Category: Roofing Tips
A metal roof costs more to install than asphalt shingles, mainly because of material price and the skilled labor standing seam or panel work requires.…
A metal roof costs more to install than asphalt shingles, mainly because of material price and the skilled labor standing seam or panel work requires. Shingles cost less upfront and are faster to install, but they typically need replacement sooner. Over the full life of a roof, the gap often narrows once you factor in how many shingle replacement cycles a metal roof can skip entirely. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to own the home, and your roof's size and pitch.
Metal panels and standing seam systems cost more per square than asphalt shingles, and the installation takes longer and requires more specialized skill. Seams have to be fastened and sealed correctly to stay watertight, flashing details around chimneys and valleys are more involved, and crews trained specifically in metal installation are fewer than general roofing crews. All of that adds labor cost on top of the higher material price.
The type of metal system matters too. Standing seam, with its raised interlocking panels, costs more than exposed-fastener metal panels, which are simpler to install but need periodic fastener checks over the years.
Asphalt shingles remain the most widely available and widely installed roofing material in Utah, which keeps material cost lower and labor more straightforward. Most roofing crews, including ours, install shingles routinely, so the work moves efficiently without specialized tooling. Shingles also ship and store easily, which keeps project logistics simple on both small repairs and full roof installations.
The tradeoff is service life. Shingles hold up well for a solid number of years under Southern Utah's sun exposure and temperature swings, but they wear faster than metal and are more likely to need granule or flashing repair along the way.
The cost difference between metal and shingles grows or shrinks depending on a few physical factors on your specific roof:
| Factor | Effect on Metal Cost | Effect on Shingle Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Roof size (total square footage) | Scales material and labor cost directly | Scales material and labor cost directly, but at a lower rate per square |
| Roof pitch (steepness) | Steeper pitches add labor time for panel handling and seam work | Steeper pitches add labor time but less dramatically |
| Number of valleys, dormers, and penetrations | Each detail needs custom flashing, raising cost more than on a simple roof | Each detail adds labor, but shingle flashing work is generally faster |
| Tear-off vs. new construction | Removing old roofing material adds cost to either option | Removing old roofing material adds cost to either option |
A simple, low-pitch roof narrows the price gap between the two materials. A roof with multiple valleys, skylights, or a steep pitch widens it, since metal's labor-intensive detail work scales up faster than shingle labor does.
Metal roofing's higher upfront cost is often balanced out by a much longer service life than asphalt shingles, meaning fewer full replacements over the time you own the home. Metal also tends to need less routine maintenance, since it doesn't lose granules or curl at the edges the way aging shingles can.
Many homeowners in our service area also weigh metal's resistance to wind and hail impact when thinking about long-term cost, since fewer storm-related repairs over the years can offset some of the initial price difference. That said, every roof and every storm season is different, and we'd rather walk your specific roof with you than guess at numbers that don't apply to your situation.
The right material depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your budget today versus your maintenance tolerance later, and the complexity of your roof's design. If you want the lowest upfront cost and don't mind a shorter replacement cycle, shingles are the practical choice. If you're planning to stay long-term and want to minimize future maintenance calls, metal is worth a serious look.
You can see examples of both material types in past projects on our portfolio page, and our team can walk your roof in person to give you an honest read on which option fits your home, your pitch, and your budget. Contact us to schedule a look.
Is metal roofing worth the extra cost in Southern Utah? It depends on how long you plan to own the home. Metal's longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs can offset the higher upfront price over time, but shingles remain the more budget-friendly choice for a shorter ownership horizon.
Can metal roofing be installed over existing shingles? In most cases, old roofing material needs to come off first so the deck can be inspected and prepared properly. We can assess your existing roof and explain what your situation requires.
Do metal roofs need less maintenance than shingles? Generally yes. Metal doesn't shed granules or curl the way aging shingles do, though seams and fasteners still benefit from periodic checks. See our FAQ page for more common roofing questions we hear across Southern Utah.
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