Asphalt vs. Metal Roof: A 30-Year Comparison
Installed cost, lifespan, insurance discounts, and resale impact — the full math on the most common roofing decision.
Metal roofs cost 2–3x more upfront than architectural asphalt but last 2–3x longer. Over a 30-year horizon they're often the cheaper choice — but only in some climates and only with the right install.
Upfront installed cost
Architectural asphalt: $400–$750 per square. Standing-seam metal: $900–$1,800 per square. On a 24-square roof, you're looking at $9,600–$18,000 vs. $21,600–$43,200 installed.
Lifespan and replacement cycle
Architectural asphalt: 22–28 years in temperate climates, less in hot/sunny regions. Standing-seam metal: 45–70 years with minimal maintenance. Over 60 years, you'll buy 2–3 asphalt roofs vs. 1 metal — and the avoided tear-off costs alone narrow the gap considerably.
Insurance and resale
Many insurers offer 10–35% premium discounts on Class 4 impact-rated metal roofs in hail-prone regions. Resale data shows metal recovers 60–85% of cost at sale vs. 60–70% for asphalt, with metal performing especially well in fire-prone Western markets.