What Is a Metal Shingle Roof?
Choosing a roof in Texas often comes down to balancing durability with looks, and a metal shingle roof gives you both — the strength of steel in a design that resembles traditional shingles, with a lifespan that far outpaces asphalt.
Engineered from durable metals but styled to resemble familiar composite shingles often chosen for suburban homes, a steel shingle roof essentially gives you the resilience of metal while blending in with surrounding houses and maintaining a classic residential look. Are you curious about how they compare with traditional asphalt shingles? In this blog, we’re taking a closer look!
What is a Metal Shingle Roof?
Metal asphalt shingles are actually made from pressed steel panels coated with stone granules, which creates a finish that mimics the depth and texture of asphalt shingles while preventing common problems like cracking and warping.
Comparison with Asphalt Shingles
Lifespan – A steel shingle roof can last 40 years or more. With proper care, its lifespan could even extend up to 70 years. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, usually last between 15 and 30 years, depending on quality and climate.
Durability – Metal shingles hold up well against severe weather, making them less likely to be damaged by hail and strong winds. Plus, they resist corrosion well. Asphalt shingles are durable too, but they are more vulnerable to weather-related damage that make them wear out quickly.
Maintenance – Metal shingle roofs require very little upkeep because they resist common problems like rot and insect damage. Asphalt shingles are generally low-maintenance, but they can crack, curl, or lose granules after heavy storms, leaving you replacing shingles and sealing leaks far sooner than expected.
Longevity – You might never need to replace them within your lifetime. Compare that to asphalt shingles that have a shorter 15- to 30-year lifespan and it’s easy to see why many homeowners see metal as the longer-term investment.
Key Benefits of Metal Shingle Roofs
Durability – Metal shingles are built to withstand tough conditions better than asphalt shingles. While the upfront cost is higher, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance often make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. You’ll spend less on repairs and replacements over the years, which balances out the initial investment.
Wind resistance – If you’ve ever seen asphalt shingles curling or flying off after a storm, you know how prone they are to wind uplift. That’s not a problem with metal shingles that can hold their ground. With proper installation and upkeep, a steel shingle roof can endure hurricane-force winds. Between metal and asphalt shingles, the former is more resistant to wind-driven debris without cracking or shifting out of place.
Hail protection – Hail can cause significant damage to traditional shingles, leaving cracks or punctures. Metal shingles, however, are impact-resistant and designed to withstand even large hailstones, so you know they can stand up to the severe weather in Texas.
Energy efficiency – Metal roofing consistently ranks among the most energy-efficient options available. By reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, metal shingles can lower cooling costs by as much as 40%. You can benefit from reduced energy bills, especially in the summer when air conditioning systems work the hardest. In contrast, asphalt shingles absorb heat, which can increase indoor temperatures and cooling demands.
Fire resistance – Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based, which makes them flammable under certain conditions. Metal shingles are non-combustible, providing an added layer of protection by resisting ignition and helping to prevent the spread of fire.
Eco-friendliness – Most types of metal shingles are fully recyclable, so unlike asphalt shingles that often end up in landfills, metal roofing materials can be reused, making them a greener choice if you’re looking for a durable roof without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Energy Efficiency & Environment
Because the roof takes the brunt of the sun’s exposure, it plays a direct role in how much heat enters your home and how much energy you use to stay comfortable. With energy costs rising, you might want a roofing system that can reduce utility bills. Metal shingle roofing consistently comes out on top because of its ability to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. So, it can help cut your energy costs by up to 40%!
Knowing the qualities of an energy-efficient roof can help you understand why metal shingle roofing is such a smart choice:
Reflectivity: Reflectivity measures how well a roof bounces sunlight and heat back into the atmosphere. Metal shingles can reflect as much as 70% of solar energy, which keeps the roof surface cooler and reduces the amount of heat that transfers inside.
Thermal emittance: Metal excels in thermal emittance—the measure of how quickly it can release absorbed heat. Metal shingles shed heat quickly, while asphalt shingles radiate warmth into the building even after the sun has gone down.
With free-flowing electrons in its atomic structure, metal allows heat to spread quickly across the surface and release back into the air. This high conductivity makes metal roofs highly emissive, helping to keep your home cooler for longer.
Ventilation: A well-ventilated roof system lets hot air escape while pulling in cooler air. Installing a metal shingle roof over battens creates an air gap between the panels and the roof deck, which promotes airflow and prevents heat buildup in the attic or ceiling spaces, further reducing the cooling load on your home.
Unlike asphalt shingles and wood shakes that sit directly on plywood and trap heat, metal roofs are often installed with a batten system designed to allow air to flow beneath the panels, which helps regulate temperature and boosts energy efficiency.
Less waste: Metal roofing also reduces waste because it’s fully recyclable at the end of its life. Unlike asphalt shingles, which typically end up in landfills, old metal panels can be melted down and reused, keeping valuable materials in circulation instead of creating more waste.
Long-lasting solution: Metal roofs have a service life of 50 years or more, which is far longer than the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Fewer replacements mean fewer materials and generated waste, translating to better long-term value in durability and sustainability.
Better insulation: Because metal reflects sunlight, homes stay cooler during the summer months and warmer in winter, essentially acting as natural insulation that makes your HVAC system work a lot less harder — and therefore helping you reduce your energy usage all year.
Maintenance Requirements
Your metal shingle roof is designed to last a very long time, but like any structural component of your home, it still needs a little attention now and then. If you neglect routine maintenance, Leaks can start damaging the underlayment and insulation, while failing sealant can start allowing water to seep in and rot the roof deck.
Inspection: Schedule professional inspections especially after major storms so that a trained roofer can spot early signs of damage or wear that you might overlook. They can perform repairs right away to prevent problems from escalating.
Cleaning: Clogged gutters and drains can trap water, which may cause premature corrosion on the roof surface. Make it a habit to clear all kinds of debris from your gutters at least once a year to ensure proper drainage.
Dealing with debris: Branches and leaves caught in roof valleys or low-slope areas can also scratch or stain the roof’s finish. By removing them promptly, you can protect your roof’s coating and keep it looking sharp!
Check the sealants: Sealants play an important role in keeping the roof weather-tight by blocking water and dirt. While some modern sealants are long-lasting and UV-resistant, others may require occasional touch-ups or replacement. Inspect them periodically to maintain proper protection.
Also Read: Metal Building Ventilation Solutions for Long-Term Protection
Conclusion
A metal shingle roof is an excellent choice for a roof that blends durability and energy efficiency with long-term value. And while they cost more upfront than asphalt shingles, their extensive lifespan often means you’ll spend far less on replacements and maintenance over time. Some estimates say that a new metal roof can increase your home’s resale value by as much as 6%, and that on average, homeowners who decide to install metal shingle roofs recover around 85.9% of installation costs (with certain eastern markets reaching as high as 95.5%).
Thinking about upgrading to metal asphalt shingles? Our team at Clark Roofing is here to help. Recognized for our residential and commercial roofing service, we can be your go-to professionals for installing and maintaining your new roof. Moreover, you can depend on us as your PEMB manufacturer for durable, customized metal buildings in Waco.
Call 254-374-4477 today to schedule a consultation or request a tailored metal shingles price from a reliable roofing contractor in Texas.