If you live in Northern Michigan, your roof spends five months a year under snow, ice, and wind. So when it is time for a new roof, the big question is usually the same: stick with asphalt shingles or upgrade to metal? Here is an honest comparison from a Traverse City contractor that installs both.

The quick answer

Metal roofing costs more upfront but typically lasts two to three times longer, sheds snow far better, and resists ice dams. Asphalt shingles cost less today and are a solid choice when budget comes first or you plan to move in a few years. For a home you plan to stay in through many Michigan winters, metal usually wins on lifetime cost.

Snow and ice dams

This is where the difference is biggest up north. Snow slides off smooth metal panels instead of building up on the roof. Less snow sitting on the roof means less meltwater refreezing at the cold eaves, which is what creates ice dams. Standing seam metal is the champion here, with continuous panels from ridge to eave. Tilcor stone-coated steel sheds snow well too, while keeping a traditional shake or shingle look.

Asphalt shingles hold snow longer, so ice dam prevention depends heavily on ice and water shield at the eaves, good attic insulation, and balanced ventilation. Done right, a shingle roof can perform well, but it has less margin for error. Read more in our guide to preventing ice dams.

Lifespan

  • Metal roofing: commonly 40 to 70 years, depending on the system.
  • Asphalt shingles: commonly 15 to 30 years, and often toward the lower end in harsh climates.

That means many homeowners would replace a shingle roof two or even three times over the life of one metal roof.

Cost

National cost guides commonly put installed asphalt shingles somewhere around $4.50 to $9.50 per square foot and metal roofing around $11.50 to $20.50 per square foot, with wide variation by product, roof complexity, and region. Your real number depends on your roof’s size, pitch, layers to remove, and decking condition, which is why we price every roof replacement from an in-person inspection.

When you spread the cost over the years each roof lasts, and factor in fewer repairs, metal is often the better long-term value. Some insurers also offer discounts for Class 4 impact-rated roofs like Tilcor, so it is worth asking your agent.

Wind, hail, and storms

Lake-effect storms and wind off Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are hard on shingles. Tilcor stone-coated steel is rated Class 4 for hail impact, Class A for fire, and engineered for winds up to 120 mph. Standing seam panels with concealed fasteners have very few places for wind or water to get in.

Noise

A common worry is that metal roofs are loud in the rain. Installed over solid decking and underlayment, as we do, a metal roof sounds very similar to shingles from inside the home. Tilcor’s stone-chip surface dampens rain noise even further.

Looks

Metal is no longer just for barns. Standing seam gives a clean, modern farmhouse or cabin look in dozens of colors, including the copper finish on this standing seam project. Tilcor stone-coated steel looks like shake or shingle, which suits log homes and traditional houses, like this lakefront log home.

So which should you choose?

  • Choose metal if you plan to stay in your home long-term, get heavy snow or wind exposure, have had ice dam problems, or want the lowest lifetime maintenance.
  • Choose asphalt if upfront budget is the priority, you may sell within a few years, or you want a classic shingle look at the lowest cost.

Revive Exteriors specializes in high-efficiency metal roofing and also installs premium asphalt shingles, so we can price both side by side for your home. Book a free roof inspection and we will give you an honest recommendation.