ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you’re replacing your roof, one of the first choices is whether to go with metal roofing or asphalt shingles.

At Best Buy Metals, we’re naturally big believers in metal roofing. But we also know choosing a roof is a significant decision, and the right choice should take into account your home, budget and long-term plans.

So, how do metal roofing and shingles compare? Here are some of the factors worth considering before making your decision.

Look beyond the initial price

Upfront cost matters, and asphalt shingles will often have a lower initial price than a metal roofing system. But purchase price doesn’t tell the entire story.

When comparing roofing options, think about how long you plan to own the home, the expected life of the roofing material, future maintenance and the possibility of having to replace the roof again. For a homeowner who expects to stay in a house for many years, long-term value may carry more weight than it does for someone with different plans.

That’s why we encourage customers to think in terms of the life of the roof, not simply the price on installation day.

Consider how long you want your roof to last

Longevity is one of the primary reasons homeowners consider metal roofing.

The actual service life of any roof depends on factors including the product, installation, environment and maintenance. However, a properly selected and installed metal roofing system is designed for long-term use.

Whatever material you’re considering, ask about its expected service life, warranty and maintenance requirements so you’re comparing more than initial estimates.

Metal roofing offers more design choices than you might think

Some homeowners hear “metal roof” and picture a basic metal panel on a barn. Today’s options go well beyond that.

We offer through-fastened panels, standing seam systems and specialty metal roofing, giving homeowners choices in profiles, colors and overall appearance.

That flexibility can be especially valuable in Western North Carolina, where you’ll find everything from traditional homes and mountain cabins to farmhouses and contemporary construction.

Your roof makes up a large portion of your home’s exterior. Consider how each material will complement your siding, stone, brick, trim and architectural style—not just how it looks on a sample.

Choose for your home, not someone else’s

There isn’t one roofing material that’s right for every homeowner or every building.

A budget-conscious project may have different priorities than a homeowner focused on long-term ownership. A mountain home surrounded by trees may present different considerations than a garage, workshop or home in a more open setting.

Before deciding between metal roofing and shingles, consider what matters most for your project: initial investment, longevity, appearance, maintenance and long-term plans.

At Best Buy Metals, helping customers understand those choices is an important part of what we do. We work with homeowners, contractors and building professionals to explore metal roofing options and find products suited to projects of all sizes.

We’re also proud to call Western North Carolina home. Best Buy Metals was named a 2026 Best of Asheville Gold winner in both the Manufacturing Company and Place to Work categories.

If you’re comparing roofing options for your Asheville or Western North Carolina home, visit BestBuyMetals.com to explore our metal roofing systems, colors and resources or connect with our team to learn more.