What’s the Price Difference Between Asphalt Shingles and Metal Roofing on Long Island?
The price difference between asphalt shingles and metal roofing is significant. Shingles typically range from around $7 to $12 per square foot, while metal roofing is around $15 to $25 per square foot.
Metal roofing lasts longer and offers superior wind resistance in some cases, but at around twice the cost, isn’t the best option for most Long Island homeowners.
Key Takeaways
- Metal roofing is around twice the price of asphalt shingles.
- Asphalt shingles offer enough wind resistance for most regions on Long Island.
- Metal roofing is the best choice for premium builds.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing – Which is Right for You?
If you want a cost-efficient roof installation on Long Island, asphalt shingles are the best choice. They offer good wind resistance, 20+ years of life, and the perfect aesthetic for neighborhoods in Suffolk and Nassau County.
Metal roofing, with its higher cost, is better suited to premium builds or a home that you intend to live in forever.
| Feature | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
| Cost Per Square Foot | $7 to $12 installed. | $15 to $25 installed. |
| Expected Lifespan | 20+ years with maintenance. | 40+ years with maintenance. |
| Wind Rating | Up to 150 mph (ASTM D7158 Owens Corning® Shingles). | 140 mph – 180 mph. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate with 2x yearly inspections. | Fastener maintenance every 10 – 15 years. |
| Best For | The average family home on Long Island. | Exposed coastal homes and premium new construction. |
Metal roofing can provide better wind resistance at the high end, but most homes on Long Island won’t benefit from this feature. The best architectural shingles, like the Owens Corning® TruDefinition® range, already comply with the Class H ASTM D7158 standard. This provides stability with lift-off resistance in winds up to 150 mph. Even some more affordable shingles that comply with CLASS F ASTM D3161 can resist winds of up to 110 mph for two hours.
The worst nor’easters typically have sustained gusts of up to 50 mph, while peak gusts rarely exceed 80 mph around the South Shore coast and East End.
One significant downside of metal roofing is that you will often pay on the higher end, because cost-efficient galvalume steel is incompatible with the salt-air on Long Island. Metal roofing in Suffolk and Nassau County is often high-grade aluminum or copper.
Architectural Restrictions in Your Neighborhood
Only 15% to 20% of the homes on Long Island fall under a Homeowners Association. These organizations often restrict homes to wood shake or asphalt shingles to preserve a community aesthetic.
Even if you’re among the majority of homeowners living outside of an HOA, you will often find that shingles better reflect the look and feel of your neighborhood, compared to vertical-panel metal roofing.
Talk to a Trusted Roofing Contractor Near You
You can talk to the team at Renew Roofing Solutions when your Long Island home is due for a roof replacement. We will help you choose the best roofing material for your unique home and budget. The majority of all homes on Long Island use asphalt shingles. Architectural shingles are an upgrade over three-tab shingles, and are the best choice if you want an attractive aesthetic with better durability and increased wind resistance.
Talk to a licensed roofer today for your free estimate. We are available at 516-212-0307 for any of your roofing needs.