Asphalt and metal are the two roofs most homeowners actually choose between. Asphalt wins almost every up-front comparison; metal wins almost every long-term one. Which matters more depends on how long you plan to stay and how you value the trade-offs below.
Up-front cost
Architectural asphalt shingles install for roughly $4–$7 per square foot, putting a typical 24-square roof near the $11,000 national average. Standing-seam metal runs $9–$16 per square foot — frequently double to triple the asphalt price for the same roof. Clay or concrete tile and natural slate sit higher still, often $15–$30+ per square foot installed.
Lifespan and durability
A quality architectural asphalt roof lasts about 20–30 years in a moderate climate. Standing-seam metal commonly lasts 40–70 years, resists wind and fire better, and sheds snow well. Tile and slate can outlive the building itself but add structural weight that some homes need reinforced to carry.
Plan on replacing asphalt roughly twice in the time one metal roof lasts. That single fact drives most of the lifetime-cost story.
Cost over the life of the home
Imagine staying 50 years. Asphalt at $11,000 a roof, replaced about three times, totals roughly $33,000 (before inflation). One $24,000 metal roof covers the same span. Metal's premium narrows sharply — and may disappear — once you count avoided tear-offs, lower maintenance, and potential insurance or energy savings. Stay only 7–10 years, though, and you will likely never recoup metal's premium; asphalt is the rational pick.
How to choose
- Choose asphalt if budget is tight, you may move within a decade, or you want the widest, cheapest pool of installers.
- Choose metal if this is a long-term home, you face high wind/wildfire risk, or you want one roof to outlast your mortgage.
Run both materials through the roof replacement cost calculator using your own square count to see the real dollar gap on your house, then weigh it against how long you plan to stay.
Lifespan and price bands are blended national figures, detailed in our methodology.