Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing in Missouri: Which Is Right for You?
A balanced, no-spin comparison for St. Louis and St. Charles County homeowners weighing asphalt shingles against a metal roof for their next replacement.
Two good roofs, two different priorities
Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing perform well across Missouri's swing-for-the-fences weather. The right pick comes down to your budget today, how long you plan to stay, and how much you care about long-term value over upfront cost.
Asphalt is the default for a reason. It is affordable, it is everywhere across Greater St. Louis, and a quality architectural shingle handles our humid summers and freeze-thaw winters just fine when it is installed right. Metal, on the other hand, is the long-game choice: it costs more out of the gate but can outlast two or even three shingle roofs, sheds water and snow beautifully, and tends to shrug off the wind events that roll through St. Charles County every spring.
Neither one is "better" in a vacuum. Below we break the decision down category by category so you can match the roof to your house, your timeline, and your wallet. When you are ready for specifics on your own home, our team gives a straight read during a free roof inspection, no pressure attached.
What you pay to put it on
Cost is usually where the conversation starts, and it is the clearest win for asphalt.
Asphalt shingles
- Lowest upfront price. By a wide margin the most budget-friendly option for most St. Louis roofs.
- Faster, cheaper labor. Crews work quickly and materials are stocked locally.
- Insurance-friendly. Storm claims most often pay to replace shingle roofs.
Metal roofing
- Higher upfront cost. Often two to three times the price of an asphalt roof on the same house.
- Specialized labor. Standing-seam panels take skilled installation, which adds to cost.
- Lower lifetime cost. Spread over its lifespan, metal can pencil out cheaper per year.
Want hard numbers for the metro? Our breakdown of roof replacement cost in St. Louis walks through the factors that move your estimate, from roof size and pitch to material and tear-off.
How long each roof lasts here
This is where metal flips the script and starts earning back its premium.
Asphalt: roughly 15-25 years
A well-installed architectural shingle roof in Missouri commonly lasts 20 years or so. Hail and heat can shorten that, but replacement is straightforward and affordable.
Metal: 40-70 years
Quality metal panels routinely outlast two or three asphalt roofs. For a "forever home," you may never replace it again.
The math that matters
If you plan to move in 10 years, asphalt's shorter life may not matter. If you are settling in for decades, metal's longevity changes the value picture.
Curious how the years really add up on different materials? Our guide on how long a roof lasts digs into expected service life and what shortens it in our climate.
Standing up to Missouri hail and wind
Spring and summer storms are the real test for any roof in our region.
Wind and hail
- Metal handles wind well. Interlocking panels resist uplift, which matters when straight-line winds sweep across St. Charles County.
- Asphalt resists hail at a value. Impact-rated shingles take a beating and are inexpensive to replace if a storm wins.
- Big hail can dent metal. Severe stones may cosmetically dent panels even when the roof stays watertight.
- Aged asphalt gets brittle. Older or cheap shingles crack and lose granules faster under repeated hail.
Fire and pests
Metal is non-combustible and gives insects and rodents nothing to chew. Asphalt is fire-resistant but not fireproof, and aged shingles can host moss in shaded, humid spots.
After a storm
Hail or wind hits either roof? We document the damage, work directly with your insurance, and handle the claim. See our storm & hail restoration service for how that works.
Aesthetics, efficiency, and the rain
The everyday-living differences that homeowners notice most.
Aesthetics
Asphalt comes in dozens of colors and dimensional looks that suit almost any St. Louis neighborhood. Metal delivers a clean, modern or farmhouse profile and holds its color for decades, though styles are fewer.
Energy
Reflective metal can bounce summer heat and trim cooling costs during humid Missouri Augusts. Asphalt absorbs more heat, though cool-roof shingle options help close the gap.
Noise
Rain on metal can be louder, but proper decking, underlayment, and attic insulation tame it. Asphalt is naturally quieter, which some homeowners simply prefer.
Value at sale and fit for Missouri
How each roof plays with buyers, and how well it handles our four-season swings.
Resale value
A newer roof of either type is a strong selling point. A fresh asphalt roof reassures buyers and is broadly understood. A metal roof can be a premium differentiator, signaling decades of remaining life and lower future upkeep, though it may appeal to a narrower slice of buyers depending on the street.
- Both add curb appeal when the rest of the home matches the upgrade.
- Transferable warranties on a quality install reassure the next owner.
Missouri climate fit
Our roofs face hail, straight-line wind, sticky humidity, heavy spring rain, and hard freeze-thaw cycles. Metal excels at shedding snow, ice, and water and laughs off wind. Asphalt handles the same conditions reliably and is the easiest, cheapest to repair when a storm leaves a mark.
So which roof is right for you?
Lean asphalt if you...
- Want the lowest upfront cost and a quick install.
- Plan to move within 10-15 years.
- Want easy, inexpensive storm repairs and color flexibility.
Lean metal if you...
- Are in your forever home and want to roof it once.
- Value top-tier wind resistance and lower lifetime cost.
- Want energy savings and a modern look, and can budget the premium.
Still on the fence? The most reliable way to decide is to look at your actual roof and goals together. Whether you land on shingles through a full roof replacement or a standing-seam metal roof, our family-run crew gives you an honest recommendation, not a sales pitch.
Common questions
Not sure which roof fits your home?
Let our family-run team take a look and give you a straight recommendation, with no pressure and no obligation.