When you’re facing a roof replacement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, choosing between metal and asphalt shingles can feel overwhelming. As your trusted roofing contractor, DFW experts, we help homeowners navigate this important decision every day. The choice between these two popular roofing materials comes down to your budget, long-term goals, and specific needs for your DFW home.
Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Understanding the real costs, durability differences, and performance characteristics will help you make the right investment for your property. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these roofing options in 2025.
Understanding 2025 Roofing Costs in DFW
The cost difference between metal and asphalt shingles remains significant in 2025. An asphalt shingle roof costs between $6,000 and $9,800 on average, or between $4.50 and $12.25 per square foot. A metal roof costs about $15,000–$24,500, or between $4 and $40 per square foot.
For a typical 2,000-square-foot home in the DFW metroplex, you can expect to pay $7,900 for an asphalt shingle roof and $18,600 for a metal roof. However, these upfront costs tell only part of the story.
Breaking Down Material Costs
A metal roof costs $5 to $16 per square foot installed. An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed. The wide price range for metal roofing depends on the specific material you choose:
- Steel standing seam: $12-$16 per square foot
- Exposed fastener metal: $4.50-$6.50 per square foot
- Premium metals like copper: $20-$50 per square foot
The biggest reason why a metal roof costs more than asphalt shingles is simply because the material itself is more expensive. Regardless of the type of metal you choose, metal panels will cost more than shingles. The difference in material costs also varies by location and manufacturer, but metal is simply a more expensive material.
Labor and Installation Factors
Not only do metal panels cost more than asphalt shingles, but they also require more skill and labor to install. The required skill and specialty experience are a big reason why metal roofing’s labor costs are more expensive than asphalt shingles. Metal roofing also takes longer to install, which increases these costs even more.
Asphalt shingles are much easier and quicker to install than metal. They can be installed in one to two days, in some cases over an existing layer. This speed advantage helps keep labor costs lower for asphalt installations.
Metal Roofing: Advantages and Benefits
Exceptional Durability and Longevity
Metal roofs last significantly longer than asphalt shingles, with lifespans up to 100 years compared to shingles’ 15-30 year lifespan. Metal roofs can endure a lot, which is why they often come with 30–50-year warranties. They may even outlast their warranty, holding up for 40–70 years.
This longevity makes metal roofs particularly attractive for DFW homeowners who plan to stay in their homes long-term. Metal roofs can last from 40 to 60 years on average, and even longer when properly maintained.
Superior Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs excel in energy performance, which is especially valuable in Texas heat. Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market because they reflect heat up and away from buildings. In fact, a metal roof can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs.
Asphalt shingles absorb a lot of heat, and that heat doesn’t stop at the roofline; it streams into the structure and increases the indoor temperature by 20 to 25 degrees. Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect the sun’s heat away from a building, leading to energy savings of about 50 percent, and they can be about 100 degrees cooler on the surface than traditional asphalt roofs.
Weather Resistance and Fire Safety
Metal roofs are more fire, water, and hail resistant than shingle roofs. While hail causes minor denting on a metal roof, it does not typically lead to water intrusion. This resistance proves especially valuable in the DFW area, where severe weather including hail storms can occur.
Metal roofs’ durability and resistance to weather, pests, and fire reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Metal roofs are not prone to issues like warping, cracking, or algae growth. They also shed snow and rain more easily, which helps prevent water-related damage.
Environmental Benefits
Unlike petroleum-based asphalt shingles which contribute 11 million tons of waste to landfills each year, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. They’re often made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled at the end of their life. This helps keep waste out of landfills.
Metal Roofing: Drawbacks to Consider
Higher Upfront Investment
Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, often costing two to three times as much upfront. This includes both the cost of materials and specialized labor. Though this investment may pay off over time due to durability and low maintenance, the initial cost can be a barrier.
Noise Concerns
They can amplify the sound of rain or hail, making them noisier than other roofing materials. However, with proper insulation and underlayment, metal roofs are often quieter than other types.
Installation Complexity
This makes it more complex and labor-intensive than traditional roofing materials, leading to higher installation costs. Improper installation can compromise the roof’s integrity and longevity, so it’s essential to hire experienced professionals, adding to the initial expense.
Asphalt Shingles: Advantages and Benefits
Budget-Friendly Initial Cost
One of the most appealing aspects of asphalt shingles is their affordability. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on protection, making them ideal for homeowners on a budget. The initial investment is lower, and they provide excellent value for money, especially when considering their lifespan and performance.
Easy Installation and Availability
Asphalt shingles are relatively quick to install. For most simple roofs, we can remove the old asphalt shingle roof and install a new one installed in the same day. This includes hauling away your old roof and cleaning up our mess.
Asphalt shingles are widely available throughout the DFW area, making them convenient for both installation and future repairs. You can find them at most building supply stores, and most roofing contractors have extensive experience working with them.
Style Versatility
Asphalt shingles come in a range of colors and styles, from the classic three-tab shingles to more luxurious architectural versions. This variety allows homeowners to match their roof to their home’s architectural style and personal preferences.
Repair Simplicity
When damage occurs, asphalt shingles are straightforward to repair. Shingle roofs are significantly easier and cheaper to repair compared to metal roofs. If a section of a shingle roof gets damaged, replacing individual shingles is simple and affordable, whereas metal roofs often require specialized labor and materials.
Asphalt Shingles: Disadvantages to Consider
Shorter Lifespan
Asphalt shingles have among the shortest lifespans of all roof coverings. Most asphalt shingles only last between 15 and 25 years, if they don’t get destroyed by a hail storm first. By quick comparison, stone-coated metal shingles and standing seam often last 70 years or more.
Weather Vulnerability
Because they are made of asphalt, and asphalt can be sensitive to extreme cold and heat, shingle roofs may also be sensitive to temperature swings. Temperature fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction, leading to cracks. Extremely hot temperatures and blazing sunlight can cause shingles to shift, expand, contract, crack, and shed granules, leading to a loss of waterproofing and a proclivity to leak.
Asphalt shingles, especially cheaper ones, are vulnerable to strong winds and gusts. In some cases, they can flip up, tear, and even detach completely. This will allow rain and water to enter, so you will need to watch for damaged or missing shingles and replace them immediately.
Maintenance Requirements
While it is easy to install asphalt shingles, roof maintenance can be quite extensive as they need to be inspected often and frequently repaired. You need to check them regularly for moss and algae, and ensure they are not damaged by severe weather.
Environmental Impact
Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based products, which means their production is not the most environmentally friendly. Additionally, they contribute significantly to landfill waste unless properly recycled.
Making the Right Choice for Your DFW Home
When Metal Roofing Makes Sense
Consider metal roofing if you:
– Plan to stay in your home for many years
– Want maximum energy efficiency in Texas heat
– Live in an area prone to severe weather
– Prioritize long-term value over upfront savings
– Want minimal maintenance requirements
A metal roof might be suitable if you live in a place with extreme weather. Homes in areas prone to storms, wildfires, hail, high winds, and extreme heat can benefit from the protection metal offers. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, then a metal roof may also be a worthwhile investment.
When Asphalt Shingles Are the Better Choice
Choose asphalt shingles if you:
– Need to minimize upfront costs
– Plan to move within 10-15 years
– Want easy repairs and maintenance
– Prefer traditional roofing appearance
– Need quick installation
Shingle roofing remains the best choice for affordability, ease of repair, and quick installation. While metal roofing has its benefits, shingle roofing provides the best balance of affordability, repairability, and aesthetic options. For homeowners looking for a cost-effective and versatile roofing solution, shingles remain the superior option.
Professional Installation Matters
Regardless of which material you choose, proper installation is crucial for performance and longevity. The fact that it takes more skill to install means it’s vital to hire a roofing company with extensive experience in metal roof installation.
When selecting a roofing contractor in the DFW area, ensure they have:
– Proper licensing and insurance
– Experience with your chosen material
– Local references and reviews
– Manufacturer certifications
– Comprehensive warranties
Our team has served Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners for over 20 years, providing expert installation for both metal and asphalt roofing systems. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
While metal roofs cost more initially, the long-term financial picture can favor metal in many situations. Asphalt roofs are about half the price of metal roofs, on average, but they also often last less than half as long. Think about your upfront costs as well as long-term replacement costs to maximize your savings and overall value from your roof.
Case in point: consider a metal roof vs. shingles. Metal roofing may cost more initially, but with a life expectancy 3x that of shingles, a metal roof is usually the least expensive roof you can buy. Additionally, metal roofing requires less maintenance and offers potential energy savings. When viewed through this long-term life cycle lens, the cost-benefit clearly favors the metal roof!
However, this analysis depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and your available budget for the initial investment.
Energy Efficiency in the Texas Climate
The DFW area’s hot summers make energy efficiency a crucial consideration. Metal roofs reflect more sunlight, which can help reduce solar heat gain in hot climates, thereby reducing your home cooling costs.
Metal roofs can improve energy savings by 10-25%. Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes cooler in summer. This can lead to 10-25% savings on energy bills.
For DFW homeowners, this energy efficiency can translate to significant savings during our lengthy cooling seasons, helping offset the higher initial cost of metal roofing over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost in the DFW area in 2025?
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a full shingle roof installation. Metal roofing costs more upfront but can last longer. On average, a metal roof costs between $10,000 and $30,000 to install. Costs vary based on roof size, complexity, material quality, and local labor rates. We provide free, no-obligation estimates throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Which roofing material lasts longer in Texas weather?
Metal roofs last for between 50 and 70 years, and asphalt roofs last for between 20 and 25 years, with some lasting as long as 30 years. In most cases, you’ll get double the life or more out of a metal roof than you would from a shingle roof, which helps make the higher cost of a metal roof more manageable. Texas heat and severe weather can reduce asphalt shingle lifespans, making metal’s durability advantage even more significant.
Are metal roofs worth the extra cost for DFW homes?
The answer depends on your specific situation. You can’t compare costs without looking at longevity. Metal roofs cost more upfront, but the return on investment is higher. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, want maximum energy efficiency, and can afford the upfront investment, metal roofing often provides better long-term value. For shorter-term ownership or tight budgets, quality asphalt shingles remain an excellent choice.
How do I choose the right roofing contractor in DFW?
Look for contractors who are licensed, bonded, and insured with extensive local experience. Before hiring a roofing company near you, be sure to: Get at least three estimates with similar materials to compare. Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google. Confirm the roofing contractor has experience installing your preferred roofing material. Select a contractor with National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification. We encourage homeowners to verify credentials and get multiple quotes before making their decision.
Can I install solar panels on both metal and asphalt roofs?
Yes, but metal roofs offer advantages for solar installations. Metal roofing is the perfect pair for solar panels. The main reason being that metal roofs are durable enough to outlast solar panels, which can last for 25 to 30 years. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, need to be replaced as often as every 12 years. This creates a problem because the asphalt shingles would need to be replaced long before the solar system. And removing and reinstalling the solar system costs money. Our solar installation services can help you explore both roofing and solar options together.
What maintenance do these roofing materials require?
They don’t need much maintenance over the long term. Metal roofs’ durability and resistance to weather, pests, and fire reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Asphalt shingles require more regular attention. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep asphalt shingle roofs in good condition. This includes periodic inspections, gutter cleaning, and replacing damaged shingles promptly.
Ready to Choose Your New Roof?
Whether you decide on metal or asphalt shingles, the most important factor is working with experienced professionals who understand DFW weather conditions and building requirements. Our team provides comprehensive roof replacement and installation services throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Don’t wait until emergency repairs become necessary. Contact our local roofing experts today for a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate. We’ll help you evaluate your current roof condition, discuss your options, and provide honest recommendations based on your specific needs and budget.
Your home deserves protection from a roof that will serve you well for years to come. Let our family-owned and operated company help you make the right choice for your DFW property.