If you're planning a new roof in Burlington, Greensboro or anywhere across the Piedmont Triad, two materials dominate the conversation: standing-seam metal and asphalt shingles. Both protect your home well — but they behave very differently over the decades you'll live under them. Below is a straight comparison of the strengths and drawbacks of each, so you can match the roof to your budget, your home and how long you plan to stay.
Metal Roofing: Pros, Cons & Characteristics
Metal roofing has earned a reputation for longevity and resilience. A properly installed and maintained metal roof can last 50 years or more, with premium materials like copper and zinc lasting a century or longer. That durability comes with a higher up-front cost and the need for an experienced installer — metal demands precise, specialized technique, so it's worth working with a contractor who installs it regularly.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
- Energy efficiency. Metal reflects solar heat, helping keep your home cooler in summer and easing the load on your HVAC system.
- Lightweight. Metal panels are easier to handle during installation and put far less structural stress on your home than heavier materials.
- Fire resistance. Metal is non-combustible and carries a Class A fire rating.
- Longevity. A metal roof can outlast several asphalt roofs over its lifetime.
- Lower long-term cost. The higher initial price is offset because you won't be re-roofing every 20 years.
- Environmentally friendly. Metal is fully recyclable at the end of its long service life.
- Weather performance. It stands up to rain, high wind, hail, snow and ice.
- Added resale value. A metal roof can boost home value more than a shingle roof.
- Color options. A wide range of finishes and colors is available.
- Low maintenance. Once installed correctly, metal needs very little upkeep.
Drawbacks of Metal Roofing
- Appearance. Depending on the profile and your home's style, metal can read more industrial than traditional residential.
- Higher up-front cost. Materials and labor cost noticeably more than shingles at the time of install.
- Fewer qualified installers. Not every roofer has the experience to install metal correctly.
- More labor-intensive. Precise installation by trained specialists takes longer than a shingle job.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Pros, Cons & Characteristics
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States, largely because they're affordable and widely available. They're a practical, proven choice — especially if you're working within a budget or don't plan to stay in the home for decades.
Advantages of Shingle Roofing
- More qualified installers. It's easy to find experienced shingle crews, which keeps timelines and pricing competitive.
- Easy installation and replacement. Shingle work is less labor-intensive and faster to complete.
- Less expensive repairs. Patching or replacing shingles is generally cheaper and simpler.
- Economical in the short term. Lower up-front cost makes shingles the budget-friendly option — keeping in mind the shorter lifespan (around 20 years versus 50+ for metal).
Drawbacks of Shingle Roofing
- Shorter lifecycle. Most shingle roofs last roughly 20–25 years before they need replacing.
- Holds heat. Darker shingles absorb warmth, which can push your HVAC system to work harder.
- Granule loss. Over time shingles shed granules that clog gutters and reduce the shingle's effectiveness.
- Heavier. Shingles add more weight, and therefore more structural stress, than metal.
- Fewer color options. The palette is more limited than what's available in metal.
- Fire considerations. Quality shingles carry a Class A fire rating, but the asphalt base is still a combustible material.
So, Which Roof Is Right for You?
There's no single "best" roof — only the best roof for your situation. If you plan to stay in your home for the long haul and want maximum durability, energy savings and resale value, metal roofing usually pays for itself over time. If you want a proven, budget-friendly roof installed quickly by readily available crews, asphalt shingle roofing is hard to beat. Many Triad homeowners weigh how long they'll own the home, their up-front budget and the look they want for the street.
Whichever direction you lean, the most important factor is who installs it. A great material installed poorly will fail early — so choose a roofer who knows both systems well.
At Redeem Roofing & Construction, we install both standing-seam metal and CertainTeed Landmark® shingle systems for homeowners across Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the wider Piedmont Triad. We'll walk your roof, talk through the trade-offs honestly, and help you pick the option that fits your home and budget. Ready to compare your choices in person? Get a free, no-obligation estimate — or explore our roof replacement options to see what a new roof involves.