Metal vs Shingle Roofing Costs

A properly installed metal roof on a typical Nassau County home-say, 1,800 square feet of roof area-usually runs $18,000 to $32,000, while the same house with quality architectural shingles lands between $9,500 and $16,000. That gap looks scary until you realize how the numbers play out over time: if you’re staying in your home for 30 years, you’ll likely buy two shingle roofs but only one metal roof-and that changes the math completely.

I’ve been pricing both options side by side for Nassau County homeowners since 2008, and the conversation always comes down to one question: is that higher metal sticker price worth it for your situation? The answer depends on how long you’re staying, how exposed your home is to salt and storms, and which type of metal system you choose.

How Do Metal Roofing Costs Compare to Shingles in Nassau County?

Metal roofs cost more upfront than asphalt shingles-that’s not up for debate. What homeowners really need to know is how much more, what drives that gap, and whether the extra dollars buy enough extra years and storm resistance to make sense.

The size of the price difference depends on your roof’s shape, how close you are to the water, and which metal system you pick. A corrugated steel roof on a simple ranch inland might only cost 30% more than good shingles. A standing seam aluminum roof on a cut-up colonial near the South Shore can cost double or more.

But the cost story doesn’t end at installation. Shingles wear faster in Nassau County’s wind and salt. Metal lasts longer and handles storms better-if you choose the right type and install it correctly. The trick is figuring out whether you’ll be around long enough to see those benefits pay off.

Fast Cost Snapshot: Metal vs Shingle on a Typical Home

Installed Cost vs Material-Only Numbers

When I talk about cost, I mean the full installed price: tear-off, disposal, new underlayment, flashings, ventilation work, labor, permits, and cleanup. What panels or shingle bundles cost at a supply house is nearly meaningless. You’re paying for a finished, watertight roof system, not raw materials.

National average numbers don’t reflect Nassau County reality either. Labor rates here are higher than most of the country. Disposal fees on Long Island are steep. And if your roofer’s coming from Brooklyn or Queens to reach you, that’s built into the price too.

Where Metal Usually Sits Relative to Shingles

Here’s the basic cost ladder from lowest to highest, as I see it in real quotes:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles – The cheapest installed option, though few homeowners choose these anymore because they don’t hold up well in wind.
• Architectural (laminate) shingles – The most common choice. Decent wind ratings, solid warranties, moderate installed cost.
• Corrugated or ribbed metal panels – Often costs more than shingles but stays below premium metal systems, especially on simple roofs like garages or ranches.
• Metal shingles or stone-coated panels – Mid-to-high premium band. They look less industrial than standing seam but still carry a metal price tag.
• Standing seam metal – Usually the most expensive residential option per square foot installed, especially with concealed fasteners and high-grade coatings.

Why Metal Roofs Cost More Upfront Than Shingles

Material Costs and System Complexity

Metal roofing isn’t just “fancy shingles.” You’re buying formed panels, specialized paint systems or stone coatings, matching trim pieces for every edge and transition, and either hidden clips or high-grade screws with rubber washers. All of that costs more per square than bundles of shingles and a box of nails.

The closer you are to salt water, the more you pay for the right metal. Homes on the South Shore or near bays usually need aluminum or premium-coated steel to resist corrosion. Inland homes in Garden City or Mineola can often use standard Galvalume steel and save a few thousand dollars on materials.

Shingle packages are cheap to produce and simple to ship. That’s why basic architectural shingles are such a value play-they work, they’re familiar, and there’s no learning curve for the material itself.

Labor Time, Skill, and Equipment

A good shingle crew can tear off and re-roof a straightforward 1,500-square-foot ranch in two or three days. Most roofers in Nassau County know shingles inside and out. The work is fast, the methods are standardized, and labor hours stay reasonable.

Metal installation takes longer and requires more precision. Panel layout has to be dead-on or you’ll see waves and gaps. Seams need to lock properly. Every flashing detail-valleys, chimneys, wall intersections-requires custom cutting and careful folding. Crews that specialize in metal command higher hourly rates, and they spend more hours per square than shingle crews do.

On Long Island, that specialized labor isn’t cheap. If your roofer’s charging $75-$95 per hour for shingle work, metal installers may run $100-$140 per hour-and they’ll be on your roof longer.

Underlayment and Flashing Upgrades

Metal roofs are designed to last 40 to 60 years, so contractors upgrade the underlayment to match. That usually means synthetic underlayment across the whole roof and ice-and-water shield in valleys, eaves, and around every penetration-not just the bare minimum code requires.

Flashings get beefed up too. You’ll see heavier-gauge metal flashings, more sealant at critical joints, and extra care at roof-to-wall transitions. All of that adds material cost and labor time compared to a shingle job, but it’s what keeps a metal roof leak-free for decades.

How Roof Type and Metal System Choice Change the Cost Gap

Simple vs Complex Roof Shapes

On a basic gable roof-two planes, one ridge, no valleys-the cost difference between metal and shingles is more manageable. There are fewer cuts, fewer transitions, and less waste. Metal installation goes faster and the upcharge over shingles might only be 40% to 60%.

Put that same metal system on a colonial with multiple hips, three dormers, and two chimneys, and the cost gap widens fast. Every valley, every dormer sidewall, every chimney cricket requires custom metalwork. Labor hours triple. Suddenly you’re looking at metal costing twice as much as shingles or more.

I quoted a 2,100-square-foot home in Massapequa last year with seven roof planes and four skylights. Shingles came in at $14,200. Standing seam aluminum was $31,800. Same house with a simpler roofline would’ve narrowed that gap by $4,000 to $5,000.

System Type: Corrugated vs Standing Seam vs Metal Shingles

Corrugated or exposed-fastener panels are the budget-friendly end of the metal spectrum. On a garage or a simple ranch, they can come in pretty close to high-end shingles-sometimes only 20% to 30% more. You’re trading some aesthetics and a bit of fastener durability for lower upfront cost.

Standing seam systems with concealed clips and high-grade paint finishes are a different animal. They cost more in materials, take longer to install, and usually come with premium warranties. That’s why they end up in the top cost tier-but they also deliver the best wind resistance and longest life.

Metal shingles and stone-coated panels sit in between. They give you a more traditional look than standing seam and cost less to install, but they’re still pricier than asphalt shingles due to material and labor demands.

Distance from the Coast and Metal Choice

Inland Nassau County homes-think Hicksville, Plainview, East Meadow-can usually get away with Galvalume steel with a quality paint system. That keeps material costs reasonable and the metal-vs-shingle gap smaller.

Get within two miles of the water-Oceanside, Long Beach, Massapequa Park-and you’re looking at aluminum or heavily coated steel to handle salt spray. Aluminum panels cost 30% to 50% more than steel, and that pushes the total metal price higher relative to shingles.

Location-driven material choices are one of the biggest reasons I see metal quotes vary so much across Nassau County, even for similar-sized roofs.

Comparing Long-Term Cost: Replacements, Repairs, and Storms

How Many Times Will You Buy a Roof?

A good architectural shingle roof in Nassau County lasts 18 to 25 years if it’s installed right and doesn’t take heavy storm damage. That means if you’re 45 years old and planning to stay in your home until retirement, you’re buying at least one roof now and likely one more before you’re done.

A properly specified metal roof-aluminum near the coast, quality steel inland-can easily last 40 to 50 years. You pay more once, but you’re done. No second invoice 20 years down the road.

Let’s say shingles cost $12,000 today and $15,000 in 22 years (accounting for inflation and disposal fee increases). That’s $27,000 total over the life of the home. If metal costs $22,000 today and lasts the whole span, the “extra” cost just turned into a savings.

Repair Frequency and Cost

Shingles take more small hits. Wind lifts edges, hail bruises granules, and ice dams back water under flashings. I see shingle repairs every storm season-$400 here for a few replaced shingles, $800 there for a valley re-flashing.

Metal roofs need fewer repairs, but when something does go wrong-a fastener backs out, a seam opens, a panel dents-it often requires a specialist and more time per fix. A metal repair might run $600 to $1,200 because the roofer has to match the panel profile, repaint the repair area, and ensure watertight seams.

Over 20 years, shingles usually rack up more total repair dollars through frequency. Metal spreads smaller total repair costs over a longer timeline.

Insurance and Storm Claims

Some insurers offer modest discounts for impact-resistant or high-wind-rated roofs, and a quality metal system can qualify. I’ve seen homeowners save $100 to $300 per year on premiums, though it varies by carrier and your specific policy.

The bigger insurance benefit with metal is avoiding claims. Fewer blown-off panels mean fewer deductibles and less hassle after storms. That’s harder to quantify in a cost comparison, but it’s real if you’ve ever dealt with post-storm roofer shortages and adjuster delays.

Putting the Numbers in Context: When Metal’s Extra Cost Makes Sense

Scenario 1: Long-Term Homeowner (20+ Years)

If you’re planning to stay put for decades, metal’s higher upfront cost is usually justified. You’re paying once instead of twice, and you’re getting better storm performance during years when roof leaks are the last thing you want to deal with.

This is especially true on exposed sites-homes near the water, roofs that take direct wind off the bay, or properties with big trees that shed branches every nor’easter. The durability premium of metal pays off when you’re weathering multiple storm cycles in the same house.

Scenario 2: Planning to Move in 5-10 Years

If you’re planning to sell relatively soon, it’s hard to justify metal’s extra cost purely on financial grounds. You won’t see the second shingle replacement, so you’re paying for longevity you won’t use.

A high-quality architectural shingle roof will serve you fine for that timeline, pass inspection easily, and look good to buyers. Save the metal premium unless your buyer pool specifically values it or you’re in a neighborhood where metal roofs are the norm.

Scenario 3: Budget Is Tight, but Storm Concerns Are High

If storms keep you up at night but you can’t comfortably afford metal, put your money into the best shingle system you can afford. Upgrade to high-wind-rated shingles, add extra ice-and-water shield, and make sure every flashing detail is done right.

A well-installed shingle roof with proper underlayment and ventilation will handle Nassau County weather far better than a bare-bones metal job that cuts corners on materials or labor. Don’t stretch into metal if it means under-funding the install itself.

How to Use Cost Comparisons When Getting Local Quotes

Ask for Both Metal and Shingle Numbers on the Same Scope

Tell your roofer to quote at least one metal system and one shingle option using identical assumptions: same tear-off, same deck repairs, same underlayment quality, same ventilation upgrades. That’s the only way to see the real cost difference for your specific roof.

When I run dual quotes, I use the same labor crew, the same disposal estimate, and the same flashing scope for both. The only variables are the roofing material itself and the time required to install it. That gives homeowners an honest comparison.

Compare Details, Not Just Totals

A $19,000 metal quote isn’t the same as another $19,000 metal quote if one uses 24-gauge steel with a 25-year paint warranty and the other uses 29-gauge steel with a 10-year finish. Read the line items. Ask what metal type, what coating, what brand of shingles, and what underlayment products are included.

Low-ball metal bids often skimp on underlayment, use thinner panels, or skip upgrades like extra ice-and-water shield. You’re not saving money if the roof fails early or needs more maintenance.

Be Candid About Budget and Timeline

Tell your roofer how long you’re planning to stay and what your realistic budget range is. If you’re honest, a good contractor will steer you toward the option that makes sense for your situation-not just the one with the highest margin.

I’ve talked homeowners out of metal when their timeline was short and into metal when they were planning to age in place. The right answer depends on your specifics, and no contractor can give you tailored advice if they don’t know your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal vs Shingle Roofing Costs

Is metal ever close in price to shingles?
Corrugated steel panels on a very simple roof-like a detached garage or basic ranch-can sometimes approach the cost of premium architectural shingles. But on full-house roofs with typical complexity, metal rarely matches even mid-grade shingle pricing. True cost parity is uncommon unless you’re comparing the cheapest exposed-fastener metal to the most expensive designer shingles.

Can I save money by putting metal over my existing shingles?
Sometimes, but not always. A roof-over eliminates tear-off and disposal costs, which can save $2,000 to $4,000. However, it only works if your deck is sound, you’re not already over the two-layer code limit, and the structure can handle the extra weight. Many municipalities in Nassau County require permits and inspections for roof-overs, and some metal warranties are voided if you install over old shingles. It’s worth asking about, but don’t assume it’s allowed or advisable without a roofer’s assessment.

Will a metal roof lower my insurance enough to pay the difference?
Probably not. Some carriers offer discounts for impact-resistant or high-wind-rated roofs, and metal can qualify, but the savings are usually $100 to $300 per year-helpful, but not enough to cover a $10,000 to $15,000 upfront cost gap over any reasonable timeline. The real insurance benefit is fewer claims and less storm damage hassle, which is harder to put a dollar figure on but matters if you’ve ever dealt with a roof leak during a nor’easter.

Are financing options common for metal roofs?
Yes. Many roofing contractors work with lenders that offer home improvement loans or payment plans, sometimes with promotional zero-interest periods. Financing can spread the higher upfront cost of metal over 5 to 15 years, making it easier to manage month-to-month. Just make sure you understand the terms and interest rates-metal’s long-term value is real, but paying 8% interest for 10 years changes the math.

Can you show me actual cost differences on my roof?
Absolutely. The best way to understand what metal roofing costs compared to shingles on your home is to get written quotes for both. A local roofer can measure your roof, assess complexity, account for coastal exposure if you’re near the water, and give you side-by-side numbers with detailed scopes. That takes all the guesswork out and lets you decide based on real dollars, not national averages.

Use Cost Comparisons to Choose the Roof That Fits Your Nassau County Home

Metal roofs cost more upfront than shingles in Nassau County-that’s the reality. But if you’re staying in your home for decades, especially near the coast where salt and storms are hard on roofs, metal’s longer lifespan and better storm performance can justify that higher initial price.

Shingles remain the right call for many homeowners. If your budget is tight, your timeline is short, or your roof is simple and well-protected, a quality shingle roof installed correctly will serve you well and save you money up front.

The key is treating cost differences as useful information, not a barrier. Ask contractors to quote both options on your roof, compare what you’re actually getting in materials and labor, and weigh that against how long you’ll own the home and how much storms and repairs worry you. When you know your specific numbers and your own priorities, the decision becomes clear.

If you’d like to see what metal and shingle options actually cost on your Nassau County home, reach out to a local roofing specialist. A site visit and written estimates for both systems will give you the real comparison you need to choose the roof that fits your home, your budget, and your plans.