Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles in Raleigh: Homeowner Guide

On a Raleigh summer afternoon, the air hangs heavy and still, and rooftops shimmer under the heat. By early fall, storm systems roll up from the Gulf or the Atlantic, shaking every nail in town. This is the rhythm of life here, and your roof lives it with you.

When homeowners ask us about metal roofing vs asphalt shingles, they’re not really asking about material—they’re asking a bigger question: Which choice will carry my home through Raleigh’s weather and years to come?

At Summit Roofing of NC, we think of roofing as craft, not commodity. The material you choose is more than a line item—it’s a way of seeing what your home will need over decades, not just the next storm.

What This Blog Will Cover

• The key differences between metal roofing and asphalt shingles
• How Raleigh’s climate shapes which one lasts longer
• Cost considerations: upfront vs. lifetime value
• Aesthetics and how each fits different neighborhoods
• Energy efficiency in the Triangle’s summers
• Why metal often makes sense in North Carolina’s storm season

If you’re weighing these two systems, Summit Roofing of NC can help you see past the sales pitch and into what actually matters.

Baseline Knowledge: What We’re Really Comparing

Let’s start with definitions, because “roof” can mean a lot of things.

• Asphalt shingles: Fiberglass mats coated with asphalt and granules. They’re the standard roof you see in most Triangle neighborhoods, and they perform well for about 25–30 years.
• Metal roofing: Steel or aluminum panels, most often in a standing seam design. Properly installed, these roofs can last 40–70 years—twice the lifespan of shingles.

On paper, it’s easy to think of this as “cheap vs expensive.” But roofing isn’t paper. It’s sweat, heat, water, and pressure. And in Raleigh, it’s about how each system handles the stress of our climate:

• Sun that bakes roofs to 150°F by July
• Humidity that breeds algae and mildew
• Hurricanes and tropical storms that push winds over 100 mph
• Hail events that can shred weaker materials in a single afternoon

When you choose a roof here, you’re choosing more than a look. You’re choosing how your house will endure that cycle.

Metal Roofs vs Asphalt Shingles in North Carolina’s Climate

Climate doesn’t just age a roof—it reveals its character.

• Asphalt shingles tend to absorb more heat, which shortens their life if attic ventilation isn’t perfect. They’re also prone to granule loss after hail.
• Metal roofing reflects heat better and resists impact damage, making it a solid option for Raleigh summers and storm seasons.

But asphalt still has its place. It’s familiar, versatile, and HOA-friendly. For many homeowners, that makes it the easier choice.

The real question isn’t which material “wins” overall—it’s which one fits your goals.

Cost: Now vs. Later

The first thing homeowners ask us is, “What’s the price difference?”

• Asphalt shingles: Around $20,000–$35,000 for a typical replacement in Raleigh.
• Metal roofing: Around $35,000–$50,000, depending on whether you choose standing seam or exposed fastener.

Shingles cost less at the start, which makes them sensible for families who plan to move in the next 5–10 years. Metal is a bigger investment, but it often lasts the rest of your time in the house.

That’s why we frame the choice this way: Are you buying for now, or buying for later? And if the upfront price tag feels daunting, remember that Summit Roofing of NC offers flexible financing options to make either choice more manageable.

Durability: How Each Roof Ages

A roof is judged not on day one, but year fifteen.

• Asphalt shingles: Good for 25–30 years if installed and maintained correctly. Vulnerable to curling, algae streaking, and hail damage.
• Metal roofing: Expected to last 40–70 years. Resistant to splitting, curling, and most storm damage.

In Wake County, we’ve seen metal roofs outlast two generations of shingles. If you’re looking for something you’ll never have to replace again, metal is the safer bet.

Aesthetics: Tradition vs Statement

Roof color and style matter—not just for curb appeal, but for how your home sits in the neighborhood.

• Asphalt shingles: Available in a wide range of colors and textures. Easy to match with shutters, siding, and HOA requirements. They blend in, which can be a good thing for resale.
• Metal roofing: Bold, modern, and often transformative. Standing seam panels in colors like bronze, charcoal, or even green can make a home look sharper and more distinctive.

Neither is “better” here. It depends on whether you want a roof that disappears into the background or one that defines the look of the house.

Energy Efficiency: The Summer Test

In Raleigh, energy bills often spike in July and August. Here’s how roofing plays into that:

• Asphalt shingles, especially in darker tones, absorb heat and transfer it into the attic. Proper ventilation can offset some of this, but the material itself holds more heat.
• Metal roofing reflects solar energy. With the right coating, it can lower attic temps by 10–15 degrees, easing the load on your AC. Some ENERGY STAR®-rated panels may even qualify for incentives.

This isn’t just theory—we’ve seen homeowners report noticeable cooling cost reductions after switching to metal.

Why Metal Might Be Better in NC’s Hurricane Season

When storms sweep through the Carolinas, roofing systems show their limits.

• Asphalt shingles can be ripped away by high winds, especially at roof edges. Even well-installed roofs may lose shingles after sustained gusts.
• Metal panels interlock, creating fewer weak points for wind to exploit. Properly fastened, they can withstand higher wind speeds with minimal damage.

If you’re the kind of homeowner who watches the radar every September, metal offers peace of mind. It’s not about aesthetics in that moment—it’s about resilience.

Deep Dive: Pros and Cons

Asphalt Shingles

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Wide range of colors and textures
• Easy installation, shorter timelines
• HOA-friendly and familiar to buyers

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan
• More storm repairs over time
• Algae streaking common in Raleigh’s humidity

Metal Roofing

Pros:

• 40–70 year lifespan
• Strong warranties (often 40 years or more)
• Excellent wind and impact resistance
• Reflective, energy-efficient in summer

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Longer installation period
• May require HOA approval in some neighborhoods

Raleigh Homeowner FAQs: Metal Roofing or Asphalt Shingles?

Raleigh homeowners often ask us the same core questions when comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingles. These aren’t just abstract comparisons—they’re the kinds of decisions that affect cost, comfort, and peace of mind for years to come. Here are the answers we give when people call us looking for clarity.

What lasts longer: metal roofing or asphalt shingles?

Metal roofing lasts longer than asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles in Raleigh typically last 25–30 years, metal roofing can last 40–70 years or more.

Which is more affordable: asphalt shingles or metal roofing?

Asphalt shingles are more affordable upfront than metal roofing. However, metal roofing offers better long-term value since it requires fewer replacements and can reduce energy costs.

Is metal roofing noisy in rain?

Metal roofing is not noisy in rain when installed correctly. With solid decking, underlayment, and attic insulation, a metal roof sounds no different than asphalt shingles.

Does metal roofing make a house hotter?

Metal roofing does not make a house hotter. In fact, metal roofing reflects heat and can reduce attic temperatures compared to darker asphalt shingles.

Can metal roofing withstand Raleigh’s storms better than shingles?

Metal roofing withstands Raleigh’s storms better than shingles. Its interlocking panels resist wind uplift, while asphalt shingles are more prone to tearing or loosening in high winds.

Which is better for resale: asphalt shingles or metal roofing?

Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing are good for resale, but in different ways. Shingles are familiar and HOA-friendly, while metal often appeals to buyers looking for long-term durability.

The Takeaway: Fit Matters More Than Material

When homeowners ask us about metal roofing vs asphalt shingles, we don’t give a one-size-fits-all answer. Because there isn’t one.

It comes down to how long you plan to stay in your home, what your budget looks like, and how much weight you place on durability vs initial cost.

At Summit Roofing of NC, we’ve guided homeowners through these decisions since 2018. We do the work the way it should be done—without shortcuts, without scripts, and with the integrity to stand by the roof long after the last fastener is in.

Schedule your free inspection today. No pressure. Just clarity, judgment, and work you can trust.

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