One important decision you need to make when building a home or business is the right roof for your property. While the roofing industry is flooded with many roofing systems, metal and shingle roofs are popular choices today, and one key metric that separates them is the price difference.
Hence, as a property owner planning to roof your home or business, you want to know which of two roofing systems is economically recommended and the benefits and setbacks associated with each system.
As a guide, asphalt shingle roofing is less expensive than metal roofing. The cost of a 2,000-square-foot shingle roof hovers around $15,000, while a metal roof of the same size can cost up to $50,000. However, note that the price of each roof depends on many factors, and these are only rough estimations.
This article explains the cost implications of asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing. It discusses the factors that affect the overall price of a roofing system, so you can know how much to budget for your next roofing project. Lets start with a comparision of metal roof cost vs shingle roof cost.
Cost of Metal Roof Material
When determining the cost of metal roofing, it is important to note that metal roofing is in different materials, with steel sheets and copper tiles being the most popular.
Roofing material manufacturers produce their products in sheet sizes between 50 and 100 square feet. Working with this measurement lets you know how much material is needed for your project, which ultimately determines the cost.
Our experience at QTO Estimating also shows that roofers slightly increase the amount of materials needed for a project (usually 10%) to cover unforeseen wastes.
Since the cost of a metal roofing project depends on the material, it makes sense to understand the available materials and their benefits and weakness.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a common metal roofing system that is available in shingles or sheets. The popularity of aluminum in the roofing industry is credited to its ability to reflect solar heat and keep the indoor space cool.
However, aluminum sheets are lightweight, a characteristic that makes them less durable.
Aluminum costs $17–$24 per square foot.
Tin
Tin sheets are one of the most durable roofing materials on the lineup. They are made from steel cores with tin alloy coatings and can last up to 70 years.
Roofing your building with a tin roof will cost you between $16 and $23 per square foot.
Zinc
Zinc metal roofing materials are produced as shingles and standing seam panels. Both options feature a protective coating that hide scratches and prevents corrosion. While zinc is one of the most affordable metal roofing materials you will come across, its key strength lies in its high durability, as it can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Zinc metal roofing costs between $14and $20 per square foot.
Steel
When you go for a steel roof, you still have to choose between galvalume, galvanized, and stainless steel. Interestingly, each of these comes at a distinct price range with its benefits and setbacks.
For example, galvalume is the least expensive and is aluminum-coated and painted, galvanized steel is pricier but more durable, while, stainless steel stands out with the longest lifespan but the highest price.
Overall, budget between $16 and $22 per square foot for your steel roofing.
Copper
If you are looking for a mix of outstanding appearance and resistance to rust and corrosion, which are crucial to durability, copper metal roofing might be all you need. However, be prepared to spend more on this material than you would spend on other materials in the metal roofing category.
Copper roofing costs between $28 and $40 per square foot.
This table tabulates metal roofing material, average price per square foot, and how much to spend on a 2000 square foot project:
| Material | Average Price per Square Foot | Price for 2,000 Square Feet |
| Zinc | $14–$20 | $28,078–$39,584 |
| Steel | $16–$22 | $31,524–$44,332 |
| Tin | $16–$23 | $32,236–$45,400 |
| Aluminum | $17–$24 | $34,220–$48,178 |
| Copper | $28–$40 | $56,934–$80,638 |
Cost of Shingle Roof Material
One common mixup about shingle roofs is that they are only in three-tab shingles. This is false, as manufacturers use other materials too. Hence, you are presented with more materials than a basic asphalt shingle roof when you choose shingle roofing.
Here are popular shingle roofing systems you can choose from:
Basic Asphalt Shingles ($4–$6)
These shingles are common among residential property owners on a low budget. Basic asphalt shingles are cheap and easy to install. However, they have the lowest lifespans at 15 to 20 years.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles ($6–$8)
These shingles take after the basic asphalt shingles but address the low durability. Since architectural asphalt shingles are thicker and sturdier, they offer a better life expectancy of up to 30 years with the ability to withstand severe conditions.
Composite Shingles ($7–$9)
Composite shingles are also made of asphalt but offer additional strength, thanks to fiberglass and recycled materials introduced during the production. Composite shingles come with outstanding looks and have a high lifespan of up to 50 years.
Wood Shingles ($11–$14)
Wood shingles stand out with a beautiful look that takes after wood. However, while they can last up to 50 years like composite shingles, they require a high regular maintenance to keep their look.
Slate Shingles ($17–$24)
If your choice of roof is shingles and you cherish durability, look no further than slate shingles. Although they are expensive and their heaviness requires roof reinforcement, their 100-year lifespan is rare to come by.
| Shingle Material | Average Price per Square Foot | Price for 2,000 Square Feet |
| Basic asphalt | $4–$6 | $8,266–$11,449 |
| Architectural asphalt | $6–$8 | $11,696–$16,129 |
| Composite | $7–$9 | $13,206–$17,396 |
| Wood | $11–$14 | $21,080–$28,629 |
| Slate | $17–$24 | $33,978–$47,947 |
Other Factors That Determine the Overall METAL ROOF Cost vs Shingle Roof COST
Of course, materials are the major determinant of the cost of roofing. However, other factors also contribute to the overall cost of a roofing project. Factors like roof complexity, choice of roofer, and roof pitch can all influence your budget for a roofing project.
Roof size
According to the data provided above, metal roofing costs between $14.03 and $40.32 per square foot, while shingle roofing costs between $4.13 and $8.69 per square foot.
This table shows how much to expect to spend on metal roofing and shingle roofing:
| Square Footage | Average Metal Cost | Average Shingle Cost |
| 1,000 | $14,030–$40,320 | $4,130–$8,690 |
| 1,500 | $21,045–$60,480 | $6,195–$13,035 |
| 2,000 | $28,060–$80,640 | $8,260–$17,380 |
| 2,500 | $35,075–$100,800 | $10,325–$21,725 |
| 3,000 | $42,090–$120,960 | $12,390–$26,070 |
Labor Costs
Labor costs are a necessary factor to consider when estimating your roofing costs. If a roofing system takes more time to install, expect the project to demand more money from you. While a roofing material can be cheap, it may require a high labor cost that pumps up the overall costs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide a set labor cost.
Other Roof System Components
Roofing materials are not the only components needed for a roofing project. You also need to budget for other roofing components, which depend on your specific roofing system.
Besides your main materials, other components you will pay for a successful roofing project include decking, underlayment, roof flashing, and pipe boots, among others.
Roof Accessibility
Roof accessibility is often determined by landscaping, patio area, fence, and roof height. Roofers use the roof access point to gauge their charges. A roof that is easier to access by roofers attracts lower costs than one that is difficult to access.
In simple terms, the more obstacles your roof has to navigate to get the job done, the more you are charged for the job.
Your Roof’s Pitch
Roofs are installed at different pitches (angles). Interestingly, this plays a role in determining the overall costs of a roofing project. While a steeper roof is material-intensive, it also increases labor costs since roofers have to move more slowly for safety.
Roof Complexity
Your roof complexity also determines the cost of your roofing project. Roof complexity factors include hips, valleys, and facets. For example, expect to spend more on your roof if it features more facets or stories off the ground since it poses more difficulty to roofers during installation than a ranch-style home’s roof.
Roof Penetrations
With more penetrations, expect your roofing cost to soar. Roof penetrations include plumbing vents, kitchen/bathroom vents, gas vents, chimneys, and skylights.
However, note that skylights and chimneys add more to costs than smaller penetrations like pipes and vents.
Removal of Old Materials
If you are reroofing your property, you first need to remove the old roof and repair any damage to your building before installing the new roof. While you can install a second layer of asphalt shingles over the old one, it is not recommended. Unfortunately, this phase also takes money from your pocket.
Dump Fees
Dumping fees are often overlooked when estimating the cost of metal vs shingle roofing, but it is worth acknowledging. Your roofer needs to rip up the old roof until they have a clean roof deck before the new installation takes place, and they need to dispose of the old materials.
The dumpsites charge for dumping your old materials at their site, and you also face labor and logistics costs.
Tips for Saving Money on a Roof Installation
Let’s face it: a roofing project is not cheap, regardless of your choice of materials, and you want to do all within your power to cut costs. Although we advise professional work and not cutting corners, there are a few ways to save money on your roofing installation.
Avoid Highly Expensive Roofing Materials
Of course, you want a durable material that can serve you for decades. Hence, your eyes are on high-end materials. However, keep in mind that high prices don’t always mean durability. Look for a decently-priced material with a high lifespan. In most cases, you may need to sacrifice aesthetics to cut the price.
Do What You Can Do Yourself
Roofing is a job meant for professionals, but you can save money by doing the little work you can do on your own. An example is tearing off and disposing off old shingles, which reduces your roofer’s work and ultimately the labor costs.
However, skip this tip if you lack the knowledge to carry it out.
Choose Quality
When picking your material, always think long-term. While a quality material can be expensive upfront, it is less expensive in the long run as you spend less on repairs. Plus, high-quality, energy-saving materials help reduce energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
Keep a Good Maintenance Routine
Having a good roof doesn’t stop with installation. You also need to keep up with maintenance. Always inspect your roof for early signs of damage and clean your gutters regularly.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to install a metal roof or shingles?
Shingle roofs are less expensive to install upfront than metal roofs. However, metal roofs offer better lifespans than their counterpart shingle roofs.
How much more expensive is a metal roof compared to shingles?
This depends on the type of metal and shingles you are comparing, but our study showed that the average metal roof can be three times more expensive than the average-priced shingle roof.
Does a metal roof add more resale value than a shingle roof?
When planning to add resale value to your property through the roof, it is difficult to choose whether a shingle or a metal roof adds better resale value than the other. While metal roofs are generally more expensive than shingle roofs, studies show that asphalt shingle roofs are better at adding resale value than standing seam metal roofs since 2019.
Metal Roof Vs Shingle Roof: The Long-Term Winner
Both metal and shingle roofs have their perks for gaining the hearts of property owners. While metal roofs can be costly upfront, they are cheaper to maintain and incur low repair costs in the long run. Conversely, shingle roof installations are cheaper, but expect a lower lifespan and more repair costs.
Hence, it is safe to crown metal roofs as the long-term winner in this price comparison. If you are on a high budget and want a roof that can serve you for a longer time, make your choice from the metal roof category.
Are you looking for roofing estimates? QTO Estimating has got you covered.
Contact us now and let our team of estimators estimate how much your next project will cost.