Choosing between a metal vs asphalt roof is one of the bigger financial decisions a homeowner makes, and how long you plan to stay in the home is usually what settles it. In Northeast Ohio, where winters are punishing and storm season keeps roofing contractors busy, the stakes are a little higher than average. Both materials are proven and widely installed across the Cleveland area, but they hold up very differently over time and across price points.
What Is Metal Roofing and What Makes It Different?
Metal roofing includes steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc in styles that range from standing seam panels to corrugated sheets and metal shingles designed to resemble wood or slate.
Its primary strength is longevity: a properly installed metal roof routinely lasts 40 to 70 years with minimal maintenance. It also performs well under the kind of weather Northeast Ohio delivers, heavy snow, ice, and high winds, which is why it ranks highly among roofing materials suited for harsh weather.
What Are Asphalt Shingles and Why Are They So Common?
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in North America. They’re affordable, fast to install, and available in hundreds of styles and colors. Architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles, are the current standard. They’re thicker and more durable than older 3-tab styles, with lifespans typically ranging from 20 to 30 years.
Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: How Do They Compare?
| FEATURE | METAL ROOFING | ASPHALT SHINGLES |
| Average lifespan | 40-70 years | 20-30 years |
| Installed cost (2,000 sq ft) | $15,000-$40,000 | $7,000-$14,000 |
| 30-year total cost of ownership | ~$18,000-$42,000 | ~$21,000-$35,000 (with 1 replacement) |
| Weight (per sq ft) | 1-3 lbs | 2-4 lbs |
| Fire rating | Class A | Class A (fiberglass) |
| Wind resistance | Up to 140+ mph | 60-130 mph (varies by product) |
| Energy savings | 10-25% cooling reduction | Minimal without coatings |
| Noise in rain | Moderate (with insulation) | Low |
| Maintenance needs | Low; periodic fastener checks | Moderate; shingles crack and curl over time |
| Contractor availability | Specialized; less common | Widely available nationwide |
The most important number in that table is the 30-year total cost of ownership. Metal costs roughly twice as much to install, but it frequently outlasts asphalt by 20 to 40 years, which means asphalt owners often pay for a second roof within the same window. That second replacement is what closes the cost gap.
Metal roofing suits homeowners planning to stay long-term or prioritizing weather resilience, while asphalt shingles are the practical choice for budget-conscious buyers or shorter ownership horizons.
Where Does Metal Roofing Hold Up Well, and Where Does It Fall Short?
The freeze-thaw cycles that crack and curl asphalt shingles over time have much less effect on metal. Standing seam panels shed ice and snow faster than asphalt, which reduces ice dam risk, a problem Cleveland homeowners deal with almost every winter.
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow at the surface, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves, eventually forcing water under the roofing material. Metal’s smooth surface and lower heat retention limit how often that cycle plays out.
Some insurers also offer premium discounts for metal roofs in wind- and storm-heavy regions, which is worth confirming with your insurance provider.
However, metal does have real limitations. Without proper underlayment and attic insulation, rain on a metal roof is noticeably louder than on asphalt, a detail that matters in practice and one that contractors don’t always volunteer upfront. Also, in hail-prone areas, softer metals like aluminum can dent visibly without compromising structural performance, but the cosmetic damage does affect resale value. I.
Where Do Asphalt Shingles Work Well, and Where Do They Fail?
Asphalt’s main advantage is accessibility. Installation is faster, contractors are widespread, and emergency repairs after a storm are rarely a logistical problem. For a 2,000 sq ft roof, installed costs typically run $7,000 to $14,000, compared to $15,000 to $40,000 for metal.
The failure points are tied to age and climate stress. Asphalt is petroleum-based, so it expands and contracts with temperature changes. In a climate with Northeast Ohio’s temperature swings, curling and cracking often begin well before the 25-year mark. The underlayment, the waterproof layer beneath the shingles, is almost always where deterioration starts first, even when the surface still looks intact.
Granule loss follows: as shingles age, the protective granules embedded in their surface wash away, reducing the shingles’ ability to block UV radiation and shed water.
Which Roof Makes More Sense for Your Home?
If you’re planning to stay in your home for 15 or more years and your property faces punishing winters, high winds, or regular storm exposure, which describes most of Northeast Ohio, metal roofing is worth the upfront cost. The 30-year total cost of ownership often comes out close to or below that of asphalt once you account for the replacement cycle asphalt requires.
If you’re working with a tighter budget, plan to sell within a decade, or need a reliable repair done quickly, architectural asphalt shingles are a practical and financially sound choice. They’re well-suited to the Cleveland market, widely supported by local contractors, and, with quality materials and proper installation, will perform reliably within their expected lifespan.
If you’re still unsure which direction makes sense for your property, Peak and Valley offers roof inspections and free estimates. A thorough inspection will tell you what condition your current roof is actually in, which is the right starting point before any material decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a metal roof increase home value?
Generally, yes, but the premium varies. Metal roofs have been associated with a 1 to 6 percent increase in resale value, and in markets where buyers are familiar with the long-term cost advantages, the return tends to be stronger. In Northeast Ohio, the durability argument resonates with buyers who understand what local winters do to roofing systems.
Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
It can be, but the noise level depends heavily on installation. A metal roof installed over solid decking with proper underlayment performs close to asphalt in terms of sound. The louder metal roof stereotype comes largely from older agricultural buildings with no insulation layer beneath the panels. A well-insulated residential installation is not a significant noise issue for most homeowners.
Can a metal roof be installed over existing asphalt shingles?
In many cases, yes. Installing metal over existing shingles skips the tear-off step, which reduces labor cost and keeps old material out of the landfill. Whether it’s the right approach depends on the condition of the existing roof deck and local building codes. A structural inspection beforehand is necessary, adding metal over damaged or rotted decking creates bigger problems down the road.
Which is better for energy efficiency: metal or asphalt roofing?
Metal roofing has a clear advantage, with reflective surfaces capable of reducing cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. Asphalt offers minimal energy savings unless treated with special reflective coatings, which aren’t standard on most residential installs.
Does metal roofing reduce homeowners’ insurance?
Some insurers offer premium discounts for metal roofs in wind and storm-heavy regions, though it’s not universal. It’s worth confirming directly with your insurance provider, since the discount varies by carrier and location.
Is metal roofing harder to install than asphalt?
Yes, metal roofing requires specialized crews and takes more time than a standard shingle job, which is part of why the installed cost is higher. In many markets, experienced metal roofing contractors are harder to schedule than shingle crews, which can also affect both lead times and competitive pricing.