Choosing between asphalt shingles and metal roofing ranks among the most important decisions Asheville homeowners face when replacing their roof. Walking through neighborhoods from Montford to West Asheville, you’ll see both materials protecting homes throughout our region. Each offers distinct advantages that make sense for different situations, budgets, and priorities.
At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we install both asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems across Western North Carolina. Homeowners regularly ask us which material works better for our mountain climate. The honest answer is that both can perform excellently when properly installed, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Understanding the Cost Difference
The most obvious distinction between these roofing options appears in your initial investment. This cost gap influences many decisions, though it’s important to look beyond just upfront expenses.
Initial Investment Comparison
Asphalt shingle roofing typically costs $8,000-15,000 for installation on an average Asheville home (1,500-2,500 square feet). This includes complete tear-off of existing materials, proper underlayment, quality architectural shingles from manufacturers like GAF or CertainTeed, and professional installation with our 10-year workmanship warranty.
Metal roofing installation on the same home runs $15,000-30,000 depending on metal type and profile. Standing seam systems reach the upper end of this range, while metal shingles or basic panel systems fall toward the lower end. This represents roughly double the upfront cost of asphalt shingles.
For many Asheville homeowners, that cost difference determines the decision. If your budget allows $12,000 for roofing, asphalt shingles make the choice clear. However, looking only at initial costs misses important long-term considerations.
Long-Term Value Analysis
Metal roofing typically lasts 50-70 years with minimal maintenance. Quality asphalt shingles last 20-30 years in our climate. Over a 50-year period, you’ll likely replace asphalt shingles twice, potentially three times depending on installation timing and product quality.
Let’s calculate realistic scenarios. Installing quality asphalt shingles today for $12,000, then replacing them in 25 years for $18,000 (accounting for inflation), then again in another 25 years for $27,000, totals approximately $57,000 over 50 years. A metal roof installed today for $24,000 remains functional throughout that same period with only minor maintenance costs.
The economics clearly favor metal roofing over extended timelines. However, this analysis assumes you’ll own the home for decades. If you’re planning to sell within 10 years, you won’t capture metal roofing’s long-term value advantage, making asphalt shingles the smarter financial choice.
Performance in Asheville’s Mountain Climate
Western North Carolina weather tests roofing materials year-round. Our freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rainfall, occasional snow loads, and summer heat all impact how different materials perform.
Weather Resistance and Durability
Metal roofing excels in mountain weather conditions. The smooth surface sheds snow and ice effectively, preventing dangerous buildup on lower-pitch sections. Metal’s resistance to wind uplift makes it ideal for exposed properties on ridgelines or at higher elevations around North Asheville and Chunns Cove.
Freeze-thaw cycles that stress asphalt shingles have minimal impact on metal. The material doesn’t absorb moisture, eliminating concerns about water infiltration, ice formation within the roofing system, and the cracking or deterioration that affects shingles over repeated freezing cycles.
Quality architectural asphalt shingles still perform well in our climate when properly installed. Impact-resistant shingles rated Class 4 withstand hail better than standard products. Wind-resistant shingles rated for 110-130 mph winds handle our occasional severe thunderstorms. The key is selecting appropriate product grades rather than basic contractor-grade materials.
Both materials handle our annual rainfall of 45+ inches effectively when installed with proper underlayment and flashing. Water intrusion problems typically result from poor installation rather than material choice. We see this frequently in older homes where shortcuts during original installation create vulnerabilities regardless of whether asphalt or metal covers the roof.
Fire and Impact Resistance
Metal roofing carries Class A fire ratings, the highest available. This matters increasingly in areas where wildfire risk exists during dry periods. For properties near wooded areas or at wildland-urban interfaces, metal’s non-combustible nature provides peace of mind that asphalt shingles can’t match.
Impact resistance varies within both material categories. Basic asphalt shingles offer limited hail protection, while Class 4 impact-resistant shingles perform significantly better. Metal roofing naturally resists hail damage, though severe storms with large hail can dent softer metals like aluminum or lower-gauge steel. Heavier gauge steel (24-26 gauge) resists even severe hail events.
Insurance companies recognize these performance differences. Many offer premium discounts for impact-resistant roofing, with the largest savings typically applying to metal roofs or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. These discounts partially offset higher installation costs over the roof’s lifetime.
Aesthetic Considerations for Different Architectural Styles
Your roof significantly influences your home’s curb appeal. The right material choice should complement your home’s architecture while reflecting your personal style preferences.
Traditional Asheville Home Styles
Historic neighborhoods like Montford and Kenilworth feature craftsman bungalows, Victorian homes, and early 20th-century architecture where traditional appearances matter. Architectural asphalt shingles excel in these contexts, offering dimensional texture and shadow lines that complement period architecture.
Color selection within asphalt shingles provides tremendous flexibility. Weathered wood tones, slate grays, and earth-based browns all work beautifully with craftsman architecture. The variety lets homeowners match or complement siding colors, coordinate with stone foundations common in older Asheville homes, and maintain neighborhood character.
Metal roofing can work in traditional settings, particularly standing seam systems in matte finishes. Charcoal, slate gray, or forest green metal roofs complement craftsman and Victorian architecture surprisingly well. However, some homeowners associations in historic districts restrict metal roofing, making asphalt shingles the only practical option.
Contemporary and Modern Designs
Modern homes and contemporary designs in newer developments often showcase metal roofing beautifully. The clean lines of standing seam panels complement minimalist architecture. Bold colors like bright red, deep blue, or copper-tone finishes make dramatic statements that feel appropriate on modern structures.
Asphalt shingles work on contemporary homes too, particularly when designers select modern color palettes. Stark blacks, cool grays, or contrasting light and dark sections can create striking visual effects with dimensional shingles.
For mountain contemporary homes popular in areas around Beaverdam and North Asheville, both materials work depending on the specific aesthetic vision. Metal’s sleek appearance pairs well with modern mountain architecture featuring large windows and angular designs. Asphalt shingles in natural tones connect contemporary structures to their mountain settings.
Color Options and Visual Appeal
Asphalt shingles offer virtually unlimited color options across multiple manufacturers. Whether you want subtle earth tones, bold contrasts, or specific color matching, you’ll find suitable shingle products. This flexibility makes color coordination with existing home features straightforward.
Metal roof colors tend toward more limited palettes, though options have expanded significantly. Standard colors include various grays, browns, greens, reds, and metallic finishes. Premium paint systems like Kynar 500 provide superior fade resistance, ensuring your color choice remains vibrant for decades.
The visual character differs significantly between materials. Asphalt shingles create textured, traditional appearances. Metal roofing delivers smoother, more contemporary looks even when products mimic traditional materials. Neither is inherently better, but they create different aesthetic impressions that should align with your home’s overall character.
Installation Requirements and Timeline
How these materials get installed affects project duration, disruption to your household, and complexity of the work involved.
Installation Complexity
Asphalt shingle installation follows straightforward processes that most experienced roofing crews handle efficiently. For typical residential roofing projects, installation takes 2-4 days including tear-off, decking inspection and repairs, and complete new installation.
Metal roofing requires more specialized skills and precision. Panels must be measured, cut, and fitted accurately. Standing seam systems involve specialized tools for seaming panels together. Installation typically takes 4-7 days for the same project that asphalt shingles complete in 2-4 days.
This timeline difference rarely influences material selection significantly, but it’s worth understanding. Metal installation’s longer duration reflects the precision required for proper performance rather than slower work pace.
Structural Considerations
Modern metal roofing weighs similar to or less than asphalt shingles, eliminating structural concerns for most homes. Asphalt architectural shingles weigh approximately 2.5-4 pounds per square foot. Metal roofing typically weighs 1-3 pounds per square foot depending on material gauge and profile.
Both materials work on existing roof structures in good condition. Structural reinforcement is rarely necessary unless the existing framing shows weakness or damage requiring attention regardless of new roofing material choice.
The exception involves homes currently supporting multiple layers of old roofing. Building codes typically limit roofs to two layers maximum. If you’re removing significant existing material, both asphalt and metal installation involve similar structural inspection and preparation work.
Maintenance and Longevity Differences
How much attention your roof requires over its lifetime varies significantly between these materials.
Routine Maintenance Needs
Asphalt shingles require more regular maintenance. Annual inspections check for lifted or damaged shingles, cracked sealants, and proper flashing condition. Debris removal from valleys prevents water backup. Algae growth on north-facing sections may need periodic gentle cleaning to maintain appearance.
Metal roofing maintenance involves less frequent attention. Periodic inspections verify fastener condition, check sealants around penetrations, and ensure panels remain properly secured. Scratches or finish damage should be touched up to prevent rust formation on steel products.
Both materials benefit from keeping gutters clean and trees trimmed back from the roof surface. However, the frequency and urgency of maintenance tasks definitely favors metal roofing for homeowners wanting minimal ongoing involvement.
Expected Lifespan in Mountain Climate
Quality architectural asphalt shingles last 20-30 years in Asheville’s climate. Basic three-tab shingles reach only 15-20 years. Premium products from top manufacturers, properly installed with adequate ventilation, reach the upper end of these ranges.
Metal roofing lifespan typically runs 50-70 years depending on material quality and finish. Aluminum resists rust naturally but dents more easily. Steel offers better impact resistance but requires quality paint finishes to prevent rust. Copper and zinc provide 100+ year lifespans at premium prices.
For homeowners planning to age in place or pass homes to the next generation, metal roofing’s extended lifespan becomes a significant advantage. You’ll likely never need another roof. For homeowners with shorter timelines, asphalt shingles’ adequate lifespan makes more economic sense.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
How these materials affect your energy bills and environmental footprint varies in ways worth considering.
Energy Performance Comparison
Metal roofing reflects solar radiation more effectively than asphalt shingles, particularly in lighter colors. This reduces cooling costs during summer months by 10-25% depending on home characteristics, insulation levels, and air conditioning efficiency.
Asphalt shingles absorb more heat, though cool roof asphalt products with reflective granules perform better than standard shingles. Dark asphalt shingles on homes with air conditioning create the highest cooling loads and costs.
For winter heating, both materials perform similarly. The bigger factor is proper attic insulation and ventilation, which matter regardless of roofing material choice. However, metal roofing’s air gap between panels and decking (in standing seam systems) can provide modest additional insulation value.
Sustainability Factors
Metal roofing wins on sustainability metrics. Most metal roofing contains 25-95% recycled content, and the material is fully recyclable at end of life. Compare this to asphalt shingles, which typically contain petroleum products and end up in landfills.
The longer lifespan means metal roofing generates less waste over time. Replacing asphalt shingles twice or three times over 50-75 years creates substantial landfill burden. One metal roof installation eliminates multiple future tear-offs and disposals.
For environmentally conscious Asheville homeowners, sustainable roofing solutions often point toward metal despite higher initial costs. The life-cycle environmental impact clearly favors metal roofing over petroleum-based asphalt products.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
With all these factors considered, how do you actually decide which material suits your specific needs?
When Asphalt Shingles Make Sense
Choose asphalt shingles if your budget constrains you to $15,000 or less for roof replacement. The material delivers reliable performance at costs most homeowners can manage without extensive financing.
Select shingles if you’re planning to sell within 5-10 years. You won’t capture metal roofing’s long-term value advantage, making the lower investment smarter financially. Quality asphalt shingles satisfy home inspections and buyer expectations without overinvesting in features you won’t benefit from.
Traditional aesthetics in historic neighborhoods often favor asphalt shingles. If maintaining period-appropriate appearances matters or HOA guidelines restrict metal roofing, asphalt shingles become the practical choice.
When Metal Roofing Makes Sense
Choose metal roofing if you’re planning to stay 15+ years and can manage the higher upfront investment. The long-term economics, minimal maintenance, and extended lifespan deliver excellent value over your ownership period.
Select metal for maximum durability and weather resistance. If you’re in exposed locations, at higher elevations, or want absolute confidence in your roof’s performance during severe weather, metal roofing’s superior resilience justifies the premium cost.
Environmental priorities and energy efficiency goals also favor metal. If reducing your carbon footprint matters or you want maximum cooling cost savings, metal roofing aligns with these values better than asphalt alternatives.
Compromise Options Worth Considering
Metal shingles or tiles bridge the gap between traditional asphalt and standing seam systems. These products cost less than premium standing seam while providing metal’s longevity and performance advantages. They work particularly well when traditional appearances matter but you want metal’s benefits.
Premium architectural asphalt shingles with Class 4 impact resistance and extended warranties approach metal’s performance in some ways while keeping costs moderate. They won’t last 50 years, but they’ll deliver 25-30 years of solid service with insurance discounts offsetting some cost differences.
For homeowners uncertain about long-term plans or wanting to balance competing priorities, these compromise options deserve consideration alongside the two primary material choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which material handles Asheville winters better?
Metal roofing outperforms asphalt shingles in winter conditions. Snow and ice slide off metal’s smooth surface more easily, preventing dangerous buildup and reducing ice dam risk. Metal doesn’t absorb moisture, eliminating freeze-thaw damage that gradually degrades asphalt shingles. However, quality architectural shingles still handle winter weather adequately when properly installed with ice and water shield protection in vulnerable areas.
Will metal roofing be too loud during rainstorms?
Properly installed metal roofing with solid decking and adequate attic insulation produces noise levels similar to asphalt shingles during rain. The “drumming” concern comes from metal roofing installed over open framing without sound-dampening materials. In residential applications with standard construction, noise differences are minimal. Many homeowners report no noticeable sound difference between metal and their previous asphalt roofs.
Do asphalt shingles work with solar panels?
Yes, asphalt shingles accommodate solar panel installations well. Mounting systems attach through shingles into rafters with proper flashing preventing water intrusion. The key consideration is roof age. Avoid installing solar on roofs with less than 15 years remaining lifespan, as removing and reinstalling panels during roof replacement adds $3,000-8,000 to project costs. If planning solar soon, coordinate timing with roof replacement or choose materials lasting 50+ years.
Which material adds more value when selling?
Both materials positively impact home value when in good condition. New roofs of either type prevent sale price reductions buyers negotiate for homes needing immediate replacement. Metal roofing may command slight premium recognition from buyers focused on low maintenance and longevity, while asphalt shingles satisfy most buyers’ expectations at lower investment. The greater value factor is having a sound roof rather than the specific material choice.
Can you install metal roofing over existing shingles?
Technically yes, though we typically don’t recommend it. While building codes sometimes allow metal over one layer of shingles, this approach prevents inspecting decking condition, addressing ventilation issues, and ensuring proper underlayment installation. The cost savings are modest compared to full tear-off, and you sacrifice quality assurance. For best long-term performance, remove existing materials before installing metal roofing.
How do warranties compare between these materials?
Asphalt shingle warranties typically cover 25-50 years for materials, with coverage decreasing over time (prorated warranties). Labor warranties from installers usually run 1-10 years. Metal roofing material warranties often extend 30-50 years with better coverage terms. Paint finish warranties on metal range from 25-40 years depending on coating quality. We provide 10-year workmanship warranties on both material types, ensuring installation quality regardless of your choice.
Which material requires less maintenance long-term?
Metal roofing requires significantly less maintenance. After installation, periodic inspections every 3-5 years and addressing any fastener issues or finish touch-ups handles most needs. Asphalt shingles need more frequent attention including regular inspections, replacing damaged shingles, maintaining flashing, and monitoring for algae growth. For homeowners wanting minimum ongoing involvement, metal roofing’s lower maintenance demands justify premium costs.
What happens if hail damages my roof?
Both materials can suffer hail damage, though metal roofing resists impact better. Severe hail may dent metal roofing (primarily cosmetic) but rarely creates leaks. Hail damages asphalt shingles by bruising granules and underlying mat, potentially shortening lifespan even without immediate leaks. Impact-resistant Class 4 shingles perform better than standard products. Most homeowner’s insurance covers hail damage for either material. We help document damage and work with adjusters to ensure proper claim settlements.
Getting Expert Guidance for Your Asheville Home
Choosing between asphalt shingles and metal roofing involves balancing cost, performance, aesthetics, and your specific situation. Both materials protect Asheville homes effectively when properly installed by experienced contractors who understand our mountain climate’s demands.
We’ve installed hundreds of both asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems across Western North Carolina. Our 10-year workmanship warranty backs every installation regardless of material choice, reflecting our confidence in doing quality work with either product.
The decision ultimately comes down to your budget, timeline, priorities, and property characteristics. There’s no universally “best” choice, only the best option for your specific needs. We’re happy to evaluate your home, discuss your goals, and provide honest recommendations based on what makes sense for your situation rather than pushing premium products you don’t need.
When you’re ready to discuss your roofing project, contact Lane Roofing and Restoration at (828) 490-1830. We’ll provide straightforward assessment, detailed estimates for both material options, and expert guidance helping you make the confident decision that’s right for your Asheville home.