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Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing

 

Considering a Metal Roof? Here’s What to Know About the Cost, Insurance, and More

Here in Central Texas, hail and storm damage is a fact of life. That said, metal roofing often sticks out to homeowners as a way to avoid or significantly mitigate this problem. Still, in evaluating a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles, the answer is rarely simple; your budget, insurance, and long-term plans for the home all play a role. 

At Integro Construction Services, we help homeowners throughout Georgetown, TX and the surrounding area understand how different roofing materials may or may not suit their needs. Metal roofing has clear advantages in Texas, but asphalt shingles remain the most popular option thanks to affordability and steady improvements in performance. 

Below, we break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your home.

What Are the Advantages of a Metal Roof?

Long a staple in commercial and industrial roofing, metal roofing has gained significant popularity for homeowners. These are some of the top reasons why.

Longevity closeup of metal roofing tiles installed instead of asphalt shingles

One of the biggest selling points of metal roofing is how long it lasts. In Texas, a properly installed metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, significantly longer than any asphalt shingle roof. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long term—or who don’t want to face another roof replacement any time soon—this is a major advantage.

Resistance to Storm Damage

Texas weather is hard on roofs. Metal roofing holds up well against hail damage, high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. Many metal roofing systems are rated for winds well above what most storms deliver in Central Texas, and they’re far less likely to tear or blow off compared to shingles.

Potential Savings on Insurance Premiums

Some insurance providers offer discounts for metal roofs because of their durability and fire resistance. While savings vary by carrier and policy, and you should always check with your insurance provider first, metal roofing can sometimes lower premiums compared to standard shingles and even some IR shingles.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs that are light in color help to reflect heat rather than absorbing it. In hot Texas summers, this can help reduce attic temperatures, lower cooling costs for your home, and contribute to better energy efficiency.

Low Maintenance

Metal roofs typically require less ongoing maintenance than shingles. They don’t crack, curl, or lose granules over time, and they’re less vulnerable to algae or moss growth.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles remain the industry standard in roofing for good reason. Here are some of the biggest advantages of sticking to traditional shingles.

Lower Upfront Cost

Asphalt shingles are far more affordable at the time of installation. For many homeowners, this alone makes shingles the more practical choice. Lower upfront costs can be especially important if you’re budgeting for other home improvements or planning to sell in the near future.

Classic Look

Asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material in Texas neighborhoods, which means they blend easily with surrounding homes. That said, a wide range of colors and styles available means shingles can complement nearly any architectural style and make your home pop as much as you like.

Easier to Repair

When damage does occur, asphalt shingles are usually simpler and less expensive to repair. Replacing a small section of damaged shingles is straightforward, whereas metal roof repairs often require specialized labor and materials.

Faster Installation

Shingle roofs typically take less time to install than metal roofing systems. Shorter installation timelines can reduce labor costs and limit disruption to your daily routine.

Improved Impact Resistance

Modern impact-resistant shingles have come a long way. Many Class 3 and Class 4 shingles are designed specifically to perform better in hail-prone regions like Central Texas, helping reduce storm-related damage.

large mansion home with an asphalt shingle roof

Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Cost Breakdown

The cost of a metal roof is much higher compared to asphalt shingles. Here are some broad price ranges, though homeowners should keep in mind that the best way to determine how much their roof will cost is to get a quote directly from a roofer.

  • Asphalt shingles: Most Texas homeowners can expect asphalt shingle roofs to fall roughly between $4 to $8 per square foot installed, depending on shingle quality and impact rating.
  • Metal roofing: Metal roofs typically range from $9 to $16+ per square foot installed, with standing seam systems at the higher end of that range.

While metal roofing costs significantly more upfront, its longer lifespan means the cost often balances out over decades. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, offer a much lower entry point but will need to be replaced sooner.

Cosmetic Insurance Exclusions Can Be a Drawback

While metal roofing can deliver significant long-term savings on maintenance costs and your insurance premiums, there is an insurance drawback that’s often overlooked: cosmetic damage exclusions. A cosmetic damage exclusion means dents or visible hail marks may not be covered if they don’t affect the roof’s ability to shed water, and many insurers write these exclusions into policies for metal roofs.

In hail-prone areas like Georgetown, this can be frustrating for homeowners. A metal roof may still function perfectly, but visible denting can impact curb appeal—and insurance may not pay for repairs or replacement. This is less of an issue with asphalt shingles, where cosmetic and functional damage tend to overlap more clearly.

Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: The Verdict

Even with all the practical benefits of metal roofing, at Integro Construction Services we still most commonly recommend an asphalt shingle roof for most homeowners. Shingles remain more affordable, easier to repair, and increasingly resilient thanks to advances in impact-resistant technology. While they won’t last as long as metal, today’s premium shingles are doing a better job of closing the performance gap in hail-prone regions.

That said, homeowners motivated purely by having a roof that will last as long as possible and provide maximum protection from storm damage should still consider metal roofing. This will become an increasingly attractive option if insurance providers continue to leave Texas or provide reduced coverage.

Integro Construction Services: Georgetown Roofing Experts

If you’re weighing a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles for your Georgetown home, Integro Construction Services can help you evaluate your options based on your budget, insurance considerations, and long-term goals.

We’re the go-to roofing company in Georgetown, and our team of local experts is standing by to provide expert recommendations tailored to your home and your needs.

Ready to get started? Call 512-987-1273 or reach out to us online.

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