When building a new home or replacing an aging roof in Middle Tennessee, many homeowners are torn between metal roofing and asphalt shingles. Roof aesthetics is one consideration, but budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and the weather and climate conditions your roof will need to withstand over its lifespan are also worth considering.
Asphalt and metal roofing are both good roofing materials for a Tennessee home, but they have distinct pros and cons and perform very differently over time. In this guide, the roofing experts at Austermiller Roofing and Construction compare metal roofing and asphalt shingles, including durability, cost, metal roof energy efficiency, and climate and storm performance, to help Tennessee homeowners make informed decisions.
At a Glance: Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles Compared
| Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles | |
| Lifespan | 40 to 70+ years | Up to 30 years |
| Energy Efficiency | Reflects solar heat; can reduce cooling costs 10% to 25% | Absorbs heat; minimal energy benefit |
| Maintenance | Low; periodic inspection recommended | Moderate; prone to granule loss, algae, and cracking |
| Hail and Wind Resistance | Class 4 impact-rated; superior wind uplift resistance | Susceptible to granule loss and cracking |
| Aesthetics | Multiple profiles, finishes, and colors | Traditional look; wide color selection |
| Best For | Long-term homeowners, storm resilience, energy savings | Defined budgets, shorter ownership timelines |
Metal Roof Pros and Cons
Metal roofing is known for its exceptional longevity, storm resistance, and energy performance. A higher upfront cost is the most common reason homeowners hesitate, but for those planning to stay in their home long term, the cost often justifies the investment.
Metal Roof Pros
- Longevity: A properly installed metal roof can last 40 to 70+ years, making it a strong long-term investment for homeowners.
- Storm and hail resistance: Metal roofs with a Class 4 impact-resistance rating (the highest available under the UL 2218 standard) are known for being more resilient to hail and storm damage than shingles.
- Energy performance: Metal roofing reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it, reducing the heat load transferred to your attic.
- Lower maintenance: Metal roofs do not crack, rot, or attract pests, and their corrosion-resistant coatings and superior weather resistance mean there is less that can go wrong over time. Routine inspections are still recommended, but maintenance needs are generally much lower than with shingles.
- Lower insurance premiums: Some insurers recognize metal roofing’s superior resistance to fire, wind, and hail, which may lead to lower premiums.
Metal Roof Cons
- Higher upfront cost: Metal roofs are generally more expensive to install than asphalt, but they are more cost-effective over time.
- Noise: Some claim metal roofs are noisy. However, if your metal roof is properly installed, it shouldn’t be any noisier than a shingle roof. The right installation approach, with proper underlayment and insulation, effectively manages noise.
- Not all metal roofs perform equally: If you receive a lower-priced quote, confirm which system is being offered. Standing seam and exposed fastener systems differ in performance and cost. Standing seam is typically more expensive but offers better long-term results.
Asphalt Shingles Pros and Cons
Asphalt shingles are a premium shingle type and a very common choice for Middle Tennessee homeowners. They offer a lower upfront cost than a metal roofing system, a broad range of aesthetic options, and reliable performance, with the trade-off being a shorter lifespan, more maintenance, and greater vulnerability to severe weather over time.
Asphalt Shingle Pros
- Lower upfront cost: Asphalt shingles are significantly less expensive upfront, often costing roughly half as much as metal to install.
- Wide contractor availability: Most roofing contractors are experienced with asphalt shingles, and materials are readily available. This keeps labor costs competitive and project timelines predictable.
- Aesthetic range: Architectural shingles offer a dimensional, layered look that complements many home styles. They come in a wide variety of colors and suit the traditional appearance of most Middle Tennessee neighborhoods.
- Simpler repairs: Damaged sections of an asphalt roof can often be repaired by replacing individual shingles, making repairs straightforward and cost-effective.
Potential Asphalt Shingle Cons
- Shorter lifespan: Asphalt shingles have a longer lifespan (up to 30 years) than standard 3-tab shingles (15-20 years), but they still have a shorter lifespan than a metal roofing system, which can last up to 70 years or more.
- Heat absorption: Asphalt absorbs solar radiation, potentially increasing heat transfer into the home. Proper underlayment and attic ventilation can help, but asphalt cannot match the reflective performance of metal.
- Storm vulnerability: Quality architectural shingles carry wind ratings of up to 130 mph, but they are still more vulnerable to damage than a metal roof, especially as the roof ages.
- Cumulative replacement cost: Over 40 years, asphalt roofs typically require at least one full replacement and ongoing repairs. Metal roofs last longer and generally need fewer repairs.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last Compared to Asphalt Shingles?
A quality standing seam metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years or more, while asphalt shingles last up to 30 years. This means a metal roof installed today in Middle Tennessee may outlast the mortgage, whereas an asphalt roof will likely require at least one full replacement within the same period.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Roofing System?
Several factors determine how long any roofing system will perform, regardless of material, including product quality, underlayment, attic ventilation, installation expertise, and weather exposure. From there, shingles and metal each have specific factors that affect how they age over time.
- Shingles can degrade due to granule loss, UV exposure, thermal expansion, and storm impacts. The degradation rate depends on product tier; 3-tab shingles have shorter lifespans than premium architectural shingles.
- Metal roofing degrades slowly under normal conditions, but its longevity depends on coating quality, the fastener system used, and installation precision. Poor installation can lead to issues at seams, penetrations, and fastener points, compromising the roof’s weather resistance and lifespan.
Regular professional inspections help both metal and asphalt roofs perform as expected and address minor issues before they become costly repairs.
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Tennessee’s Climate?
Metal roofing and architectural asphalt shingles can both protect a home in Tennessee’s unique climate, but each system responds differently to the region’s heat, humidity, hail, and severe storms.
Key climate and severe weather considerations for Tennessee homeowners choosing the best roof for their home include:
- Heat and humidity: Metal roofing reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it, keeping attic temperatures lower and reducing cooling load during Tennessee’s long, humid summers.
- Hail: Asphalt shingles can suffer granule loss from hail impact that may shorten lifespan and complicate insurance claims. Metal roofing with a Class 4 impact rating is much more resilient.
- High winds and severe storms: Both systems can perform well in severe weather, but metal roofs are more likely to remain intact afterward, while aging asphalt roofs in the same neighborhood are more likely to sustain damage.
- Tornadoes: No roofing material is tornado-proof, but metal roofs offer better wind uplift resistance during severe wind events, which cause most tornado-related roof damage claims in Tennessee.
- Moisture and algae: Properly installed metal roofs handle Tennessee’s humidity well. Asphalt roofs are more prone to algae and moss growth and require regular maintenance.
Which Type of Roof Is Right for Your Middle Tennessee Home?
The best roofing material for your home depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, timeline, and expected exposure to climate and severe weather.
Consider asphalt shingles if:
- You are working within a defined budget and need to manage upfront costs.
- You plan to sell the home within the next 10 to 15 years.
- Your roof has straightforward geometry that doesn’t complicate installation.
- You are replacing a section of an existing asphalt roof and matching matters.
- Your neighborhood aesthetic strongly favors a traditional shingle appearance.
Consider metal roofing if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term and want a roof you won’t replace again.
- Your home is in an area with significant storm or hail exposure.
- Lower utility bills and better energy performance are a priority.
- You are building new construction and want to maximize long-term material value.
- You want the lowest-maintenance roofing option available.
- You are interested in potential insurance savings and plan to verify with your provider.
Roofing Materials Frequently Asked Questions
Are metal roofs more energy efficient than shingles?
Generally, yes. The Metal Roofing Alliance supports that metal roofing can reduce cooling costs by 10% to 25% in hot climates. Metal roof energy efficiency comes from the material’s ability to reflect rather than absorb solar radiation. Asphalt absorbs heat, which may raise attic temperatures and increase the load on your cooling system.
Will a metal roof lower my homeowners’ insurance?
It depends on your insurance provider. Many offer premium discounts for metal roofing because it performs better against the perils that drive the most claims: fire, wind, and hail. How much varies by provider, policy type, and location.
What is the biggest problem with metal roofs?
The most common issue with a metal roof is the upfront cost. For exposed fastener systems, fastener maintenance is also something to plan for over time. Standing seam systems largely eliminate that issue. Noise is also sometimes noted as a concern, but a metal roof should not be noisier than a shingle roof with proper metal underlayment.
Can a tornado take off a metal roof?
A direct tornado strike can damage or remove any roof system. What metal roofing provides over shingles is significantly better wind uplift resistance for the severe wind events that fall short of a direct hit. Standing seam systems, in particular, are engineered for high wind loads, and many carry ratings well above those of standard asphalt shingles.
Do insurance companies prefer metal or shingle roofs?
From a risk standpoint, metal roofing is generally preferred by insurers because it is more resistant to fire, wind, and hail. Some carriers are more aggressive about rewarding that performance than others.
What is the 25% rule in roofing?
The 25% rule is a guideline referenced in some insurance policies and local building codes stating that if more than 25% of a roof is damaged or replaced, the entire roof must be brought up to current building code standards. However, it is not a uniform statewide standard in Tennessee, and its application varies by jurisdiction, insurer, and individual policy language.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Middle Tennessee Home Starts With a Trusted Local Roofer
For most Middle Tennessee homeowners, the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles comes down to aesthetic preferences, timeline, budget, and the level of weather protection needed. Neither is wrong, but the decision should be informed by an opinion from a qualified roofer with experience in both systems and a deep understanding of Middle Tennessee’s specific climate and building conditions.
Austermiller Roofing and Construction has been helping homeowners decide the best roofing material for their home for more than 30 years. We install both metal and asphalt roofing systems.
Contact us for a free estimate, and we’ll help you figure out which roof makes the most sense for your new roof installation or roof replacement in Middle Tennessee.