It's one of the most common questions we hear at Drew Renovation: should I go with metal or shingles? It sounds simple, but the honest answer depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and what kind of weather your roof is going to face.
In Asheville and Western North Carolina, that last part matters more than it does in most places. Our mountain climate brings heavy rain, occasional hail, ice, and high winds — sometimes all in the same week. The roof you choose needs to perform in those conditions year after year.
We've installed both metal and shingle roofs across Asheville and the surrounding area for over 10 years. We're not here to push you toward the more expensive option — we're here to help you make the right call for your home and your situation.
Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown of metal roofing vs. shingle roofing for Asheville homeowners.
Metal vs. Shingles: Side-by-Side Comparison
Before we get into the details, here's the big picture at a glance. All pricing below reflects Drew Renovation's all-in rates — labor, materials, and tear-off included.
Asphalt Shingles Vs Metal Roofing
Cost: Upfront vs. Long-Term
Cost is usually the first thing homeowners want to talk about, and it's a reasonable place to start. Here's what you need to understand about how metal and shingles compare financially — both upfront and over time.
Upfront Cost
Asphalt shingles are the more affordable option upfront. Our base shingle replacement starts at $400 per 100 sq ft all-in, while standard metal starts at $450 per 100 sq ft. On a 2,000 sq ft home that difference is roughly $1,200 — not enormous, but real. At the high end, premium shingles run $550+ per 100 sq ft versus $850+ for high-grade metal, which is a more significant gap. For homeowners working with a tight budget or planning to sell within the next decade, shingles are often the smarter financial move upfront.
Long-Term Cost
This is where the math shifts in metal's favor. A standard metal roof lasts 40–50 years. An asphalt shingle roof lasts 25–30 years. That means over a 50-year period, you're likely replacing a shingle roof twice while a metal roof just keeps going. Here's what that looks like in real numbers for Asheville homeowners using our base pricing:
Home SizeTwo Shingle Roofs (50 years)One Metal Roof (50 years)
When you look at it over a 50-year horizon, standard metal often costs less than two rounds of base shingles — and that's before factoring in lower maintenance costs and potential energy savings. If you're planning to stay in your Asheville home long-term, the numbers make a strong case for metal.
Performance in Asheville's Climate
This is where location really matters. Asheville's mountain climate is harder on roofs than most national articles account for. Here's how each material holds up against the specific conditions we see in Western NC:
Heavy Rain and Moisture
Asheville averages around 47 inches of rain per year — well above the national average. Metal roofs handle sustained moisture exceptionally well. Because metal doesn't absorb water, it's highly resistant to mold, algae, and rot. Asphalt shingles can develop algae streaking over time in our humid climate, and granule loss accelerates with repeated wet-dry cycles. High-end shingles with algae-resistant coatings help, but metal is simply more inherently suited to wet conditions.
Wind and Storm Damage
Western NC gets hit with strong storms, particularly in spring and summer. Metal roofs are rated for high wind speeds and have fewer seams and entry points than shingle roofs, which reduces the risk of wind-driven water infiltration. Our high-end shingles are also wind-rated and perform well in most storms, but shingles as a category are more susceptible to lifting, cracking, and granule loss after severe weather. If you've had storm damage before or live in an exposed location on a ridgeline or hilltop, metal is the stronger choice.
Snow and Ice
Asheville doesn't get buried in snow, but we get enough ice and winter precipitation to matter. Metal roofs shed snow and ice more easily than shingles because of their smooth surface — heavy accumulation slides off rather than sitting and adding weight. Ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes at the eaves, are also less of a concern with metal. For homes at higher elevations around Asheville where winter conditions are more severe, this is a meaningful advantage.
Summer Heat and Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs reflect solar heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce attic temperatures and lower cooling costs in summer. Asheville summers are warm but not extreme — you'll see energy savings with metal, but they're more modest here than in hotter climates. Asphalt shingles absorb heat and can radiate it into the attic, though proper attic ventilation helps mitigate this with either material. If energy efficiency is a priority, metal has a clear edge.
Appearance and Curb Appeal
Both materials look great when installed well — but they look different, and the right choice depends on your home's style and your neighborhood.
Asphalt shingles are the standard look for most Asheville neighborhoods. They come in a wide range of colors and profiles, blend seamlessly with surrounding homes, and have broad curb appeal. If you're in a traditional neighborhood or an HOA community, shingles are almost always the safe choice aesthetically.
Metal roofing has evolved significantly and is now a popular choice for Asheville's modern mountain cabins, farmhouse-style homes, and custom builds. Standing seam metal in particular has a clean, architectural look that pairs well with contemporary design. In the right setting, a metal roof doesn't just look good — it becomes a design feature. That said, metal can look out of place on some traditional or historic homes, so it's worth thinking through the aesthetics before deciding.
Which One Is Right for Your Asheville Home?
Here's our honest take after installing both materials on hundreds of Asheville homes:
Choose shingles if:
- You're working within a tighter budget and need to manage upfront cost
- You plan to sell your home within the next 10–15 years
- You're in a traditional neighborhood where metal roofing would look out of place
- You want a proven, reliable material with a long track record in Western NC
Choose metal if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term and want to roof it once and be done
- Your home is in an exposed location that takes the brunt of storms and wind
- You're at a higher elevation where ice and snow are a regular concern
- Energy efficiency and low maintenance are important to you
- Your home's style suits metal — modern, cabin, farmhouse, or custom builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a metal roof louder than shingles when it rains?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the answer is: not as much as people think. Modern metal roof installations include solid decking and underlayment beneath the panels, which significantly dampens sound. Most homeowners report that rain on a properly installed metal roof sounds similar to rain on shingles. The old image of rain hammering on a tin barn roof doesn't apply to today's residential metal roofing systems.
Will a metal roof affect my home insurance in Asheville?
It can — and often in a good way. Many insurance providers offer discounts for homes with metal roofs because of their superior resistance to fire, wind, and hail damage. We recommend calling your insurance agent before making a final decision. In some cases the premium savings over time can meaningfully offset the higher upfront cost of metal.
Can I put a metal roof over my existing shingles?
In some cases yes, but we generally don't recommend it. Installing over existing shingles can trap moisture and hide underlying decking issues that need to be addressed. At Drew Renovation, we tear off the old roof before any new installation — metal or shingle — so we can inspect the decking and make sure the new roof is going on clean, sound structure. It costs a little more upfront but protects you from problems down the road.
How long does a metal roof installation take in Asheville?
Metal roof installations generally take one to three days depending on the size and complexity of your roof. It typically takes a bit longer than a shingle installation because metal requires more precision and specialized techniques. We'll give you a clear timeline during your free estimate before any work begins.
What warranty does Drew Renovation offer on metal roofs?
All of our metal roof installations come with a 15-year workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer's material warranty. That's one of the strongest workmanship warranties offered by roofing contractors in Asheville, and it reflects how confident we are in the quality of our metal installations.
Still Not Sure? Let's Talk It Through.
The honest truth is that both metal and shingles are excellent roofing materials when installed correctly. The right choice comes down to your specific home, your budget, and your plans. We've helped hundreds of Asheville homeowners work through this exact decision, and we'll give you a straight answer — not a sales pitch.
Schedule a free estimate with Drew Renovation and we'll come out, inspect your roof, and walk you through both options with real pricing for your specific home. No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about what makes sense for you.