When you’re thinking about replacing your roof, shingles probably come to mind first. Most of us don’t think much beyond that option. Typically made from fiberglass and asphalt, shingles are fire-resistant and great at keeping water from seeping in. They’re the go-to choice for over 80% of homes, and for good reason. But here’s the thing — just because they’re cheap and popular doesn’t mean they’re always your best bet. Metal roofs are another option worth considering, especially if you care about saving money and being kind to the planet. Here’s what makes metal roofs pretty cool: they’re often made from recyclable metals. Usually, somewhere between 30 and 60% of metal roofing comes from recycled materials. And when the time comes to replace it, most of it can get recycled again. Compare that to the roughly 11 million tons of asphalt shingles ending up in landfills every year, and you can see why metal might be the greener choice. Beyond just being eco-friendly, metal roofs also help keep your home’s temperature more balanced. They bounce back about 90% of the sun’s heat, which is pretty impressive. This means your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep things cool. And get this — when neighborhoods have a lot of metal roofs, it can actually help reduce something called the urban heat island effect.
Ditch Your Shingles: A Roof Option That Costs Less and Helps the Planet
Metal roofs can save you cash down the road, even if they cost more upfront
Sure, metal roofs can help your wallet in the long term, but that upfront cost? Yeah, it’s a doozy. A lot of that expense comes from needing specialized installation and the extra time it takes to set everything up properly, which means higher labor costs. You might pay around $24,000 on the pricey end for an asphalt roof, but metal roofs often start at that price and can climb all the way up to $90,000 or more. The specific materials and installation method you go with will affect the final price tag, but no matter what, expect a metal roof to be a pretty big expense initially.
But if you’ve got the budget to make that initial investment happen, it could pay off big time later on. Some insurance companies actually give discounts for metal roofs, which is a nice bonus. Plus, they stick around way longer than shingles do. Your standard asphalt shingle roof needs replacing every 15 to 30 years, but metal roofs can last nearly 70 years. At the very least, you’re looking at 40 years on average, which makes it a smart long-term choice. Since you won’t need to replace them as often, that’s another win for the environment. Add in the money you’ll save on heating and cooling, and metal roofs start looking like a solid financial move.
Metal roofs aren’t right for everyone, and there are some real drawbacks
Metal roofs have tons of other benefits too. Like fiberglass shingles, they handle fire and wind really well. They’re fantastic in cold climates, protecting your home from damage caused by ice and snow buildup. They also keep pests, mold, and rot at bay. And if you want to customize the look, you’ve got options — metal roofs come in all sorts of colors like black, blue, brown, green, grey, red, and white.
Of course, there’s a flip side to all this. While metal roofs are excellent, they’re not ideal for everyone. They handle most weather situations just fine, but they struggle in coastal areas where salty air can cause rust issues. You’ve also got to choose the right type of metal for your specific region. While they’re generally pretty tough, softer metals like aluminum are way more prone to denting and getting damaged by severe weather. One more thing to consider — metal roofs can be noisier than people expect. When rain or hail hits a metal roof, it can get pretty loud.
That said, despite these downsides, metal roofs can still be an awesome and practical choice for a lot of folks. Whether you’re planning to stay put in your home for decades or you’re looking to sell soon, metal roofs are usually seen as a solid investment — both for your wallet and for our planet.
