Metal roofing costs more upfront, but lasts significantly longer. We’ve been installing both for decades, so here’s an honest breakdown of the total cost of ownership.
Upfront cost
For a typical 1,500 sq ft roof in our area, asphalt shingles run $8K–$12K installed. Standing-seam metal runs $18K–$28K. That’s a big gap on day one.
The 25-year view
Asphalt shingles last 20–25 years in New England weather, so you’ll likely need one replacement in that window. Metal lasts 40–60+ years with minimal maintenance. When you factor in the second roof, the gap closes significantly — and metal often wins.