When you’re ready to install a new roof, the process with all the variables, decisions, and investments into the best roofing system, it can make your head spin. Each material has its benefits, but finding which is best for you is difficult.
This article breaks down the real differences, including the trade-offs homeowners don’t always hear upfront.
- Metal vs. Asphalt Shingle: What’s the difference?
- Performance of Roofing Materials in Ohio’s Climate
- Long-Term Roof Performance & Protection
- Understanding Roofing Material Pricing
Metal vs. Asphalt Shingle: What’s the difference?
What Is a Metal Roofing System?
A metal roof is built from steel or aluminum panels designed to lock together and stay watertight through extreme conditions.
The two most common styles in Ohio are:
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
- Long vertical panels running from ridge to eave
- Raised seams that interlock above the surface
- Most durable and watertight option
Stone-Coated Metal Roofing
- Steel panels coated with stone granules
- Looks more like traditional shingles
- Offers metal strength with a more familiar appearance
Metal roofing is often chosen for long-term durability, but the upfront investment is significant, and not everyone stays in their home long enough to benefit.
What Is an Asphalt Shingle Roofing System?
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in Ohio.
They are made from:
- A fiberglass base
- Coated asphalt for waterproofing
- Mineral granules to protect from UV and weather
They’re popular because they are:
- More affordable upfront
- Faster to install
- Easier to repair in sections
Asphalt shingles are not designed to last forever, and Ohio’s weather accelerates their aging faster than many homeowners expect.
Performance of Roofing Materials in Ohio’s Climate
Ohio roofs deal with a unique mix:
- Heavy rain
- High winds
- Hailstorms
- Summer heat spikes
- Freeze-thaw cycles that stress roofing materials repeatedly
Metal Roofing in Ohio
Metal performs extremely well in harsh weather because it:
- Resists cracking in winter
- Handles hail better than most materials
- Stays sealed during wind-driven rain
- Expands/contracts without breaking down
Metal roofs are coated to prevent rust and corrosion, making them a strong match for Ohio’s seasonal swings.
The most common benefit homeowners notice is that metal is low-maintenance and stays structurally consistent over decades. The trade-off is that the system is more costly than asphalt.
Asphalt Shingles in Ohio
Asphalt can still perform well, but it wears down faster because the material naturally breaks apart over time.
Common Ohio-related issues include:
- Granule loss after storms
- Curling from the summer heat
- Cracking after freeze-thaw cycles
- Shingles lifting during wind or ice dam conditions
We often see that after years on Ohio homes, asphalt roofs can still protect, but weather-driven damage tends to accumulate faster than homeowners realize.
Long-term Roof Performance & Protection
Metal Roof Lifespan
A properly installed metal roof can last 50 years or more. Homeowners who benefit most are those who want:
- One roof for the long haul
- Minimal maintenance
- Better storm durability
Metal also reflects heat rather than absorbing it, which can help reduce attic temperatures in summer.
Asphalt Roof Lifespan
Most asphalt roofs last 20–30 years, depending heavily on:
- Ventilation quality
- Installation workmanship
- Storm exposure
- Shingle grade
Asphalt remains a strong option when:
- Budget matters most
- You expect to move within 5–10 years
- You want easier repair flexibility
Asphalt is less forgiving; poor ventilation or storm damage shortens its lifespan quickly.
Cost Comparison: What You’re Really Paying For
Roof pricing always depends on the home, slope, complexity, and ventilation. But typical installed ranges in Ohio are:
Metal Roofing
- $15–$20 per square foot installed
- Higher upfront cost
- Lower long-term replacement risk
Asphalt Shingles
- $6–$10 per square foot installed
- Lower entry cost
- More frequent replacement over decades
Key decision point:
Metal costs more now. Asphalt costs more later.
Who Should Choose Metal vs. Asphalt?
Metal Roofing Makes Sense If…
- You plan to stay in your home for 15+ years
- You want minimal maintenance
- You want stronger storm durability
- You value long-term resale and curb appeal
- You prefer modern or steel-shingle styling
Asphalt Roofing Makes Sense If…
- You need the most cost-effective option upfront
- You may move in the next 5–10 years
- You want simpler repair flexibility
- You want a classic look with many color choices
Which Performs Better in Ohio Weather?
In Ohio’s climate, metal roofing generally performs better over the long term, especially against hail, wind, and freeze-thaw stress.
But asphalt shingles remain a practical and reliable choice for many homeowners, especially when budget or shorter ownership timelines matter most.
The best roofing material isn’t universal, it depends on how long you’ll stay, what you can invest now, and what risks you want to avoid later.
