Tin Roof vs Shingles

When planning a roof replacement or building a new home, choosing the right roofing material is an important decision. The most common roofing choice in the U.S., due to their reliability and widespread use, is asphalt roofs. Among the most debated options are tin roof vs shingles—more precisely, metal roofs versus asphalt shingles and other types of shingle roofing. Both have their own set of benefits, costs, and ideal applications.

Let’s explore how roofing materials compare in terms of durability, installation, energy efficiency, and more to help you make an informed choice that adds value to your home or property.

What Is a “Tin Roof”?

Although “tin roof” is a common phrase, most so-called tin roofs are actually metal roofing materials, primarily made from galvanized steel or aluminum. True tin is rare in modern roofing. Today, metal roofing systems come in styles such as standing seam metal roofs, where raised seams interlock for added protection, or as stamped metal shingles.

Metal roofs tend to be lightweight, yet provide exceptional durability. Metal panels shed rain and heavy snow efficiently, resist strong winds, and stand up to falling branches or extreme weather. These features make metal a preferred choice for industrial buildings, but modern aesthetics mean they’re now common for homes, too.

What Are Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

A shingle roof usually refers to installations using asphalt shingles. Traditional asphalt shingles are single-layered, while architectural asphalt shingles have a dimensional, layered look and increased lifespan. Asphalt roofing is the most prevalent type in North America due to its affordability and ease of repair.

When considering shingle roofs, it’s helpful to explore the different types available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Here are the main varieties of shingle roofing commonly used in residential applications:

• Traditional Asphalt Shingles. These are the most widely used shingles due to their affordability and ease of installation. They provide reliable protection against the weather and are suitable for most climates.
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles. Known as dimensional shingles, these deliver a layered, textured appearance that adds to your home’s aesthetics. These are thicker and more robust than regular asphalt shingles, meaning they tend to have a longer lifespan.
• Composite Shingles. Made of multiple materials, asphalt and fiberglass, composite shingles are designed for extra durability. They withstand harsh weather better than most other options.
• Metal Shingles. These shingles combine the look of traditional shingles with the durability and energy efficiency of metal roofing. They reflect sunlight to help reduce cooling costs while lasting for decades.
• Slate Shingles. The beauty and longevity of slate shingles make them a sight to behold and a roofing option for over one hundred years. They provide excellent fire resistance and are often chosen for their classic, upscale appearance.
• Wood Shingles. The rustic, traditional, and quasi-country look of wood shingles is what many desire when making a shingled roof. They require more maintenance but add unique charm to certain architectural styles.

Key Differences: Shingles vs Tin Roof

Roofing Material and Appearance

• Metal roofing makes a bold statement and is available in a range of colors, finishes, and profiles, including metal shingles that mimic other materials. Homeowners can create a more modern or more traditional look to complement the home’s current architecture and enhance curb appeal.
• Asphalt shingle roofs, especially architectural shingles, offer classic curb appeal in various styles, including those that resemble wood or slate. Textures and colors are available across the board, which gives this roof an appealing option for many.

Durability and Longevity

• Metal roofs hold up well and last a long time. When properly maintained, metal roofing systems can last between 40 and 70 years or more, far exceeding the typical lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs. Metal roofing materials resist damage from strong winds, heavy snow, and falling branches, making them ideal for extreme weather conditions.
• On the other hand, asphalt shingles tend to have a shorter lifespan, generally lasting between 15 and 30 years. Traditional asphalt shingles can be prone to cracking, curling, and granule loss over time, especially in harsh climates. Architectural asphalt shingles offer improved durability and longevity compared to traditional shingles, but still require more frequent replacement than metal roofs.

Both roofing materials require maintenance, but metal roofs typically demand less maintenance over their lifespan.

Weather Performance

Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles provide reliable protection against typical weather conditions, but their performance varies under extreme circumstances. Metal roofs excel in shedding rain and heavy snow, thanks to their smooth surfaces and interlocking panels, reducing the risk of leaks and ice dams. Their ability to shed snow efficiently is particularly vital in regions with heavy snowfall.

Asphalt shingles can suffer from wind uplift if not properly maintained. They may also suffer damage from hail, with granules dislodging and exposing the underlying material. However, newer architectural shingles offer enhanced resistance to wind and hail damage.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Metal roofs tend to reflect solar energy to lower cooling costs and make them more energy efficient in hot climates. Some metal roofing systems even qualify as “cool roofs,” further reducing energy costs in summer.

• Metal roofs are recyclable, often made with recycled materials, and effective in reducing energy loads.
• Asphalt shingles are less energy efficient in warm climates due to heat absorption, and most end up in landfills when replaced.

However, new architectural asphalt shingles can offer better reflectivity than older traditional asphalt shingles. For environmentally mindful homeowners, metal’s recyclability is a major bonus over other roofing materials.

Aesthetic Versatility and Curb Appeal

Standing seam metal roofs and metal shingles can beautifully complement both contemporary and classic home designs, offering a sleek and durable option for a variety of architectural styles.

Meanwhile, asphalt shingle roofs, including the newer architectural shingles, remain a popular choice in many neighborhoods due to their versatile appearance and extensive color options.

For those seeking a distinctive or historic look, options like wood shingles, composite shingles, and slate shingles provide unique aesthetics, though they come with specific maintenance needs and varying costs.

Resale value can be increased with premium roofing that signals durability, energy awareness, and modern style.

Cost of Tin Roof vs Shingles

When planning for a roof replacement or a new roof, budget is an essential consideration. Here’s how metal roof cost and shingles cost compare in major categories. Metal roofs cost more upfront than shingles, but they may offer better value over time due to their longevity and lower maintenance needs.

Roofing Material	Initial Cost per Square Foot	Installation Costs	Expected Lifespan	Total Cost (Long-Term)
Metal Roofing Materials	$5 – $14	$3 – $7	40–70+ years	Lower (due to longevity)
Asphalt Roofing	$1 – $4	$1 – $3	15–30 years	Higher (multiple replacements)

Metal roofing materials have a higher initial purchase price and installation costs, but their exceptional durability and minimal maintenance costs mean that, over the decades, metal may be the more economical and cost-effective choice.

Asphalt shingles and composite shingles win on initial price. However, due to limited lifespan and possible frequent repairs, the total ownership cost may be higher, especially if you need to replace your roof more than once. While asphalt shingles are less expensive initially, metal roofs are often more cost-effective in the long run because of their durability and lower maintenance requirements.

Keep in mind that these are generalizations and not set in stone, as each situation is unique. Always get a professional roofing contractor assessment for your particular situation for optimal roofing success.

Make the Smart Roofing Choice: Call Armadas Exterior LLC for Guidance

When weighing tin roof vs shingles, your final decision should consider not just the shingles cost or the metal roof cost, but also long-term security, climate, aesthetics, and impact on your property’s value. Other considerations may include local building codes, homeowner association rules, and even access to recycled materials or disposal facilities.

Choose the right roofing material to protect your home with help from Armadas Exterior LLC. Our skilled roofers guide you in selecting the best solution for your needs. We use top-quality materials, install your new roof with precision, and provide outstanding customer service from the first consultation through the final inspection.

Don’t leave your home’s safety to chance—contact us and let us give you peace of mind for years to come!