Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs: What’s Really Worth It in Wisconsin?

Metal roofing is having a moment.

It's trendy and often advertised as ultra-durable. You may have seen it featured on new builds or remodels in Wisconsin, and you’ve certainly seen it plastered all over social media. So when homeowners ask us, 'Do you install metal roofs?' we understand why.

But the honest answer is: no, we don’t.

At Sun Vault Roofing, we believe in offering roofing systems that provide the best value, performance, and fit for most Wisconsin homes. That’s why we specialize in asphalt roofing and integrated solar shingle solutions.

In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of metal vs asphalt roofs, explain why metal roofing is often oversold, and help you determine what roofing system truly delivers the best return on your investment. We’re not here to bash metal roofing. It has its place. But for most homes in Wisconsin, it’s not the smartest investment, and we won’t sell you something that doesn’t make financial sense.

Metal vs. Asphalt Economics

Let’s run the numbers. Metal roofs are durable, can look sharp, and might last a long time. But they just don’t make financial sense for most Wisconsin homeowners.

Let’s compare two hypothetical options:

Roof Type	Cost	Lifespan
Asphalt	$20k	30 years
Metal	$45k	70 years

At first glance, a metal roof seems like a “buy it once” solution. But here’s the catch: a metal roof costs more than twice as much up front.

Now imagine you stayed in your home for 70 years. You might need two or three asphalt roofs during that time, which could total around $47,000 over the decades. That’s just a little more than the one-time cost of a metal roof.

So is metal the better deal? Sorry. Still no.

Because when you spread those asphalt costs out over 60+ years, they’re way less painful. A roof you pay for in 2055 costs a lot less in today’s dollars than one you pay for right now. This is called the time value of money, and it makes a big difference.

We even ran the math (see our chart below). Once you factor in inflation and basic economics, asphalt comes out ahead. That’s why at Sun Vault Roofing, we stick with what makes the most sense for our customers: high-quality asphalt roofing that’s affordable, proven, and built to last.

Over 70 years, asphalt roofs cost less, even after multiple replacements.

Metal Roof Snow Guards: What They Cost and Why You Need Them

There’s another cold reality homeowners often overlook with metal roofs.

They’re slick . . . dangerously slick.

Because they are so slippery, snow and ice can build up and then slide off in heavy sheets without warning, flattening whatever (or whomever) is below. That’s why most metal roofs in Wisconsin need snow guards or snow rail systems to prevent sudden avalanches.

These aren’t optional. Without them, snow sliding off your roof can damage landscaping, crush gutters, or injure someone you care about. Even with guards installed, they’re not foolproof. Poorly-installed systems or cheap materials can still fail, putting more than your wallet at risk.

Snow management systems also add to the already steep price tag of a metal roof. Depending on your setup:

• Individual snow guards can run up to $15 per piece. And you may need dozens or hundreds.

• Bar or rail-style snow retention systems can cost up to $40 per linear foot

  
  

For many homes, that’s an extra $2,000 to $8,000, just to make your pricey metal roof as safe as a standard asphalt roof.

Asphalt roofs handle snow differently. Shingles are textured, high-friction, and designed to slow snow movement naturally. Snow retention is built right into the product, with no expensive add-ons required. It’s another reason why asphalt makes more sense for most Wisconsin homes.

Metal Roofs: What You’ve Heard (and What to Know)

Yes, metal roofs can last 40–70 years.

That’s the headline that grabs attention. But there’s a lot homeowners don’t hear upfront. Here’s what we think you should know:

Metal roof sticker shock is real.

Metal roofing costs 2–3 times more than a high-quality asphalt system. That’s not a small difference—it’s tens of thousands of dollars more, upfront.

They Might Outlast Your Time in the Home

Sure, a metal roof may last 70 years . . . but will you be in your house that long?

Most people move or refinance before then, meaning you may never fully benefit from that lifespan.

Not All Metal Roofs Are Created Equal

There are two main types of metal roofs:

• Standing seam (great, but expensive)

• Metal Panel / R-panel (cheaper, but prone to leaks)

If a metal roof quote comes in close to your asphalt quote, it’s almost certainly an R-panel. These have exposed fasteners which are prone to rust and leaking. We strongly recommend avoiding it for residential homes.

Installation Is Specialized (and Easy to Mess Up)

Metal roof systems require special equipment and training. When done right, they perform well. But poor installation can lead to:

• Leaks at seams

• Noise from rain and thermal expansion

• Costly fixes down the road

Yes, Metal Roofs can get Dented

Metal roofs are tough, but they're not immune to impact damage.

Hail, acorns, and other falling debris can leave visible dents and dings, even high-end standing seam metal roofs. Those impacts chip away at protective coatings, leaving bare metal exposed to the elements and vulnerable to rust or corrosion.

Impact damage on a brand new standing seam metal roof. Dents like these can chip protective coatings, leaving the metal exposed to rust and water pooling. Even completely new roofs are not immune! Photo: u/Virtual-Ocelot-5825 (Reddit)

Yes, Metal Roofs Can Rust

Even steel roofs with protective coatings can develop rust in 10–20 years, especially if they’re not maintained or installed perfectly.

Dented metal roofs are at even higher risk. Impacts from hail or debris can break through protective coatings, exposing the raw metal underneath. Those dents also create shallow low spots where water can collect, accelerating rust and wear.

Once rust takes hold, it weakens the roof and can eventually lead to leaks. That’s a big reason we don’t recommend metal roofs for storm-prone areas like southern Wisconsin.

Warranties Often Look Better Than They Are

Many metal roof warranties are prorated and may not cover:

• Cosmetic damage (fading, dents, rust)

• Improper installation (which is common)

It’s worth reading the fine print before committing to a metal roof, especially if you live in a storm-prone area of Wisconsin where hail and debris damage is common.

Metal Roofs Are More Sustainable (Well…sort of.)

Metal roofs are often made from recycled material and are easy to recycle again. And yes, replacing them less often reduces waste and material footprints.

But in Wisconsin, the energy savings don’t always pencil out. Reflective metal roofs can actually increase heating costs in winter, which outweighs any cooling benefit.

Plus, asphalt shingles are recyclable too! Dane County recycles old shingles, turning them into pavement for local roads.

Our trusted roofing experts have the knowledge and expertise to help you identify the best material choice—and explain why proper installation matters so much in the Wisconsin climate.

The Case for Asphalt Roofing in Wisconsin

Asphalt shingles remain the most cost-effective and reliable roofing material for Midwest homes.

Here's why:

• Excellent value: Modern asphalt roofs last 20–30 years at a fraction of the cost of metal.

• Aesthetic variety: Options like architectural and designer shingles offer curb appeal without metal’s industrial look.

• High performance: Asphalt performs well against snow, hail, and temperature swings, especially in the cold-to-temperate climate of Wisconsin.

• Quieter: No rain ping or expansion noise.

• Easier repairs and better warranties: Easier to patch and widely supported by major manufacturers like CertainTeed.

• Domestic manufacturing: because most asphalt shingles are manufactured here in the USA, they are less exposed to price and availability fluctuations than metal which is often imported (and therefore subject to tariffs).

At Sun Vault Roofing, we install CertainTeed asphalt roofing systems backed by their SureStart™ PLUS warranty, offering up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage.

What About Solar Compatibility?

Many homeowners exploring metal are also interested in solar energy. But here’s the catch: most solar products don’t mount easily on metal without specialized hardware. This adds complexity, cost, and potential for roof penetration issues.

Instead, we recommend CertainTeed Solstice Shingles, a sleek, integrated system that replaces a portion of your asphalt shingles with solar-generating ones. No bulky racks, no ice damming, no compromises.

Learn more about our solar shingles vs. solar panels comparison to see why more Wisconsin homeowners are choosing roof-integrated solar.

What We Recommend at Sun Vault Roofing

We only recommend systems that provide our customers with proven long-term value. We’ve reviewed the data, evaluated warranties, inspected aging roofs, and talked to homeowners who’ve lived with both metal and asphalt.

And for most residential properties in Wisconsin, asphalt wins.

We also prioritize:

• Ease of service: Our teams are trained in shingle and solar shingle systems

• Product compatibility: Asphalt pairs seamlessly with attic ventilation, flashing, and insulation systems

• Honest expectations: We won’t sell you a 70-year roof if you won’t be in your home for 30

Visual Comparison: Metal vs. Asphalt at a Glance

Feature	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Roof (Standing Seam)
Upfront Cost	Lower	2-3 times more than asphalt
Lifespan	20–30 years	40–70 years
Repairability	Easy to patch	Expensive, harder to match
Installation	Standardized, familiar	Specialized, high risk of errors
Noise	Quiet	Noisy in rain or sun
Aesthetics	Traditional to upscale	Modern or industrial look
Solar Compatibility	Compatible or integrated	Requires special mounting
Risk of Rust	No	Yes, over time. Especially hail-prone areas
Real ROI	Higher, based on Net Present Value	Lower, even for long-term owners

Still Curious About Metal Roofing?

We get it. Metal roofing has its place and in certain cases (e.g., barns, cabins, rural outbuildings, some businesses), it may make sense. But if you’re a Wisconsin homeowner looking for real-world performance, flexible styling, and a smart long-term investment, asphalt (or solar + asphalt) is likely your best choice, but if after reading this you decide you still want to go metal, please make sure it is standing seam, not a metal panel.

Have questions? Check out what to ask a roofing contractor or schedule a free consultation with our team.

📞 Call Sun Vault Roofing at 608-608-1082 to learn more.