Are Metal Roofs More Energy-Efficient Than Shingles in Raleigh?

At Summit Roofing of NC, we’re proud to serve homeowners across the Raleigh area with reliable roofing solutions that shield and enhance their homes. From emergency roof repairs to complete installations, our services include flat roofing, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and several types of gutters, tailored to the needs of our community. Living in North Carolina means dealing with hot, humid summers, unpredictable storms, and occasional ice in the winter, so having the right roof is critical to keeping your home safe and your energy bills manageable.

A common question we hear from Raleigh homeowners is: Are metal roofs more energy-efficient than shingles? To answer that, let’s break down how each roofing material performs in our local climate and what that means for your long-term comfort and savings. For more information about roof replacements, check our homeowners guide.

Metal Roof vs Shingle Roof: Understanding the Basics

Most homes in Raleigh are built with traditional asphalt shingles. They’re cost-effective, widely available, and offer decent protection against the elements. Asphalt shingles come in a bunch of styles and colors, and modern versions are designed to withstand UV rays and heavy rain.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, are becoming more popular thanks to their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. Options include standing seam, steel, and aluminum panels, all of which perform exceptionally well in North Carolina’s hot and storm-prone climate. Metal roofs reflect more sunlight than shingles, reducing heat absorption and helping keep your attic and living spaces cooler in the summer.

So, when talking about a metal roof vs. a shingle roof, both have their place. Asphalt shingles are cost-savvy and versatile, while metal roofs offer unmatched energy performance and lifespan. But if your top priority is energy efficiency, the edge goes to metal.

Are Metal Roofs Energy Efficient?

The short answer is yes. Metal roofing is one of the top energy-efficient materials on the market. Here’s why:

Solar Reflectance: Metal roofs reflect a big portion of the sun’s hot rays rather than absorbing them. This means less heat transfer into your attic, lowering indoor temperatures during Raleigh’s sweltering summers. Asphalt shingles, by contrast, tend to trap heat, making your air conditioner work harder.

Cool Roof Technology:  Many modern metal roofs are coated with special reflective pigments that enhance their ability to deflect UV radiation. This makes them “cool roofs,” designed to reduce heat gain even further.

Longevity of Efficiency: Asphalt shingles lose granules over time, which can make them less reflective and more heat-absorbent as they age. Metal roofs maintain their reflective qualities for decades, meaning the energy savings last much longer.

Are Metal Roofs ENERGY STAR® Rated?

Yes: many metal roofing products qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label, which means they will meet strict standards for solar reflectance and thermal performance. ENERGY STAR®-rated metal roofs can reduce roof surface temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, lowering cooling demand and cutting your summer energy bills by 10–25%.

While asphalt shingles can also be ENERGY STAR® rated, they generally don’t match the reflective performance of metal. Plus, shingles tend to degrade faster under North Carolina’s intense sun and sudden storms, meaning their efficiency benefits don’t last as long.

Other Benefits Beyond Energy Savings

While energy efficiency is a major advantage, metal roofs bring other benefits to Raleigh homeowners, including:

• Durability: Metal can withstand high winds, hail, and heavy rain better than shingles.
  
  
• Longevity: A metal roof can have a lifespan of around 40–70 years, compared to 20–25 years for asphalt shingles.
  
  
• Eco-Friendliness: Metal is often designed from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable later on.
  
  
• Increased Home Value: Homes with metal roofing are often more attractive to buyers due to the long-term savings and low maintenance.
  
  

So, Which Roof Is Right for You?

If budget is your biggest concern, asphalt shingles are still a strong choice, especially if you plan to sell your home within the next decade. But if you’re thinking long-term, about lowering your energy bills, boosting your home’s resilience, and choosing a roof that could last the rest of your time in your home, metal roofing is the clear winner.

For Raleigh’s climate, where summers are hot and cooling costs add up quickly, metal roofs are more energy-efficient than shingles and provide lasting savings.

Call Summit Roofing of NC Today

At Summit Roofing of NC, we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons of a metal roof vs a shingle roof for your specific situation. Whether you need a quick emergency repair, a full replacement, or guidance on choosing the most energy-efficient roof, our team has the experience and dedication to get the job done right.

Ready to explore your roofing options? Call Summit Roofing of NC today for a free consultation. Let’s find the best roof to shield your home, lower your energy bills, and give you peace of mind for years to come.