus, they reflect heat better than shingles, which can lower your air conditioning bills in summer.
The main downside is that you need a roofing contractor in Austin, TX who knows how to install metal roofing properly, and there are fewer of them compared to shingle installers.
Shingle roof
Metal roof
Regional Considerations for Texas Homeowners
Texas presents unique climate challenges that impact roofing decisions and costs.
Impact of Texas Climate:
- Heat resistance: Metal roofing reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it like asphalt, potentially reducing cooling costs by 10-25% during hot Texas summers.
- Storm durability: Quality metal roofing can withstand winds up to 140 mph (meeting coastal building codes), while standard asphalt shingles are typically rated for 60-110 mph winds.
- Hail resistance: While both materials can sustain damage from severe hail, many metal roofing products offer Class 4 impact resistance (the highest rating), potentially qualifying for insurance discounts.
- Fire resistance: Metal roofing’s Class A fire rating provides superior protection in drought-prone regions of Texas.
Insurance Considerations: Many Texas insurance providers offer premium discounts of 5-35% for impact-resistant and fire-resistant roofing materials, creating additional long-term savings for metal roof owners.
Return on Investment: When Does Metal Roofing Pay Off?
To determine the true cost difference, we need to calculate the break-even point for metal roofing.
Let’s consider a 2,000 square foot home:
- Initial cost difference: $15,000 more for metal roofing (average)
- Energy savings: Approximately $200-$500 annually (metal vs. asphalt)
- Maintenance savings: Approximately $100-$250 annually
- Insurance savings: Approximately $300-$800 annually (depending on provider and policy)
- Roof replacement savings: $12,000-$20,000 every 20-25 years
Based on these figures, the break-even point typically occurs between years 15-20 of ownership. Beyond this point, a metal roof continues to provide financial advantages.
Additionally, homes with metal roofing can command a premium of 1-6% when sold, according to remodeling industry studies. On a $300,000 home, that represents an additional $3,000-$18,000 in resale value.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home and Budget
While the numbers provide valuable guidance, the right choice depends on your specific situation:
Asphalt shingles may be better if:
- You have budget constraints for upfront costs
- You plan to sell your home within the next 5-10 years
- You want a traditional aesthetic that matches neighboring homes
- You want more color and style options at lower price points
Metal roofing may be better if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term (15+ years)
- Energy efficiency is a priority
- You live in an area with extreme weather conditions
- You want to minimize maintenance requirements
- Environmental sustainability is important to you
Why Austin pricing differs (and why metal can pay off here):
Hail & insurance: Class 4 impact-resistant systems can qualify for Texas premium discounts when certified under TDI-recognized tests. Link to TDI.
Heat & energy: In hot climates, reflective metal assemblies have documented cooling-energy reductions; ORNL research backs the mechanism.
What else factors into the cost of a metal roof and asphalt shingles?
Several hidden or secondary factors can significantly influence the cost of both metal roofs and asphalt shingles beyond just materials and basic labor. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Roof Complexity & Design
Steep pitch or multiple angles require more time, safety equipment, and skill.
Dormers, skylights, chimneys, or other roof penetrations add cutting/labor time.
Curved or custom shapes are more common with metal and add cost.
2. Tear-Off vs. Overlay
Tear-off (removing old shingles/roof) costs more in labor and disposal.
Overlay (installing new roof over old) is cheaper short-term, but not always recommended—especially for metal roofs, which need a clean base for proper install.
3. Underlayment & Accessories
High-temp or waterproof underlayments (e.g., for metal roofs) cost more but improve performance.
Flashing, drip edge, ridge vent, snow guards, and fasteners can add thousands depending on roof size and material.
4. Labor & Installer Experience
Metal roofing requires specialized labor, especially standing seam systems.
Roofing contractors with metal experience may charge higher rates.
Local demand and supply of skilled labor also impact costs.
5. Structural Upgrades
Metal roofing may require reinforcing the roof deck for heavier panels (depending on the profile used).
Older homes might need repairs or upgrades before roofing can begin.
6. Region & Climate
Prices vary greatly by region due to material transport costs, labor rates, and building code requirements.
Harsh climates (hail zones, snow loads, coastal salt) may require premium materials or installation methods.
7. Warranty & Manufacturer
Premium brands (e.g., CertainTeed, GAF for shingles, or Englert, Drexel for metal) cost more but often come with longer or transferable warranties.
At Comanche Roofing, We Help You Make an Informed Decision
Every home is unique, and so is every homeowner’s situation. That’s why at Comanche Roofing, we provide personalized consultations to help you weigh all factors—not just cost—when choosing between metal roofing and asphalt shingles.
Our experts can provide detailed cost analyses for your specific home, including potential energy savings, insurance benefits, and long-term value calculations. We work with premium manufacturers of both metal and asphalt products to ensure quality installation regardless of your choice.
Contact Comanche Roofing today for a free consultation and detailed quote comparing your metal and asphalt roofing options. Making the right investment in your home’s protection starts with having all the facts.
Get your free quote now!
Cody Profitt
Cody has built a reputation in the Austin area as the go-to source for installing complex roofing systems. He works directly with custom home builders on waterproofing high- end modern homes other roofers wont touch. In his free time, Cody likes to be with his growing family and playing guitar.