Asphalt vs. Metal Roof Costs in Metro Detroit: Which is a Better Investment for Your Home?

If you’re replacing a roof in Metro Detroit, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is:

Should you install asphalt shingles or a metal roof?

Both roofing systems are used throughout Southeast Michigan, and each has advantages depending on your budget, long-term plans, and the conditions around your home.

The truth is, there isn’t a single “best” choice for every homeowner.

The better investment depends on several key factors.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs: Factors to Consider 

There are a number of key factors that affect which system is the better investment for you. They include:

• How long do you plan to own the property or home?
• How important is the total upfront cost of the investment?
• What type of metal roof are you considering?
• Where is the building located, and what type of weather will it be dealing with?

Once you answer each of these questions, you will be able to arrive at the right answer for you. 

How Long Do You Plan to Own the Home? 

This is often the most important factor. 

For example, if you are only going to own the property for 5-15 years, you are going to be hard-pressed to justify a metal roof being the best investment for you. 

However, if you plan to: 

• Stay in the home long-term 
• Pass the property down to family 
• Own the property for multiple decades 

Then a metal roof may provide better value over time. 

What is Your Budget for Upfront Costs? 

One of the biggest differences between asphalt and metal roofing is the initial cost. 

Asphalt shingles are typically the most budget-friendly roofing option available.

Metal roofing systems require a larger upfront investment, but they often last twice as long or more.

What Type of Metal Roof Do You Want? 

Not all metal roofs are the same.

Common metal roofing systems include:

• Standing seam metal roofs
• Metal shingles
• Exposed fastener metal panels

Each option varies in price, appearance, longevity, and maintenance. 

A professional roofer can help determine which metal roofing system fits your home and budget.

Where is Your Home Located? 

Your home’s environment can play a major role in choosing the right roofing system.

Homes in Metro Detroit that experience higher exposure to weather or debris may benefit from metal roofing.

If you have dense woods around you, or are located right on the water where your roof will experience more wind, weather, and debris, then yes, we would very often say a metal roof is the right answer because it is much more resilient to falling debris and gale-force winds.

Our Advice: Talk with a Roofing Professional 

The best advice we could give to any home or business owner is to get a qualified professional out to evaluate your current building, understand your long-term goals, and provide different systems with different materials so you can have a real discussion about what is best for you.

Our team of licensed and qualified experts at Four Seasons Kanga Roof would love to have that conversation with you and provide our expert advice. You can always schedule a free consultation by calling us at 586-566-0308 or schedule your appointment directly online by CLICKING HERE.

If you are not ready for that and are just doing some basic research, be sure to check out our free online roofing estimate tool. You can see some ballpark pricing for metal roofs, shingle roofs, or even a composite roof. This way you can be informed before you speak with a professional.

We hope this article helped shed some light on the differences between asphalt shingles and metal roofing, and we look forward to the opportunity to speak with you more on the subject.

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr.

VP, Owner – Four Seasons Kanga Roof