Resources · Material comparison
Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing: What Actually Changes
Both are legitimate choices for Wyoming and Colorado. They ask different things of the roof and the budget, and neither is a universal upgrade over the other.
Weight and what the structure has to carry
Standard asphalt shingles are lighter per square than most metal roofing systems, though the difference varies by metal panel type and gauge. On most homes built to standard residential framing, either is within what the structure can carry — but if a roof already has multiple layers on it or the framing is older, that’s confirmed before assuming a metal system is a straightforward swap.
Wind and hail behavior
Metal roofing generally holds up well against wind uplift when properly fastened, and doesn’t lose granules the way asphalt does. Hail is a more nuanced comparison: metal can dent under impact from larger hail without necessarily failing structurally, while asphalt shingles can bruise or lose granule coverage in a way that’s less visually obvious but still affects the shingle’s protection. Which one “did better” after a specific storm depends on the hail size, the roof’s age, and the specific products installed — it’s not a settled rule either direction.
Typical service life
Metal roofing systems generally carry a longer typical service-life range than standard asphalt shingles, assuming correct installation and normal maintenance. That longer range is one of metal’s main selling points, but it also means the upfront decision matters more — you’re planning around it for longer either way.
Maintenance and what goes wrong over time
Asphalt shingles age through granule loss, curling, and UV breakdown — gradual and visually apparent. Metal roofing’s common issues are fastener backing out over time (on exposed-fastener systems), seam integrity at panel joints, and oil-canning (a cosmetic waviness in the panel, not a performance defect). Both need periodic inspection; they just fail in different ways.
Noise, snow shedding, and HOA rules
Metal roofs shed snow faster than asphalt, which is an advantage for snow load but means snow can slide off suddenly — something to plan for over walkways and entries. Rain and hail noise on metal is a common concern; with proper decking and insulation underneath, it’s much less noticeable than people expect, though it’s a fair question to ask about for your specific assembly. Some homeowners’ associations restrict roofing material or color — that’s worth checking before falling in love with either option.
Which one is right for your roof
That depends on your roof’s structure, your timeline, your local HOA or code constraints if any apply, and what matters most to you between the two. We scope both, we don’t push one over the other by default, and we’ll tell you plainly if something about your specific roof favors one material over the other.