2023 Metal Roofing Shingles Prices, Installation, Pros & Cons

Metal roof shingles offer many advantages compared to many other roof types but it also has a slightly higher initial cost.

With the price difference and numerous benefits that metal shingles offer, it’s worth weighing all options to make the best choice.

To get started on installing your new roof, contact your local roofing pros to get FREE ESTIMATES.

Metal Roof Shingles Cost

Metal shingles come in a variety of materials and styles. Costs can range from $3.20 all the way to $18 per square foot, with the average cost range of around $4-$7.

The type of metal used to make the roof shingles will play a major role in pricing. Aluminum and corrugated steel shingles can cost as low as $3-$3.50 while the copper shingles may go up to $18.

Of course, these prices are only for the shingles themselves. The installation will represent an additional cost and be a considerable piece of the total price. Installation costs will depend on many factors as well.

	Material	Installation
Aluminum	$3-$9.10	$9,200-$26,800
Corrugated Steel	$3.40-$6.60	$10,600-$19,400
Steel	$5.90-$12.10	$18,100-$35,900
Standing Seam	$8-$13.90	$23,900-$42,100
Copper	$10.10-$18	$31,000-$53,800

Metal roof installation will have a different price based on:

-Roofing Material
-Roof slope
-Difficulty
-Number of chimneys and skylights
-Home levels
-Whether old roofing tear-off and disposal are required

Benefits Of Metal Roofing Shingles

Metal roofing represents an excellent option in almost every regard. Metal shingles are very durable and sturdy and require minimal maintenance. Depending on which metal shingles you choose, the roofing can easily last for well over half a century.

Style

In terms of looks, metal roofing shingles are much more fashionable than many expect. This roofing type is rarely manufactured to look exactly like what it is – actual metal.

Instead, it’s either fabricated to replicate other materials or stylized to achieve a particular effect.

In addition to various colors, metal roof shingles can be textured in several ways and made to resemble asphalt, slate, or ceramic shingles and even cedar shakes.

The different looks of metal shingles, as well as their protective traits, usually come from additional plating or stone coating. Stone coating also gives the shingles texture, making them even more versatile. Additionally, metal roofing shingles can be trimmed in different shapes.

Function

From the functionality standpoint, it’s worth mentioning that metal roof shingles deflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat.

This makes metal shingles especially suitable for warmer climates, where they can cut down the costs of cooling by as much as a quarter.

Did you know? Metal roofing has been around for quite some time. Copper shingles were used about 5,000 years ago in Sri Lanka.

The ancient Roman Pantheon was roofed with copper, as were various distinguished buildings from the Middle Ages.

Metal shingles became widespread in modern times during the 19th century but became a popular option in the U.S. one century later.

Pros:

-Doesn’t require previous roofing removal
-Coating prevents excessive wear and tear
-Vast variety of colors, shapes, and textures
-Can last up to a century
-Relatively high wind resistance
-Resilient against hail
-Recyclable and often made of recycled materials
-Fire-resistant
-Doesn’t catch mildew
-Potentially high return on investment

Cons:

-Might present issues when adding solar panels
-High installation expenses
-Prone to denting due to weight or impact
-Will require re-coating
-Individual shingle repair is complicated and pricey

Types Of Metal Roof Shingles

These are general pros and cons for metal shingles. However, since metal roofing shingles can be made from different types of metal, each will have certain features depending on the specific metal used.

For example: steel and aluminum shingles will always need a paint finish or protective coating. These protective layers are usually made to last for at least 30 years.

In addition to the mandatory coating, steel is always galvanized. The process of galvanization includes dipping the steel into hot, molten zinc. This protects the steel shingles from corrosion and oxidation, contributing to their longevity. Also, galvanization provides a sort of primer for the metal.

On the other hand, copper and zinc won’t call for such protection. These metals aren’t prone to corrosion, so they don’t have to be painted or coated.

Another aspect of metal shingles that should be considered is the aforementioned return on investment (ROI). This represents the value a commodity can achieve on the market compared to its initial cost.

In terms of ROI, metal roofing shingles perform exceptionally well. While the initial cost is quite high (particularly in comparison with other materials like asphalt shingles), metal shingles gain considerable value due to their long lifespan.

Furthermore, this roofing type is still gaining popularity, which will certainly influence the resale value of metal roof shingles as well as prices for homes with this type of roofing.

Metal shingles come in several popular options:

-Aluminum
-Copper
-Steel
-Corrugated steel
-Tin

Aluminum is the most widespread material used to make metal roofing shingles, which isn’t very surprising considering its excellent traits. This roofing type represents an extremely durable metal roof shingle option.

Aluminum can handle harsh weather and even hurricanes. In addition, aluminum is particularly efficient in reflecting heat.

Copper is another popular option, largely owing to its beautiful look.

Like other metal shingles, copper is resistant to fire, which might sound odd considering its excellent electric conductivity. However, while copper conducts electricity, it doesn’t attract it, which means that a copper roof won’t have a higher risk of lightning strikes.

Untreated copper will lose its signature look in about two decades due to oxidization. However, this can be prevented by coating the copper roofing with lacquer or polyurethane.

Steel shingles represent a great alternative to aluminum shingles since they’re initially less expensive, although the installation costs can make the total expense the same.

Steel shingles can resist wear and tear, as well as damages or cracks caused by impact, shrinking, pressure, or erosion.

Steel is actually a foundation for tin roofing. Tin isn’t used as a roofing solution on its own. Rather, steel is plated with tin. This process results in an even more durable material with additional resistance to cracking.

Metal roofing shingles can be made in the following looks:

-Copper
-Slate
-Wood
-Tile
-Asphalt
-Metal

Copper shingles are, of course, primarily made of copper, but the metal can be solid or bonded with asphalt. Bonded copper shingles give the roof the appearance of a solid copper surface.

Slate shingles give the impression of genuine stone due to their molding and paint. Despite industry efforts, this metal roof shingle type used to be rather unconvincing in its looks, but the manufacturing process has come a long way in recent years.

Metal slate shingles have the advantage of looking like stone but with only a fraction of their weight.

Like slate, contemporary metal roofing shingles can be designed to resemble aged wood. This style combines the functionality and resilience of metal with the rustic yet elegant look of wood.

It’s also possible to give metal roof shingles the appearance of clay tiles or traditional asphalt shingles.

Finally, the metal look can be very appealing, especially when the shingles are done in exciting colors and shapes.

These effects extend the visual possibilities of metal shingles beyond merely imitating other roofing materials.

Pro Tip: You can benefit greatly from choosing specific metal roof shingle colors, depending on where you live. If you’re situated in the Pacific Northwest, you might want to opt for green, brown, or grey metal roof shingles.

These color options will be much better suited for the environment dominated by evergreen growth and the sea.

On the other hand, the same color metal shingles might look out of place in the Southwest desert terrain and appear washed out.

Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles

The main difference you’ll notice between metal shingles and asphalt shingles is the cost.

Metal roofing shingles are considerably more expensive than asphalt, but the higher cost comes with certain advantages.

Metal Roofing Shingles ROI

In particular, metal shingles can add value to the home since they will remain in good condition for many decades. Metal shingles can retain a maximum of over 85% of their value when resold.

Once their service life ends, metal roof shingles can be recycled completely.

The metal roofing shingles also reduce power consumption by maintaining cooler temperatures. This reduces the need for indoor cooling and can make your electric bill smaller.

If there’s a monetary downside to metal shingles, it’s that you can’t see their real benefits in the short term. It might take decades for the shingles to show their true worth.

Metal Shingles Cost

Metal shingle installation is expensive and can be a deal-breaker for some people. Additionally, possible complications during repairs or replacement of metal roof shingles may introduce added costs.

It can be challenging to find the right replacement for metal roofing shingles. Unless you decide to buy a surplus amount of shingles prior to the installation, you’ll likely have problems getting replacement metal shingles that fit your roof precisely.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Metal Roof?

In general, metal roofs and metal roofing shingles can present a noise problem, especially if it rains often where you live. The issue can be resolved with proper insulation, but that will increase the expenses even further.

Depending on the type of metal, the shingles could be prone to contraction and expansion. This will warrant a particular installation technique where panels will be allowed some spare room to expand and shrink.

If the installation isn’t done properly, shingles may come loose, causing more complications.

Asphalt Shingles Cost

Asphalt shingles are a traditional roofing solution that’s among the most popular in the U.S.

These shingles have a variety of color and design options that make them superior to that of metal roofing shingles. They are also much more affordable and relatively easy to install.

As one of the least expensive roofing solutions on the market, asphalt shingles represent the best option for households on a tight budget.

Practically every home can get a well-fitting roof due to the versatility of asphalt shingles.

Their great affordability makes asphalt shingles perfect for rental properties as they can make the property more appealing while keeping the costs down.

There’s also the increased resistance to fire and hail that asphalt shingles possess which will ultimately reduce insurance expenses.

Asphalt Shingles ROI

Asphalt shingles are likewise a valuable home addition and even retain quite a bit of value when resold – just over 68%.

Asphalt Shingles Downside

Of course, like metal shingles, the asphalt variant has certain negative sides.

One of the most significant low points for asphalt shingles is that they don’t last nearly as long compared to some pricier options. In fact, asphalt tends to last for about 20 years which makes it the roofing material with the shortest lifespan.

Unlike metal, asphalt shingles can develop mildew, especially if there’s significant water accumulation on the roof. This trait makes asphalt shingles a poor choice for particularly moist climates. These shingles don’t fare much better in warm climates, either.

Asphalt can’t repel the outside heat like metal shingles can. The asphalt shingles will not only transfer heat but possibly become damaged by it.

The only way to avoid heat-related issues is to treat the asphalt shingles with a special coating, but that process will bump up the installation costs.

Finally, asphalt shingles can’t compare to metal in terms of environmental responsibility.

Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles Summary

Here’s how metal and asphalt shingles compare in the most important aspects:

Durability

Metal roof shingles are a clear winner here with a lifespan of about 80 years compared to the 20 years that asphalt shingles are expected to last.

Pricing

Metal shingles are quite expensive with prices that can be more than double that of asphalt shingles.

Installation

Both metal and asphalt shingles install relatively easily. Some types of metal shingles might have additional installation considerations to prevent them from contracting and expanding.

Repair and replacement

Asphalt shingles can be more convenient to replace. It can be challenging to find metal roofing shingles that perfectly match the rest of the roofing.

Color and Styles

Asphalt shingles has a larger variety of colors, but metal roof shingles has many choices as well. There are plenty of metal roof shingle options to accommodate practically every style and taste.

Resilience

Metal roofing shingles are highly resistant to fire, heat, harsh weather, impact, and mildew. In this regard, asphalt shingles can’t compare, even though they are by no means delicate.

Overall

Metal roof shingles provide excellent quality, are more reliable, and boast greater resilience and durability than asphalt shingles. For those reasons, metal shingles are the better choice for homeowners, especially those who intend to keep their home for a long time.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles can be a good solution for people who need to mind their budget. This type of shingles would also be ideal for rental properties or homes that will shortly be put on the market.

Did you know? Some dealers tend to call asphalt shingles fiberglass, and that’s not a misnomer. The reason that “asphalt” and “fiberglass” are used interchangeably is because this type of shingle contains fiberglass.

It’s the main material that keeps asphalt shingles together. Fiberglass plays a structural role while asphalt is there for its waterproofing abilities.

Due to the mixture of materials, these shingles are sometimes called a third name: composition shingles.

Are Metal Roof Shingles Better?

It’s easy to consider metal shingles as the ideal roofing solution. Metal shingles are highly durable, customizable, and resilient.

Most businesses selling metal roofing shingles have at least six or seven colors in offer, with certain retailers housing over a dozen options.

It can also last a very long time, outlasting most of the competition.

If one of the sturdier options like aluminum or steel is chosen, then metal roof shingles will represent no issue in any regard.

However, metal shingles might not be a good option for a property that’s going to be sold relatively soon. In that case, these quality shingles would not yet have a chance to show their true value and bring the maximum return on investment.

Is It Worth It To Install Metal Shingles?

While metal roof shingles are more expensive than most other roofing materials, they compare much more favorably with roofing options of similar quality.

In fact, when pitted against the materials it’s supposed to resemble, like slate or cedar, metal shingles will prove to be about the same price, if not cheaper, to install.

Once all this is taken into consideration, it’s clear that metal roofing shingles represent an excellent roofing choice for your home.