When it’s time to replace your roof, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your roofing material. For Pittsburgh homeowners, the two most popular options are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your home, your budget, and your long-term plans.

Let’s break down the key differences between asphalt and metal roofing so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Upfront Cost: Asphalt Wins on Initial Investment

If budget is your primary concern, asphalt shingles are the clear winner for initial cost. Asphalt shingle installation typically costs $5,000 to $12,000 for an average-sized home, depending on the quality of shingles you choose and your roof’s complexity.

Metal roofing costs significantly more upfront, usually ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 or more for the same home. That’s roughly two to three times the cost of asphalt.

For many homeowners, especially those on a tight budget or planning to sell in the near future, this price difference makes asphalt the practical choice. There’s no shame in choosing asphalt for financial reasons. It’s a proven, reliable roofing material that protects millions of homes.

However, cost shouldn’t be your only consideration. Let’s look at what else these materials offer.

Lifespan: Metal Roofing Lasts Decades Longer

This is where metal roofing starts to justify its higher price tag. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on quality and maintenance. Architectural shingles on the higher end of the price spectrum might reach 30 years with proper care.

Metal roofing, on the other hand, can last 40 to 70 years or more. Some metal roofs come with 50-year warranties. If properly installed and maintained, a metal roof might be the last roof your home ever needs.

Let’s do the math. If you’re 40 years old and plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, an asphalt roof might need to be replaced once or even twice. A metal roof installed today could still be protecting your home when you’re 90.

When you factor in the cost of a second or third asphalt roof replacement over the decades, metal roofing’s higher initial cost starts to look more reasonable.

Energy Efficiency: Metal Reflects Heat

Pittsburgh summers can get hot, and your roof plays a big role in your home’s cooling costs. Metal roofing reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce your cooling costs by 10% to 25% during summer months.

Metal roofs with special reflective coatings are particularly effective at keeping your home cooler. This is especially beneficial if you have an attic that tends to get extremely hot in summer.

Asphalt shingles absorb heat, which transfers into your attic and living spaces. Darker asphalt shingles absorb even more heat. While proper attic ventilation and insulation help mitigate this, asphalt simply can’t match metal’s energy efficiency in warm weather.

In winter, both materials perform similarly with proper insulation underneath. The key to winter energy efficiency is your insulation, not your roofing material.

Weather Performance: Both Handle Pittsburgh’s Climate

Pittsburgh weather puts roofs through the wringer. We get heavy snow, ice dams, spring storms, and summer heat. Both asphalt and metal roofing can handle these conditions, but they perform differently.

Wind Resistance: Quality asphalt shingles are rated for winds up to 110 or 130 mph, which exceeds what we typically see in Pittsburgh. Metal roofing can withstand even stronger winds and is less likely to blow off in severe storms. Advantage: Metal.

Snow and Ice: Metal roofing’s smooth surface allows snow to slide off more easily, reducing the risk of ice dams and heavy snow loads. However, this can create dangerous avalanches of snow falling from your roof. Asphalt provides more friction, so snow tends to stay put and melt gradually. This is safer but increases ice dam risk. Advantage: Tie, depending on your priorities.

Hail Resistance: This is where things get interesting. Quality asphalt shingles can handle most hail we see in Pittsburgh. Metal roofing is extremely hail-resistant and won’t puncture, but it can dent from large hail. These dents don’t usually affect performance, but they’re visible. Advantage: Slight edge to asphalt for aesthetics, metal for durability.

Fire Resistance: Metal roofing is non-combustible and offers the best fire protection. Asphalt shingles are rated for fire resistance but aren’t as fireproof as metal. Advantage: Metal.

Appearance and Home Value

Aesthetics are subjective, but they matter. Asphalt shingles come in a huge variety of colors, styles, and textures. You can find asphalt shingles that mimic the look of slate, wood shake, or traditional three-tab shingles. They suit virtually any architectural style.

Metal roofing has come a long way in appearance. Modern metal roofs are available in many colors and profiles, including styles that mimic traditional shingles or tiles. However, metal roofing has a distinct look that doesn’t suit every home or neighborhood.

Consider your home’s style and your neighborhood. In areas with mostly traditional homes sporting asphalt shingles, a metal roof might stand out (for better or worse). In neighborhoods with mixed architectural styles or modern homes, metal fits right in.

As for home value, both materials can add value to your home, but in different ways. A new asphalt roof provides solid value and meets buyer expectations. A metal roof can be a strong selling point for buyers looking for low maintenance and longevity, but it might not add dollar-for-dollar value compared to its cost.

Maintenance Requirements

Asphalt shingles require more ongoing maintenance. You’ll need to:

• Replace damaged or missing shingles promptly
• Clean gutters regularly to prevent water backup
• Watch for moss or algae growth in shaded areas
• Inspect for damage after severe storms

Metal roofing requires minimal maintenance:

• Occasional cleaning to remove debris
• Checking and maintaining sealants around penetrations
• Inspecting fasteners periodically

The reduced maintenance of metal roofing is a real advantage if you don’t want to think about your roof often or if you’re not comfortable with regular maintenance tasks.

Noise Considerations

One common concern about metal roofing is noise. Will you hear every raindrop? In reality, with proper insulation and installation, metal roofing isn’t significantly noisier than asphalt during rain. The sound difference is minimal in a properly insulated home.

However, metal roofing can be noisier during hailstorms. If the thought of hearing hail hitting your roof bothers you, asphalt is the quieter choice.

Environmental Impact

If environmental considerations matter to you, metal roofing has some clear advantages. Metal roofs are typically made from 25% to 95% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. When you eventually replace a metal roof decades from now, the old material can be fully recycled.

Asphalt shingles, while recyclable, often end up in landfills. However, asphalt shingle recycling is becoming more common, and recycled shingles can be used in road construction.

Metal roofing’s longer lifespan also means less frequent replacement, which reduces the environmental impact over time.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose asphalt shingles if:

• You’re working with a limited budget
• You plan to sell your home within 10 to 15 years
• You prefer traditional roof appearance
• You want the widest variety of style options
• You’re replacing a roof on an older home where a full roof replacement would happen eventually anyway

Choose metal roofing if:

• You plan to stay in your home long-term
• You want minimal maintenance
• Energy efficiency is a priority
• You live in an area prone to severe weather
• You’re willing to invest more upfront for long-term savings
• Environmental impact matters to you

Making Your Decision

There’s no universally “better” option. Both asphalt and metal roofing are quality choices that will protect your Pittsburgh home effectively. The right choice depends on your specific situation, priorities, and budget.

At Alan Construction, we install both asphalt and metal roofing and can help you evaluate which option makes the most sense for your home. We’ll consider your roof’s characteristics, your budget, and your long-term plans to recommend the best solution.

Contact us at (412) 954-8337 to discuss your roofing options. We’ll provide honest guidance and detailed estimates for both materials so you can make the choice that’s right for you.