A practical, no-nonsense comparison of the two most popular roofing materials — so you can make a decision you’ll be happy with for the next 30 years.
If you’re getting close to needing a new roof — whether it’s a single-family home, a rental property, or a commercial building — you’ve probably already noticed there are a lot of options. Slate. Tile. Wood shake. Synthetic composites. But for most property owners in the Dayton area, the real decision comes down to two materials: asphalt shingles or metal.
Both are excellent, modern roofing systems. Both can last decades. And both are widely installed across the Miami Valley. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities, your budget, and how long you plan to own the property. Here’s an honest breakdown.
Asphalt Shingles: The Familiar Workhorse
Asphalt shingles cover roughly 75% of American homes for good reason. They’re affordable, widely available, and modern architectural shingles look genuinely good. For most residential properties, they’re the default — and the default is the default for a reason.
Where asphalt wins
- Lower upfront cost. Typically 40–60% less than metal for materials and installation.
- Faster installation. A typical home can be reroofed in 1–3 days.
- Easier and cheaper to repair. Damaged shingles can be swapped out individually.
- Style flexibility. Architectural shingles come in dozens of colors and profiles to match almost any home.
Where asphalt falls short
- Shorter lifespan. 20–25 years for standard 3-tab; 25–30 for premium architectural shingles.
- Vulnerable to extreme weather. Heavy hail and high winds — both common during Ohio’s severe storm season — can cause real damage.
- Less energy efficient. Dark shingles absorb heat and can drive up summer cooling costs.
Metal Roofing: The Long-Term Investment
Metal roofing has come a long way. Forget the corrugated barn-roof image — today’s standing seam and stamped metal panels look sharp on everything from modern farmhouses to commercial buildings. They cost more upfront, but the math often works out in your favor over time.
Where metal wins
- Exceptional lifespan. 40–70 years is realistic, and many metal roofs outlast the buildings they cover.
- Outstanding weather performance. Sheds snow easily, resists wind, and won’t crack from the temperature swings typical to Ohio winters.
- Energy efficiency. Reflects solar heat instead of absorbing it — cooling savings of 10–25% are common.
- Insurance and resale benefits. Many insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant metal, and buyers often pay a premium for it.
Where metal falls short
- Higher upfront cost. Expect to pay 2–3x what an asphalt roof costs.
- Specialized installation. Fewer contractors are qualified to install metal correctly — and a bad install will leak.
- Repairs are trickier. Color-matching aged panels can be difficult.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
| Average lifespan | 20–30 years | 40–70 years |
| Upfront cost | $$ | $$$$ |
| Energy efficiency | Lower | Higher (reflective) |
| Storm resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Repair ease | Easy & affordable | Specialized work |
| Best for | Most homes; shorter ownership timelines | Long-term owners; commercial properties |
So Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on how long you plan to keep the property and how much you have to spend right now.
Choose asphalt if: you want a great-looking, reliable roof at the lowest cost; you might sell within 10–15 years; or you want a fast install with minimal disruption.
Choose metal if: this is your forever home; you own a commercial building where downtime is expensive; you want maximum protection during Ohio’s severe storm season; or you simply don’t want to think about your roof again for 40+ years.
Talk to Someone Who Installs Both
A lot of roofing contractors only specialize in one material, which means the recommendation you get is often the only thing they sell. Ram Roofing installs both asphalt and metal systems for residential and commercial properties across the Miami Valley and the greater Dayton area, so the recommendation we give is based on your property and your goals — not our inventory.
If you’re weighing your options, schedule a free inspection. We’ll walk your roof, look at your structure, ask about how long you plan to be in the building, and give you straight pricing for both options.
Book your free inspection: Call 937-882-5600 or schedule online at ramroofingusa.com/book-an-appointment/
Everything under one roof.