If you’re managing a commercial property, you’ve probably found yourself buried in pros-and-cons lists comparing shingle roofs and metal roofs—only to walk away with more questions than answers.
That’s not your fault.
There isn’t a universal “better” roofing material. The right choice depends on how your building is used, how complex the roof design is, what your long-term maintenance strategy looks like, and how much risk you’re willing to absorb over time.
You’re making a significant capital investment. Choosing the wrong system can lock you into higher maintenance costs, insurance headaches, or premature replacement. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you determine which option actually makes sense for your building.
At Equity Commercial Roofing, we’ve installed and serviced both shingle and metal roofing systems across Central Pennsylvania for warehouses, offices, retail spaces, and multi-use facilities. As a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning—a designation held by fewer than 1% of contractors nationwide—we help building owners evaluate roofing decisions based on real performance, not marketing claims.
We’ll break down the most important decision points we see commercial property owners wrestle with, including:
There’s no single “winner” between shingles and metal. But once you understand the trade-offs, the right choice becomes much clearer.
Important note: This guide focuses on exposed-fastener metal roofing, which is the closest cost and performance comparison to asphalt shingles. Standing seam systems are a different category and should be evaluated separately.
Shingle systems typically carry a significantly lower upfront cost than metal systems, especially as roof complexity increases. On simple roof designs, exposed-fastener metal and shingles can land in similar ranges—but that changes quickly as roof complexity increases.
Metal roofing becomes significantly more expensive on complex commercial roofs due to:
Material Waste: Metal panels are manufactured in fixed lengths. Cutting around multiple penetrations, transitions, and roof sections often results in excess waste—something shingles handle more efficiently.
Custom Flashing and Trim: Every penetration, curb, valley, or wall transition requires custom-fabricated metal flashing. Precision is critical, and mistakes are costly.
Labor Intensity: Metal installation requires skilled crews who can accurately measure, cut, and fasten panels across multiple roof planes. This increases labor time compared to shingles.
Structural Add-Ons: In some cases, additional support is needed in valleys and intersections where snow and water loads concentrate—especially on larger commercial spans.
Most commercial shingle roofs last 20–30 years, depending on installation quality, ventilation, and maintenance practices, while metal roofing systems range from 40 to 70 years when properly installed and maintained, per U.S. News Real Estate.
Many property owners replace shingle roofs before total failure due to:
On older roofs, replacement often makes more financial sense than stacking repair costs year after year.
The biggest factors are installation quality and building conditions. Poor fastening, improper alignment, and inadequate sealing allow moisture intrusion, leading to:
Ventilation and insulation issues also accelerate aging, especially in large commercial buildings where heat and moisture loads are higher.
Metal’s durability depends heavily on its fastening system and installation quality. Common failure points include:
Improper Screw Installation: Angled or over-driven screws eventually lead to leaks.
Gasket Degradation: Exposed fastener gaskets break down under UV exposure, often within 10–15 years.
Fasteners Backing Out: As substrates dry and move, screws can loosen, creating water entry points if not addressed through maintenance.
Roofing material alone has less impact on energy costs than most building owners expect.
The biggest drivers of energy efficiency are:
Metal roofs allow for the installation of radiant barrier underlayments, which can improve thermal performance at a relatively low additional cost.
The layered assembly—roof deck, furring strips, radiant barrier, and metal panels—creates an air gap that helps reflect heat away from the building. This setup is more effective than comparable assemblies under shingles.
Shingle color plays a minor role. Lighter colors reflect heat better in hot climates, while darker shingles can reduce heating demand in colder regions like Pennsylvania.
Regardless of material, proper ventilation has a far greater impact than color choice alone.
Shingles provide a traditional, low-profile look and are available in a wide range of colors and textures. Some premium options mimic slate or shake for enhanced curb appeal.
Metal roofing offers fewer colors overall, but greater finish variety:
Shingles work well on offices, mixed-use buildings, and traditional structures. Metal roofs are commonly chosen for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, and modern commercial designs—but can be adapted to many styles.
Shingle warranties often appear more impressive on paper, with coverage ranging from 25 to 50 years depending on product tier and installer certification. Transferability is usually limited.
Metal warranties typically focus on paint and corrosion resistance, often extending up to 40 years. While cosmetic, paint protection is critical for preventing rust and long-term deterioration.
Metal roofs resist hail better structurally, but cosmetic damage is frequently excluded from insurance coverage. If dents don’t cause leaks or reduce service life, insurers may deny claims.
If cosmetic appearance matters for your facility, this is a critical policy detail to confirm in advance.
Asphalt shingles are difficult to recycle due to their composite makeup, and most removed shingles still end up in landfills, though recycling options are improving.
Metal roofs are fully recyclable, making them one of the more sustainable roofing options available, provided local recycling infrastructure supports proper processing.
With proper insulation and ceiling assemblies, noise differences are minimal in commercial buildings.
False. Metal does not increase lightning risk and can be safer than combustible materials.
False. Asbestos has not been used in asphalt shingles for decades.
| Factor | Shingles | Metal (Exposed Fastener) |
| Upfront Cost | $5-6 per sq ft | $7-8 per sq ft |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 40–70 years |
| Maintenance | Easier spot repairs | Requires fastener upkeep |
| Energy Options | Standard | Radiant barrier compatible |
| Appearance | Traditional | Modern/industrial |
| Sustainability | Limited recycling | Fully recyclable |
Choosing the right system comes down to budget, roof complexity, risk tolerance, and long-term planning.
If your roof has multiple valleys, penetrations, and transitions, shingles are often the more cost-effective solution. If durability and wind resistance are top priorities—and you’re comfortable managing cosmetic concerns—metal may be the better long-term fit.
Before contacting a contractor, define your budget range and expectations clearly. Our Commercial Roofing Cost Guide breaks down real-world pricing, maintenance considerations, and what drives long-term value.
At Equity Commercial Roofing, we’ve helped property owners across Central Pennsylvania make informed, confident roofing decisions. When you’re ready, we’ll help you do the same—without pressure, and without guesswork.