Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing

Installation method

Asphalt shingles are individual overlapping units, nailed in courses starting from the eaves. Metal roofing is typically installed as larger panels or standing-seam sheets running from eave to ridge, fastened either through the panel face or with concealed clips, depending on the system.

A quick comparison

• Weight: metal roofing is generally lighter per square than asphalt shingles
• Typical lifespan: metal roofing often carries a longer expected service life than standard asphalt shingles, though both vary significantly by product tier and climate
• Installation: shingles are widely installed by most roofing crews; metal panel/standing-seam systems often require more specialized installation experience
• Estimating unit: both are commonly estimated in 'squares' (100 sq ft), though metal panels are also frequently ordered by specific panel length and width

How estimating differs

Both systems start from the same roof-area calculation (footprint × slope factor), but waste allowances differ — metal panels often waste less on a simple roof but can waste more around complex hips and valleys if panels can't be reused after a cut, while shingles are more forgiving of irregular cuts since they're a smaller individual unit.