Is a Metal Roof Worth It? Honest Pros and Cons for Asheville Homeowners

You’ve heard metal roofing lasts forever, saves money long-term, and handles storms like a champ. You’ve also heard it costs twice as much as shingles.

Both are true. But “worth it” depends on your specific situation. Here’s an honest assessment to help you decide.

The Real Pros of Metal Roofing

Let’s start with what metal roofing actually delivers.

Pro #1: Genuine Longevity

Quality standing seam metal roofing lasts 40-60 years. Some last longer. This isn’t marketing hype. Metal roofs installed 50+ years ago are still protecting homes today.

Compare this to asphalt shingles that realistically last 18-25 years in WNC’s climate (despite “30-year” marketing claims).

Why this matters: You’ll likely replace a shingle roof 2-3 times in the period one metal roof serves. Each replacement costs money, time, and hassle.

Pro #2: Lower Lifetime Cost

Metal costs more upfront but less over time.

60-year comparison:

  • Shingles: ~$54,000 (initial + 2 replacements + maintenance)
  • Metal: ~$10,000 (initial – energy savings – insurance savings + minimal maintenance)

See full cost analysis

Why this matters: If you’re staying in your home long-term, metal saves real money despite higher upfront cost.

Pro #3: Superior Weather Performance

Metal roofing handles WNC weather better than shingles:

  • Wind: Rated for 140+ mph vs. 110-130 mph for shingles
  • Hail: Class 4 impact resistance; dents but doesn’t fail
  • Snow: Sheds efficiently; resists ice dams
  • Rain: Inherently waterproof panels with raised seams

After storms, we repair shingle roofs regularly. We rarely repair metal roofs.

Why this matters: In a region with serious weather events, better protection provides genuine peace of mind.

Pro #4: Minimal Maintenance

Metal roofs need almost no maintenance:

  • Annual visual inspection from ground
  • Occasional gutter cleaning
  • Sealant refresh at penetrations every 15-20 years

Shingle roofs need regular attention:

  • Annual inspections and debris clearing
  • Periodic shingle replacement
  • Flashing maintenance
  • Moss/algae treatment
  • Ridge cap attention

Why this matters: If you don’t want to think about your roof for decades, metal delivers that reality.

Pro #5: Energy Savings

Reflective metal roofing reduces cooling costs by 10-25% compared to dark shingles. In WNC, this means:

  • $75-$200 annual savings typical
  • $3,750-$10,000 over 50 years

Not dramatic single-year savings, but meaningful over the roof’s life.

Pro #6: Insurance Benefits

Many insurers discount premiums for metal roofing due to:

  • Class A fire rating
  • Class 4 impact resistance
  • Superior wind resistance

Typical savings: $200-$600 annually, depending on carrier and policy.

Pro #7: Environmental Advantages

  • 100% recyclable at end of life
  • Often contains 25-95% recycled content
  • One roof instead of 2-3 means less waste
  • Energy efficiency reduces carbon footprint

If sustainability matters to you, metal aligns with those values.

Pro #8: Home Value Increase

Metal roofing typically adds 1-6% to home value, depending on market and home price point. Buyers recognize they’re inheriting a roof that won’t need replacement.

The Real Cons of Metal Roofing

Now the other side. These are legitimate drawbacks, not sales objections.

Con #1: Higher Upfront Cost

This is the big one. For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof:

  • Shingles: $10,000-$15,000
  • Standing seam metal: $20,000-$30,000

Metal costs roughly 2x as much initially. If you don’t have the budget or can’t finance comfortably, this is a real barrier.

Con #2: Longer Payback Period

Metal’s value materializes over time. You start “saving money” compared to shingles around year 15-20.

If you’re selling within 5-10 years, you won’t capture much of that value. The higher sale price doesn’t fully offset the higher initial cost.

Con #3: Appearance Isn’t for Everyone

Standing seam metal has a distinctive look. Some people love it. Others prefer traditional shingle appearance.

If you want your home to look like neighboring homes with shingle roofs, standing seam will stand out. Metal shingles can address this, but they cost more than asphalt and deliver somewhat less longevity than standing seam.

Con #4: Denting Is Possible

Large hail, fallen branches, or other impacts can dent metal panels. Dents don’t affect function (the roof still works perfectly), but they affect appearance.

Steel resists denting better than aluminum, but neither is dent-proof.

Con #5: Installation Quality Matters More

Bad shingle installation is bad. Bad metal installation is worse.

Metal roofing requires precise work. Panels must align. Flashing must be correct. Clips must attach properly. Thermal expansion must be accommodated.

If you hire an inexperienced installer to save money, you’ll likely regret it. The pool of qualified metal installers is smaller than the pool of qualified shingle installers.

Con #6: Repairs Can Be More Complex

While repairs are rare, when they’re needed, metal repairs can be more complex than shingle repairs.

Replacing a damaged shingle is straightforward. Replacing a standing seam panel involves removing trim, potentially affecting adjacent panels, and ensuring the replacement matches.

Con #7: Noise Concerns (Mostly Unfounded)

Some people worry metal roofs are loud in rain. With proper installation (solid deck, quality underlayment, attic insulation), metal roofs aren’t noticeably louder than shingle roofs.

However, if your installation skips proper components (direct to purlins without deck, minimal underlayment, no insulation), you might notice more sound. This is an installation issue, not a material issue.

Con #8: Snow/Ice Release

Metal’s smooth surface efficiently sheds snow. This is usually positive (less weight, less ice dam risk), but it requires planning.

Without snow guards, snow can slide off suddenly in dangerous sheets over entryways and walkways. Snow guards add cost and must be positioned correctly.

Questions to Determine If Metal Is Worth It for You

Question 1: How Long Will You Own This Home?

15+ years: Metal’s value proposition is strong. You’ll capture longevity and lifetime cost benefits.

5-10 years: Borderline. You may not recoup the investment premium through higher sale price.

Under 5 years: Metal probably doesn’t make financial sense. Quality shingles present well for sale without the premium cost.

Question 2: What’s Your Budget Reality?

Can afford metal comfortably: Makes sense to consider it seriously.

Can finance metal with manageable payments: Still worth considering. Monthly payment might be offset by energy/insurance savings.

Budget is tight: Quality shingles protect your home well. Don’t stretch beyond comfort.

Question 3: How Long Do You Want to Think About Your Roof?

Want to forget about it for decades: Metal delivers this. Install once, inspect occasionally, don’t think about it.

Don’t mind periodic attention: Shingles are fine if you’re willing to maintain them.

Question 4: Does Your Home Suit Metal’s Appearance?

Modern, mountain, contemporary architecture: Standing seam fits naturally.

Traditional style but flexible: Metal shingles offer a compromise.

Traditional neighborhood, traditional expectations: Shingles may fit better.

Question 5: How Much Does Weather Resilience Matter?

A lot (you worry during storms): Metal’s superior performance provides peace of mind.

Moderately (normal concern): Both materials protect adequately when properly installed.

Not a major factor: Don’t pay metal’s premium just for weather performance if it doesn’t especially concern you.

Question 6: Is This Your Primary Home or Investment Property?

Primary residence you care about: Metal makes more sense. You’ll enjoy the benefits personally.

Rental property optimized for cash flow: Shingles’ lower upfront cost may fit your investment model better.

Our Honest Take

Metal roofing is worth it for homeowners who:

  • Plan to stay in their home 15+ years
  • Can manage the upfront investment (cash or financing)
  • Value low maintenance and longevity
  • Live in a home where metal’s appearance fits
  • Want peace of mind during weather events

Metal roofing isn’t worth it for homeowners who:

  • Are selling within 5-7 years
  • Have tight budgets without comfortable financing options
  • Strongly prefer traditional shingle appearance
  • Are investing in rental property focused on cash flow

Both materials work. Both protect homes. Neither is a wrong choice when properly installed. The “worth it” question depends on your specific situation, not a universal answer.

Get Personalized Guidance

We install both metal and shingle roofing at Secure Roofing. We don’t push one over the other. Our interest is helping you make the choice that genuinely serves your situation.

During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your timeline, budget, priorities, and home. We’ll give you honest assessment of whether metal makes sense for you.

Call 828-888-ROOF to schedule.

Related Articles:

Internal Links to Include:

  • Link to pillar: /services/metal-roofing/metal-vs-shingles/
  • Link to metal roofing: /services/metal-roofing/
  • Link to cost guide: /services/metal-roofing/metal-roofing-cost-western-nc/
  • Link to standing seam: /services/metal-roofing/standing-seam-metal-roofing/
  • Link to contact: /contact/