Shingle samples can look different in Indianapolis light. A documented Desert Tan project helps explain how to compare a sample with your exterior.
Quick answer: Asphalt shingles cost roughly $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed. Metal roofing ranges from about $4.50 per square foot for exposed fastener panels up to $16 or more per square foot for steel standing seam. On a 1,700 square foot roof that's around $5,950 to $9,350 for shingles versus $7,650 to $27,200 for metal, depending on the system. Metal costs more upfront and lasts 40 to 70 years. Shingles cost less and last 20 to 30 years.
Cost Comparison At A Glance
| Roof type | Installed cost per sq ft | 1,700 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $3.50 to $5.50 | $5,950 to $9,350 |
| Exposed fastener metal | $4.50 to $6.50 | $7,650 to $11,050 |
| Steel standing seam | $12 to $16 | $20,400 to $27,200 |
| Copper or zinc | Well above standing seam | Quoted per project |
Labor is the largest line item on both. On a shingle replacement, labor accounts for roughly 60% of the total. Metal labor runs higher, because the install takes longer and requires a crew trained on panel systems. In markets with few qualified metal installers, that scarcity pushes the price up further.
Why Your Roofing Material Choice Matters
Your roof protects the structure and it sets the look of the whole house. Metal and asphalt shingles are the two options most Indianapolis homeowners weigh against each other, and the right answer depends on how long you plan to stay and what your budget allows today.
Which Lasts Longer in Bad Weather?
Metal roofs
Metal roofs handle extreme weather well. Steel, aluminum and copper panels resist cracking, shrinking and eroding, and they hold up under heavy snow load and high wind.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to wind lift and hail impact than metal. Modern architectural shingles have closed a lot of that gap and perform well in normal conditions, but they still age faster.
Verdict: metal wins on durability. If your home sits in a hail or high-wind corridor, that difference shows up as fewer repair calls.
How Long Does Each Roof Last?
Metal roofs
A well-maintained metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years depending on the material. Copper roofs have lasted over a century.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20 to 25 years. High-quality architectural shingles can reach 30 years.
Verdict: metal lasts roughly two to three times longer. If you're staying in the home long term, that changes the math on the higher upfront price.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost vs Shingles?
Cost is the deciding factor for most homeowners, so it's worth splitting into what you pay now and what you pay later.
Upfront cost
Shingles are cheaper to buy and cheaper to install. Metal costs more on both counts. The size of that gap depends heavily on which metal system you pick. An exposed fastener metal roof lands close to a premium shingle roof. Steel standing seam is roughly double.
Maintenance cost
Metal roofs need occasional inspection and cleaning. That's most of it. Shingle roofs need more frequent attention, including replacing blown or broken shingles and checking for leaks as the roof ages.
Replacement cost
This is the line item people forget. If you install shingles at 40 years old and stay in the house, you're likely paying for a second roof. A metal roof installed at the same age is probably the last one you buy.
Verdict: shingles win on upfront cost. Metal usually wins on cost per year of service life.
Which Roof Looks Better?
Metal roofs give a clean, modern profile and come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Metal shingle profiles can also mimic traditional shingles or tile if you want the durability without the modern look.
Shingles give a classic look that fits nearly any home style, and they come in a wide range of colors and textures. Architectural shingles add visible depth compared to flat 3-tab.
Verdict: a tie. Both offer plenty of options. This one comes down to your taste and your home's architecture.
Which Roof Gives a Better Return on Investment?
Metal roofs tend to lift resale value more, because buyers are getting durability and lower energy costs along with the house. Industry estimates put the value bump for a metal roof at as much as 6%.
Shingles still return well, especially high-quality architectural products. The curb appeal gain is real, it's just smaller.
Verdict: metal leads on ROI, mostly on the strength of its lifespan and energy performance.
Do Metal Roofs Save on Energy Bills?
Metal roofs reflect solar heat instead of absorbing it. Industry estimates put the cooling cost reduction at up to 25%. Reflective coatings push that further.
Standard asphalt shingles absorb more heat, which raises summer cooling load. Energy-efficient shingle lines are designed to reflect more sunlight, though they generally don't match metal.
Verdict: metal wins on energy efficiency.
Which Roof Is Better for the Environment?
Metal roofing is highly recyclable and often contains recycled content. Its long lifespan also means fewer replacements over the life of the house.
Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based. Recycling programs exist, but a large share of torn-off shingles still goes to landfill.
Verdict: metal is the more sustainable choice.
How Does Installation Differ?
Metal roof installation requires specialized skills and precise fitting, which extends the timeline and raises labor cost.
Asphalt shingle installation is faster and less labor-intensive, and nearly every roofing crew is experienced with it.
Verdict: shingles install faster and cheaper. Metal takes longer and costs more in labor.
Are Metal Roofs Noisy?
Metal can be louder than shingles during heavy rain or hail. Proper underlayment and attic insulation cut that noise substantially, and most homeowners with a properly installed metal roof over decking don't find it a problem.
Shingles naturally dampen sound better with no additional work.
Verdict: shingles are quieter out of the box. Metal closes most of the gap with the right underlayment.
Metal Roof vs Shingles: Full Comparison
| Category | Metal roof | Asphalt shingles | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $4.50 to $16+ per sq ft | $3.50 to $5.50 per sq ft | Shingles |
| Lifespan | 40 to 70 years | 20 to 30 years | Metal |
| Storm durability | High | Moderate | Metal |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Periodic repairs | Metal |
| Energy efficiency | Reflects heat, up to 25% cooling savings | Absorbs more heat | Metal |
| Resale value | Up to 6% estimated increase | Modest increase | Metal |
| Install speed | Longer, specialized crew | Faster, widely available | Shingles |
| Noise | Louder without underlayment | Naturally quieter | Shingles |
| Recyclability | Highly recyclable | Mostly landfilled | Metal |
So Which Should You Choose?
Choose shingles if the upfront budget is the constraint, or you don't expect to be in the house past the next 15 years.
Choose metal if you're staying long term, your home takes real storm exposure, or you want the lowest cost per year of roof life.
For a lot of Indianapolis homeowners the deciding question isn't which roof is better. It's how long you plan to own the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
It depends on the metal system. An exposed fastener metal roof runs about $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, close to a premium shingle roof. Steel standing seam runs $12 to $16 per square foot, roughly two to three times a standard shingle roof.
How much does a metal roof cost for a 1,700 square foot roof?
Around $7,650 to $11,050 for exposed fastener panels, and around $20,400 to $27,200 for steel standing seam. Copper and zinc are quoted per project and run higher.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
If you're staying in the home long term, usually yes. A metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years compared to 20 to 30 for shingles, so the cost per year of service is often lower even though the upfront price is higher.
How long does a metal roof last compared to shingles?
Metal roofs last 40 to 70 years depending on material. Asphalt shingles last 20 to 25 years, or up to 30 for high-quality architectural shingles.
Do metal roofs lower your energy bill?
They can. Metal reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it, and industry estimates put the cooling cost reduction at up to 25%. Reflective coatings improve that further.
Are metal roofs noisy in the rain?
Metal is louder than shingles without proper underlayment. Installed over solid decking with quality underlayment and adequate attic insulation, most homeowners don't find the noise an issue.
Does a metal roof increase home value?
Industry estimates suggest a metal roof can increase home value by as much as 6%, driven by its lifespan and energy performance. Actual impact varies by market and by buyer.
Which roof is cheaper to install, metal or shingles?
Shingles. Installation is faster, less specialized and available from nearly every roofing crew. Labor makes up roughly 60% of a shingle roof's total cost, and metal labor runs higher than that.
Get a Real Number for Your Roof
Every quote in this guide is a range. The number that matters is the one for your roof, your pitch and your square footage.
Indy Roof & Restoration walks Indianapolis homeowners through both options, including which metal roofing system fits the budget you have. Contact our office for a free assessment.
About the author: Aaron Christy is the owner of Indy Roof & Restoration in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has appeared on FOX59, WISH TV and RTV6 discussing storm damage and roofing for Indiana homeowners.
