Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof: Which Is Better for Michigan Homes?
If you're planning to replace your roof, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles.
Both are popular choices for Michigan homes, and both can perform well in our climate. But with Michigan's heavy snow, ice, high winds, rain, summer heat, and constant temperature changes, choosing the right roofing material is especially important.
So, which is better for your Michigan home: a metal roof or a shingle roof? Let's compare the cost, lifespan, appearance, maintenance, and performance of each.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials used on Michigan homes. They're available in a huge variety of colors and styles and work well with just about any type of home.
Advantages of Shingle Roofing
Lower Upfront Cost
One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingles is cost. A shingle roof will typically have a lower upfront price than a standing seam metal roof, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want a quality roof without the larger initial investment.
Lots of Colors and Styles
Today's architectural shingles come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and designs. Whether you have a traditional home, ranch, farmhouse, or something more modern, there's usually a shingle that works well with the exterior.
Easier Repairs
If a small area of a newer shingle roof becomes damaged, it may be possible to replace individual shingles or repair a section without replacing the entire roof.
The repairability of an older roof will depend on the condition and brittleness of the surrounding shingles.
Proven Performance in Michigan
A properly installed shingle roofing system can handle Michigan's changing weather very well, especially when it's paired with proper ventilation, ice & water protection, underlayment, flashing, and quality installation.
Things to Consider With Shingle Roofing
The biggest trade-off with asphalt shingles is lifespan.
Shingles generally won't last as long as a quality metal roofing system. Their actual lifespan depends on the product, installation, ventilation, maintenance, sun exposure, and weather conditions.
Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, snow, and ice can all contribute to wear over time.
Shingles can also experience:
Granule loss
Curling
Cracking
Wind damage
Missing shingles
Moss or algae growth
Deterioration as the roof ages
None of these necessarily mean shingles are a bad choice. They simply require different long-term considerations than metal roofing.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has become increasingly popular on Michigan homes, cabins, garages, barns, and commercial buildings.
There are several types of metal roofing systems, but standing seam metal roofing is one of the most popular options for residential homes.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
Long Lifespan
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose metal is longevity.
A properly installed, high-quality metal roof can provide decades of service. While the initial cost is higher, the longer expected lifespan can make metal an attractive long-term investment.
Excellent for Snow and Ice
Metal roofing works especially well in snowy climates.
Its smooth surface can allow snow to slide from the roof more easily rather than remaining on the roofing surface for long periods.
However, this also means snow guards may be needed in certain areas, particularly above entrances, sidewalks, decks, and driveways where large amounts of sliding snow could create a hazard.
Durable in Michigan Weather
Quality metal roofing is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and ice.
Metal also doesn't crack or lose granules like asphalt shingles.
Low Maintenance
Metal roofs generally require relatively little maintenance when installed correctly. Homeowners should still periodically inspect flashing, fasteners where applicable, penetrations, sealants, and areas where debris may collect.
Modern Appearance
Metal roofing isn't just for barns anymore.
Standing seam roofing can give a home a clean, high-end appearance and works especially well with modern homes, cabins, lake houses, farmhouses, and homes with mixed exterior materials.
Things to Consider With Metal Roofing
The biggest downside for most homeowners is the upfront cost.
Standing seam metal roofing typically costs considerably more than asphalt shingles because of the materials, specialized installation, fabrication, and labor involved.
Metal roofing also requires experienced installation. Details around valleys, chimneys, skylights, walls, penetrations, and transitions are extremely important to the long-term performance of the roofing system.
Another consideration is snow movement. While shedding snow can be an advantage, large sheets of snow and ice sliding from the roof can be dangerous if the roof isn't properly planned.
Which Roof Handles Michigan Snow Better?
Both roofing systems can handle Michigan winters when properly designed and installed.
Metal has an advantage when it comes to shedding snow, while shingles tend to hold snow in place longer.
But the roofing material itself is only one part of winter performance.
A Michigan roofing system also depends heavily on:
Proper attic insulation
Proper ventilation
Ice & water protection
Correct flashing
Proper roof decking
Adequate drainage
Quality installation
A brand-new roof won't necessarily solve ice damming if the underlying attic insulation and ventilation problems aren't addressed.
Which Is Better for High Winds?
Both quality asphalt shingles and properly installed metal roofing systems are available with strong wind ratings.
The specific product and installation method matter.
With shingles, proper nailing patterns, starter shingles, roof preparation, and manufacturer installation requirements are important. With metal, panel attachment, clips or fasteners, flashing, trim, and installation details all contribute to wind performance.
If your home is in an exposed area or near the water where high winds are common, wind resistance should be an important consideration when selecting your roofing system.
Which Roof Lasts Longer?
In general, metal roofing has the advantage when it comes to lifespan.
Asphalt shingles will eventually lose granules and deteriorate from age and weather exposure. Metal roofing is designed for a much longer service life.
That doesn't automatically make metal the better financial decision for every homeowner.
If you plan to sell your home within several years, the additional upfront investment may not make as much sense to you. If you're planning to stay in the home long-term and want to minimize the likelihood of another roof replacement, metal may be worth considering.
Which Roof Is Less Expensive?
In most cases, asphalt shingles are less expensive upfront.
For homeowners working within a specific renovation budget, shingles can provide excellent performance at a significantly lower initial investment.
Metal costs more initially but may provide value through its longer lifespan and reduced need for replacement.
Rather than looking only at the installation price, it can be helpful to consider the long-term cost of ownership.
What About Appearance?
This one comes down to personal preference.
Shingles offer a traditional appearance and an enormous selection of colors. Architectural shingles can also provide dimension and texture that complements many styles of homes.
Metal provides cleaner lines and a more distinctive appearance. Standing seam metal is particularly popular for modern, farmhouse, rustic, and lakefront homes.
You can also combine materials.
For example, some homeowners choose shingles for the main roof and use standing seam metal on porches, dormers, entry roofs, or accent areas. This can create the look of metal roofing without using it on the entire home.
So, Which Is Better for a Michigan Home?
There's no single answer for every homeowner.
Choose asphalt shingles if: you want a lower upfront cost, lots of style and color options, straightforward repairs, and a proven roofing system that works well in Michigan.
Consider metal roofing if: you're willing to invest more upfront for a longer-lasting roofing system, like the appearance of metal, and want a roof that performs particularly well with snow and harsh weather.
For many homeowners, the decision ultimately comes down to budget, how long you plan to own the home, the style of the house, and your long-term priorities.
Roofing in Genesee County, Michigan
If you're considering a new roof in Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Burton, Flushing, Fenton, Swartz Creek, Clio, or elsewhere in Genesee County, Murphy Builders can help you compare your options.
We install both asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems, so we're not here to tell every homeowner that one material is always better than the other. The right roofing system depends on your home, your budget, and what you're looking for from your new roof.
Ready to Compare Shingle and Metal Roofing?
If you're thinking about replacing your roof and aren't sure which option makes the most sense, contact Murphy Builders to request an estimate for your Genesee County home.
We can go over your roofing options, materials, colors, and pricing so you can choose a roof that works for your home and your budget.
