This is the question we get more than any other on the North Shore: metal or asphalt? There's no universally "right" answer — it depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how much you value not thinking about your roof again for 50 years. As a certified Drexel Metals installer who also puts on plenty of asphalt roofs, here's how we actually walk homeowners through the decision.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Standing-Seam Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $8,000–$20,000 | $14,000–$35,000+ |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years | 50+ years |
| Snow & ice shedding | Holds snow, more ice dam risk | Sheds snow well |
| Wind rating | Good, varies by product | Up to 140 mph |
| Maintenance | Periodic shingle/flashing repair | Virtually maintenance-free |
| Fire rating | Class A (most products) | Class A |
| Color options | Wide, matte finishes | 60+ Drexel Metals colors |
The Case for Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are the default for a reason. Upfront cost is significantly lower, installation is faster, and modern architectural shingles look genuinely good — not the flat, cheap-looking three-tab shingles of decades past. If you're not planning to stay in the home for 20+ years, or the budget simply doesn't stretch to metal right now, asphalt is a perfectly sound choice with manufacturer warranties up to 30 years.
The Case for Metal
Metal wins on almost every long-term metric. A properly installed standing-seam roof lasts 50+ years — often three times longer than asphalt — with essentially no maintenance. In Massachusetts specifically, metal's ability to shed snow and ice reduces the buildup that causes ice dams (more on that in our ice dam prevention guide). It's also lighter than most people expect, wind-rated up to 140 mph, and Energy Star rated for reflecting heat.
The math that convinces most homeowners: metal costs roughly 1.5–2× more upfront but lasts 2–3× longer. Amortized over its lifespan, it's often the cheaper roof — you just pay for it once instead of twice.
What We Install
We're a certified installer of Drexel Metals standing seam and panel systems, available in 60+ colors. You can preview any of them on a home using our Color Visualizer before committing to a shade.
So Which Should You Choose?
- Choose asphalt if: you want the lowest upfront cost, plan to sell within 10–15 years, or your roof has a lot of complex flashing where metal detailing adds cost.
- Choose metal if: you're planning to stay long-term, want to stop thinking about roof replacement, or you're dealing with recurring ice dam problems.
Neither material is "better" in the abstract — the right roof is the one that matches how long you're staying and what you're willing to spend once vs. twice.
Honestly, the best way to decide is to see both options against your actual house and get real numbers for your specific roof. We give free estimates and walk through both options on-site — no pressure toward the more expensive option.