1. [Home](/) 2. [Guides](/guides/) 3. [Replacing a roof in the Dayton area](/guides/roof-replacement-guide/) 4. Asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing # Asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing Asphalt and metal are the two roofing materials Dayton-area homeowners weigh most often. This comparison covers lifespan, looks, noise, weight, upkeep and how each handles our weather. ## Key takeaways - Metal generally lasts much longer than asphalt when it is installed well. - Asphalt is familiar, easy to repair and suits nearly any house style. - On a house with solid decking and an insulated attic, metal is not much louder in rain. - Snow slides off metal, so plan for snow guards over doors and walkways. ## How long each one lasts Asphalt shingles are the most common roof in the Dayton area. Architectural shingles, the layered kind most homes get today, often last 20 years or more when the attic is well ventilated. Three-tab shingles tend to wear out sooner. Metal roofing lasts considerably longer when it is installed well. The panels do not rot or shed granules. The parts that limit its life are usually the coating, the fasteners and the flashing. There are two main types: - **Standing seam** has hidden fasteners and raised seams. It generally outlasts exposed-fastener panels. - **Exposed-fastener panels** have screws and rubber washers that need attention over the years. If you plan to stay in the house a long time, the difference in lifespan matters. If you may sell in a few years, it matters less. ## How they look Asphalt comes in a wide range of colors and textures. Architectural shingles have a depth that suits most house styles in the region, from older brick homes to newer subdivisions. Premium shingles can look like slate or shake. Metal has a cleaner, more linear look. Standing seam suits farmhouses, contemporary homes and outbuildings. It also works on porches and accent roofs alongside shingles on the main house. Metal also comes in shingle and tile profiles. Before you decide, check whether your neighborhood, homeowners association or historic district has rules about roofing materials or colors. ## Noise and weight The idea that metal roofs are loud comes mostly from barns and sheds, where panels sit on open framing. On a house, metal goes over solid decking and underlayment, with an insulated attic below. Most people notice little difference in the rain. Hail is louder on metal than on shingles, but it does not last long. Metal is lighter than asphalt shingles, which helps on older framing. Asphalt is not heavy enough to be a concern on a sound house. Adding a second layer of shingles over the first does add real weight, though. If a roof is sagging, have a pro check the structure before you choose a material. ## Maintenance and our weather Neither material is maintenance-free. - **Asphalt:** watch for lifted or missing shingles after wind, keep gutters clear, and have flashing and pipe boots checked as the roof ages. - **Metal:** check exposed fasteners periodically, keep debris from piling up in valleys, and check the sealant at flashings. A few points specific to our area: - **Snow slides off metal.** That helps prevent ice dams, but snow can come down all at once over doors, walkways and decks. Snow guards help. - **Hail.** Large hail can dent metal, usually only cosmetically. On asphalt it can bruise shingles and knock off granules, which shortens their life. Impact-rated shingles are available. - **Freeze-thaw.** Both materials handle it well when installed with ice barrier at the eaves and good attic ventilation. ## Which one fits your house Asphalt is the practical choice for most homes. It is familiar, easy to repair and comes in styles that match nearly any street. Metal makes sense if: - you want the longest-lasting roof - you have a low-slope section that suits standing seam - you want snow to slide off - you like the look Roof shape matters too. Many valleys, dormers and pipes or vents make metal more involved to install. Talk through both options with a roofer who installs both. See metal roofing and [roof replacement](/services/roof-replacement/) for what each involves. The broader [roof replacement guide](/guides/roof-replacement-guide/) covers underlayment, ventilation and install day. ## Frequently asked questions Is a metal roof louder than shingles? On a house with solid decking, underlayment and an insulated attic, rain on metal is usually not much louder than on shingles. Hard hail is noticeable on either. Does a metal roof attract lightning? No. A metal roof does not make a house more likely to be struck. If lightning does strike, metal does not burn, which works in its favor. Can metal roofing go over old shingles? Sometimes, depending on local code and the condition of the existing roof. A tear-off is usually the better approach because it lets a roofer inspect and repair the decking first. 3 min read. ### Want us to handle it? Entrust Roofing works in Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Moraine, Springboro, Germantown, Centerville, Kettering, Dayton. [Get a quote](/contact/)[Call (937) 299-9993](tel:+19372999993) ### More in this guide - [Replacing a roof in the Dayton area](/guides/roof-replacement-guide/) - [Signs you need a new roof](/guides/roof-replacement-guide/signs-you-need-a-new-roof/) - [Why attic ventilation matters for your roof](/guides/roof-replacement-guide/roof-ventilation/) ### Related services - [Roof Replacement](/services/roof-replacement/) ### Service areas - [Miamisburg](/areas/miamisburg/) - [West Carrollton](/areas/west-carrollton/) - [Moraine](/areas/moraine/) - [Springboro](/areas/springboro/) - [Germantown](/areas/germantown/) - [Centerville](/areas/centerville/) - [Kettering](/areas/kettering/) - [Dayton](/areas/dayton/) ### Other guides - [Storm and hail damage: what to do](/guides/storm-damage-guide/) - [Gutters, leaks and keeping water out](/guides/gutters-and-leaks-guide/) ## Call (937) 299-9993 or send a quote request, and we'll set up a time to look at your roof. [Get a quote](/contact/) [Call (937) 299-9993](tel:+19372999993) --- **Entrust Roofing** · 790 Enterprise Ct., Miamisburg, OH 45342 · (937) 299-9993 · admin@entrustroofing.com [Get a quote](/contact/) · [Services](/services/) · [Guides](/guides/) · [FAQ](/faq/)