The two roofing materials we install most are architectural asphalt shingles and standing-seam metal. Homeowners ask which is better, and the honest answer is that it depends on your budget, how long you plan to own the home, and how much hail your area takes. Here is how they actually compare for Plains-state homes.
Up-front cost
Asphalt wins on the sticker price. A complete architectural shingle roof on a typical home runs roughly $9,000 to $22,000. A standing-seam metal roof on the same home runs $14,000 to $40,000 depending on panel type and roof complexity. For many homeowners, that gap is the deciding factor, and architectural asphalt is a sound, proven choice. See residential roofing.
Lifespan and cost per year
Metal flips the math over time. A well-installed architectural shingle roof lasts 25 to 30 years in our climate. A standing-seam metal roof, installed correctly, can last 40 to 60. If you plan to own the home for decades, metal often costs less per year of service despite the higher up-front price. See metal roofing.
Hail performance
This is the question that matters most in hail country. Standard asphalt shingles bruise and crack under hail; a hard season can end a shingle roof early. Metal dents under large hail but rarely fails structurally, and impact-resistant Class 4 shingles sit in between, holding up far better than standard asphalt. For homes in heavy hail areas like central Kansas, this often tips the decision; see impact-resistant shingles.
Wind and maintenance
Both materials handle Plains wind well when installed correctly, which is the key qualifier. A standing-seam roof has no exposed fasteners to back out, so it needs little maintenance. Asphalt benefits from a periodic roof inspection to reseal penetrations and reset any wind-lifted courses.
Which should you choose?
- Choose asphalt if up-front cost matters most or you may not own the home for decades.
- Choose metal if you want the longest service life and the lowest long-term cost per year.
- Consider impact-resistant shingles if you want a middle path in a high-hail area.
There is no single right answer, only the right answer for your home and how long you will own it. We will give you written numbers on both so you can compare. Read our guide to roof replacement cost for the full breakdown.