Metal vs. Asphalt Shingles for High Desert Homes

We install both metal and composition shingles. Each can be a good choice for a Central Oregon home; the right fit depends on your roof, budget and plans for the property.

Cost and lifespan

Metal generally costs more up front. Its service life depends on the system, finish, installation and maintenance. In our experience, composition shingle roofs in Central Oregon often last about 18 to 20 years, though individual roofs vary. We can price the options for your home so you can weigh the initial cost against your long-term plans.

Snow

Metal sheds snow. That’s good for the roof and occasionally bad for whatever’s under the eaves, so a metal roof over a door, a deck, a walkway or a heat pump usually gets snow guards in those spots. Shingles hold snow longer, which means more load and a better chance of ice dams if the attic is leaking heat. Neither material makes you immune to a bad winter; roof design, attic conditions and weather all matter.

Hail and wind

Hail and wind performance depend on the specific product and installation. Metal can dent, and hail can damage shingles without leaving an obvious leak. After a storm, an inspection helps establish what happened and whether repairs are needed.

Repairs

A localized shingle repair can be straightforward, though matching an older roof takes care. Metal repairs depend on panel access, the type of system and finish availability. Ask about repair options and maintenance when comparing proposals.

Looks

This is most of the decision for most people. Clean standing-seam lines, or the shake texture of architectural shingles. Drive around your neighborhood and see which one you keep looking at.

Low-slope roofs need a suitable system

A low-slope roof needs a system approved for its pitch. Shingles, standing-seam metal and membrane systems have different minimum slopes and installation requirements. We measure the roof and recommend an appropriate assembly; metal is not automatically suitable for every low-slope roof.

If you go metal

Every metal roof we install is made to order. We measure your roof, plan the panel layout, and Taylor Metal fabricates every piece for it before anything arrives. Think of it as a Tetris puzzle. We recommend concealed-fastener systems, snap-lock or mechanically seamed, for houses. Exposed-fastener panels, the barn kind, cost a little less up front, but their exposed fasteners and seals need periodic inspection and maintenance.

If you go shingles

Owens Corning is where we usually start; we also install CertainTeed and GAF. The shingle is the part you see. It works together with synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield in the valleys and along the eaves, and new flashing. Ask any bidder whether those are in the proposal.

Talk to a roofer who installs both. Metal roofing, roof replacement, or just request a free inspection and ask.