Your roof protects your home from Michigan’s harsh winters, summer storms, and year-round temperature swings. When exploring roof replacement options, homeowners typically consider metal and shingles—two reliable materials with different strengths. At Moore and Sons Roofing, we help Grand Rapids-area homeowners understand how each option compares in durability, upkeep, and energy efficiency, making it easier to decide what best fits your home and budget.
Strength and Durability
A roof’s ability to withstand Michigan’s weather directly impacts your home’s protection and your long-term costs.
Metal Roof Performance
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofs last 40-70 years, depending on material quality and installation. Steel and aluminum panels resist cracking, shrinking, and erosion that damage other materials. Industry wind resistance testing shows properly installed metal roofing withstands winds up to 140 mph, handling Michigan’s severe weather, including heavy snow, high winds, and hail (“Sustainability”).
Standing seam metal roofs last 40-70+ years, while screw-down systems last 20-30 years and need more frequent maintenance. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 40-50 years on their metal roofing products.
Shingle Roof Lifespan
The National Association of Home Builders reports asphalt shingles typically last 20-30 years. Roofing industry studies show three-tab shingles last 15-20 years, while architectural shingles last 22-25 years in realistic conditions. Modern shingles offer improved weather resistance, but they remain vulnerable to hail damage, wind uplift, ice dams, and algae growth in Michigan’s humid climate.
Regular inspections help extend shingle life, but even well-maintained shingle roofs need replacement roughly twice as often as metal roofing.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Installation Costs
Shingle roofs cost significantly less upfront. National roofing industry data shows that for a typical 2,000-square-foot home, asphalt shingle installation ranges from $7,000-$15,000, while metal roofing runs $15,000-$30,000 or more. Basic three-tab shingles sit at the lower end, while premium architectural shingles cost more but deliver better performance.
Return on Investment
When calculating total cost over a roof’s lifespan, metal roofing often proves more economical despite a higher initial investment. A shingle roof lasting 25 years at $12,000 costs roughly $480 per year. A metal roof lasting 50 years at $20,000 costs $400 annually—and eliminates a second replacement entirely.
Additional factors to consider:
- Lower repair costs over the roof’s lifetime
- Potential insurance discounts for impact-resistant materials
- Higher resale value for buyers seeking low-maintenance properties
Homeowners planning to sell within 10 years may not recoup metal roofing’s full cost. Those staying in their homes for decades often benefit from lower lifetime costs and fewer disruptions.
Maintenance and Repairs
Metal Roofing Maintenance
Metal roofs require minimal upkeep. Basic maintenance includes annual inspections, debris removal from valleys, gutter cleaning, and occasional touch-up painting for scratches. The rigid panels resist damage from foot traffic, and most repairs involve replacing fasteners or resealing seams.
Shingle Maintenance
Shingle roofs need more frequent care. Regular cleaning removes debris and organic growth, while damaged shingles need prompt replacement to prevent leaks. Most repairs cost $200-$500 when addressed quickly, but frequent repairs add up over the roof’s lifetime.
Winter Considerations
Michigan winters demand special attention. Metal roofs shed snow effectively, reducing ice dam formation. Their smooth surfaces help snow slide off before it builds up to hazardous levels. Shingle roofs hold snow longer, increasing ice dam risk. Proper attic insulation and ventilation provide the best prevention for both roof types.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Metal Roofing Efficiency
Research from the U.S. Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory shows metal roofing’s reflective surface helps lower indoor temperatures, often cutting cooling expenses by roughly 10–25% (“Do Metal Roofs Save Energy?”). Light-colored metal roofs reflect up to 70% of solar radiation, reducing heat transfer into your attic and living spaces. Cool roof coatings enhance this effect even further.
Metal Roofing Alliance data indicates most metal roofing contains at least 25% recycled content and is 100% recyclable at end of life (“Sustainability”). The longer lifespan means fewer resources consumed over 50-70 years compared to multiple shingle replacements.
Shingle Energy Performance
Asphalt shingles absorb more heat than metal, though modern products incorporate some reflective granules. Dark-colored shingles absorb the most heat and transfer it into attic spaces, increasing cooling loads. Cool roof shingles with special reflective granules narrow the energy gap but cost more than standard shingles.
Most asphalt shingles end up in landfills after removal, with limited recycling programs available. The shorter lifespan means replacing shingle roofs twice as often, doubling the environmental impact.
Aesthetic Options
Shingle Design Variety
Asphalt shingles remain popular for their familiar appearance and design variety. Three-tab shingles offer a flat, uniform appearance at the lowest cost. Architectural shingles provide dimensional texture that mimics wood shake or slate. Designer shingles closely replicate high-end materials. Color options range from neutral grays and browns to bold blues and reds.
Modern Metal Styles
Metal roofing has evolved beyond barn-style corrugated panels. Standing seam offers clean, contemporary lines popular in modern architecture. Metal shingles mimic traditional materials like slate or wood shake. Stone-coated steel replicates clay or concrete tile with natural-looking texture and color variation. Painted finishes include dozens of colors, allowing metal roofing to blend seamlessly with traditional neighborhood aesthetics.
Factors Worth Considering
When evaluating metal and shingle roofing, these questions can help clarify what matters most for your situation:
How long do you plan to own this home? Staying 20+ years may favor metal roofing’s superior longevity. Selling within 10 years could make shingles’ lower upfront cost more practical.
What’s your budget for the project? Limited immediate funds often point toward shingles. Moore & Sons Roofing works with Service Finance Company to offer payment plans for both options.
How much time do you want to spend on maintenance? Metal roofing requires minimal attention for decades. Shingles need periodic maintenance and repairs.
What are your energy efficiency priorities? Metal roofing offers energy savings of 10-25% on cooling costs, benefiting homeowners focused on reducing utility expenses.
When to Consider Metal Roofing
Metal roofing may be worth considering if you:
- Plan to stay in your home for 20+ years
- Prefer minimal maintenance time and costs
- Live in an area with heavy snow, high winds, or frequent hail
- Prioritize energy efficiency and lower cooling costs
- Value environmental sustainability
- Want to avoid a second roof replacement during ownership
When to Consider Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing may be worth considering if you:
- Need to minimize upfront installation costs
- Plan to sell your home within 10-15 years
- Prefer traditional roofing aesthetics
- Want affordable, straightforward repairs when needed
- Live in a neighborhood where shingle roofing is standard
- Don’t mind periodic maintenance
Professional Installation in Grand Rapids
Installation quality matters as much as material selection. Poor installation creates leaks, voids warranties, and requires costly repairs.
Moore & Sons Roofing has served Grand Rapids and West Michigan since 2010. Our experienced crews install both metal and shingle systems correctly, following manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
We help homeowners understand their options, compare costs, and explore materials that fit their homes, budgets, and long-term plans.
We offer free roof inspections, transparent pricing, flexible financing through Service Finance Company, and quality materials backed by strong warranties. Our local expertise includes a deep understanding of Michigan weather challenges and building requirements.
Contact Moore & Sons Roofing today for your free inspection. Let our team help you explore roofing options and answer questions about protecting your Grand Rapids home.
