Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: What New England Homeowners Need to Know
Metal roofing has become a popular trend in home-design magazines and on Pinterest — and for good reason. A sleek metal roof can definitely catch your eye. But in New England, where snow loads, coastal winds, and unpredictable storms are the norm, homeowners need to look beyond the aesthetics.
Before you click “get an instant quote” on that standing-seam metal roof, it’s worth understanding how it performs in our climate — and what the long-term realities might be.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
Why metal roofs have gained attention (and how much a metal roof really costs)
The lesser-known maintenance and repair challenges that come with metal roof installations
And most importantly, why high-performance asphalt shingles continue to be the smart, durable, and budget-friendly choice for homes here in Dover, NH and throughout New England.
Metal Roofing 101
What It Is:
Metal roofing comes in a few distinct styles and materials, most commonly painted galvanized steel (like standing seam or corrugated panels), aluminum (preferred for coastal properties), and even copper for those looking for a patina-rich architectural finish.
The basic metal roof installation process involves overlapping panels that lock together at raised seams. Underlayment and flashing are critical for sealing the system — especially around fasteners and edges, where leaks can form if not done precisely.
Perceived Benefits:
Longevity: Metal roofs are marketed to last 40–70 years, compared to 20–30 years for quality asphalt shingles. However, this depends heavily on the installation and exposure to harsh weather.
Fire Resistance: The non-combustible nature of metal gives it a Class A fire rating, which can be appealing in wildfire-prone areas — though that's less of a concern here in New England.
Aesthetic Appeal: Metal roofing offers a sleek, modern look that fits well with certain architectural styles and is available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
While these features sound attractive on paper, they don’t always align with the practical needs of homes here in the Dover, NH area. One of the biggest considerations? Repairs. Unlike asphalt shingles, which can be replaced in small sections, metal roof repairs are often more complicated, costly, and require specialized contractors — many of whom won’t even touch a roof they didn’t install.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the real-world repair challenges of metal roofing — and what homeowners aren’t always told before choosing one.
The Repair Reality Check
While metal roofing might promise decades of durability, the repair reality often catches homeowners off guard — especially in climates like ours here in Dover, NH.
Thermal Movement Troubles
Metal expands and contracts significantly with New England’s temperature swings. Over time, this thermal movement can loosen fasteners, stress seams, and even cause fatigue cracks. The result? Leaks and structural issues that tend to show up during the worst possible weather — think heavy rains or winter freeze-thaws.
A Rare (and Expensive) Skill Set
Metal roof repairs aren’t a DIY-friendly task — and they’re not something the average roofing contractor will take on. Unlike asphalt shingles, which can be quickly patched or replaced, metal roofing repairs require precision seam tools, specialty adhesives, and manufacturer-specific panels. Even seasoned roofers will often pass on metal roof repairs if they didn’t install the roof themselves.
Unexpected Metal Roof Costs
Custom Panel Orders: One small damaged section often requires ordering a full custom panel to match the roof, which can add weeks to repair timelines.
Specialty Materials: Metal roof repairs call for high-end materials — like coated fasteners, neoprene washers, seam tapes, and high-temperature sealants — which often double the cost compared to standard shingle repairs.
Labor Hours: What might take an hour to fix on an asphalt shingle roof could take a full day (or more) on a metal roof — especially if you're waiting on special-order parts.
When you factor in the higher metal roof cost upfront, plus the time, labor, and material intensity of repairs, many homeowners realize too late that metal roofing isn’t the low-maintenance dream it’s often made out to be.
Why Asphalt Shingles Shine in New England
A Century of Proven Performance
In a region like New England — where Nor’easters roll in fast, snow piles up high, and salty coastal air takes its toll — performance matters more than hype. While metal roofing may look appealing in ads, asphalt shingles have been protecting homes in Dover, NH and surrounding areas for over a century. Their long-standing track record isn’t just a statistic — it’s peace of mind for homeowners who want durability without the metal roof cost or maintenance surprises.
Our Recommended Shingle Options at PRC
We’ve carefully selected shingle brands that hold up to New England’s toughest weather — each one offering reliable protection, attractive curb appeal, and warranties that outperform many metal roof installations.
Atlas Pinnacle® Pristine
Atlas Pinnacle® Pristine shingles are a standout for homeowners who want premium protection with bold, lasting style. Engineered for strength, they come with:
A 50-year product warranty
A 15-year wind warranty rated for gusts up to 130 mph
3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector backed by a Lifetime Algae Resistance Limited Warranty
Unlike the sleek but high-maintenance nature of metal roofing, these asphalt shingles provide vibrant, streak-free beauty that stays true year after year — all without the steep metal roof cost.
GAF Timberline HDZ®
Known as one of the most trusted names in roofing, GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles blend performance and beauty. Key benefits include:
A 50-year product warranty
15-year WindProven™ Warranty with no maximum wind speed
25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection
With their High Definition® color and advanced installation design, these shingles outperform many metal roof systems when it comes to both storm resilience and long-term value.
Owens Corning Oakridge®
For homeowners who want classic style and dependable protection, Owens Corning Oakridge® shingles deliver. Highlights include:
A 10-year product warranty
15-year Blow-Off Coverage for winds up to 110 mph
25-year StreakGuard® Algae Resistance
Their rich tones and layered look offer timeless curb appeal, while their resilience makes them a cost-effective alternative to metal roof installations — especially when you factor in ease of repair and availability.
Asphalt shingles aren’t just the “traditional” choice — they’re the practical, proven, and smarter choice for homes across New England.
Pros & Cons (At a Glance)
When deciding between asphalt shingles and metal roofing, it helps to look at the facts side by side. Below, we’ve outlined key considerations that matter most to homeowners — from metal roof cost to repair complexity — so you can make the most informed decision for your home.
As you can see, asphalt shingles consistently offer more flexibility, cost efficiency, and ease of maintenance — especially here in New England. While metal roofing does offer a longer lifespan in ideal conditions, it comes with a much higher upfront investment, more complex repairs, and fewer aesthetic options.
What often surprises homeowners is how much the real cost of metal roof installation adds up — not just in materials and labor, but in custom parts and repair delays down the line. In contrast, asphalt shingle roofs are quicker to install, easier to repair, and supported by a deep network of local roofers.
Bottom line? If you're looking for proven durability, curb appeal, and a roof that's ready to handle New England’s harshest weather — without breaking the bank — asphalt shingles remain the smartest, most homeowner-friendly choice.
Why PRC Chooses Shingles
At Professional Roofing Co., we don’t just install roofs — we install confidence. While metal roofing might seem like the trendy choice, our experience has shown that asphalt shingles consistently outperform in the real-world conditions of New England.
Here’s why we stand behind shingles:
Dedicated Expertise: We’re certified installers for the top names in asphalt roofing — GAF, Atlas, and Owens Corning — which means you get manufacturer-backed warranties and expert craftsmanship on every project.
Predictable Pricing: Asphalt shingles are widely available through our trusted local suppliers, which helps us keep costs transparent and competitive — no surprise charges, unlike custom metal roof installations.
Built for New England: We’ve fine-tuned our installations for Dover’s toughest conditions — from freeze-thaw cycles and coastal salt spray to heavy snow loads — using systems rated for the challenges of this region.
While metal roofing has its place — often in commercial projects or high-end architectural designs — it simply doesn’t offer the same cost-effectiveness, repair simplicity, or aesthetic flexibility for most New England homes.
Ready for a Roof You Can Rely On?
Let PRC show you why asphalt shingles remain the trusted, timeless choice.
Contact us via text or phone call today for a FREE roof estimate — and discover why more Dover homeowners are choosing our team to protect their most valuable asset.