Asphalt and metal are the two roofing materials Ohio homeowners ask about most. Both hold up here, but they hold up differently. The right choice depends on what you actually need from the roof. Hershberger Brothers Roofing started out installing asphalt roofs exclusively before adding metal to the lineup. The comparison below comes from hands-on experience with both, not a sales pitch for one.
How Asphalt And Metal Compare At A Glance
The table below covers the factors that matter most when choosing between the two.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roofing |
| Typical lifespan | 15 to 25 years standard, up to 30 with architectural shingles and good ventilation | 40 to 70 years |
| Upfront cost | Lower, typically a few dollars per square foot installed | Higher, commonly two to three times the cost of asphalt |
| Cold-weather behavior | Holds up well to Ohio’s temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles | Sheds snow and ice well, but can be slippery on steep pitches |
| Hot-weather behavior | Absorbs heat, which can raise cooling costs in summer | Reflects heat, which can lower cooling costs in summer |
| Maintenance | Periodic inspection, occasional shingle replacement after storms | Minimal, mostly inspection and debris removal |
| Style options | Wide range of colors and styles, including architectural profiles | Standing seam, corrugated, and metal tile profiles |
No single row settles the decision on its own. The sections below walk through why each row looks the way it does.
How Long Each Material Actually Lasts In Ohio
Metal lasts longer than asphalt by a wide margin, but both numbers depend on Ohio’s climate doing its part.
Standard asphalt shingles last 15 to 25 years in Ohio’s climate. Architectural shingles, the heavier, more textured tier, can reach 25 to 30 years with proper ventilation. Metal roofs last considerably longer, typically 40 to 70 years depending on the system and gauge of metal used. Wayne County’s freeze-thaw cycles and sharp temperature swings shorten roof life across the board compared to milder climates. That is why ventilation and installation quality matter as much as the material itself.
These ranges line up closely with independent industry data, not just one contractor’s experience. A 2026 This Old House survey found 47 percent of homeowners installed asphalt shingles in the last five years. Only 13 percent had installed metal in that same window. That gap shows how dominant asphalt still is, despite metal’s longer lifespan. Hershberger Brothers Roofing installs architectural shingles from Owens Corning. These carry stronger wind ratings than basic three-tab shingles and hold up better in Ohio storms.
What Each Material Costs Upfront
Metal costs more to install than asphalt, typically two to three times as much for the same roof.
Exact dollar figures vary widely by source, region, and roof complexity, so treat any single number with some skepticism. What holds steady across pricing guides is the relationship. Asphalt is the lower-cost entry point, and metal carries a real premium for the labor and specialized equipment it requires. Architectural shingles cost more than basic three-tab shingles but still land well below any metal system. The honest way to compare them is cost per year of expected life, not the number on the initial estimate. A metal roof that lasts three times as long changes that math considerably.
How Each Material Handles Ohio’s Weather
Ohio’s weather swings hard between seasons, and the two materials respond to that swing in opposite ways.
In summer, metal reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it. That helps keep attic temperatures down and can lower cooling costs. Asphalt absorbs more heat, which works against you in July. That same heat absorption offers a small benefit in January, since it helps shed snow and ice a bit faster. Wind and hail are the bigger concern for most Ohio homeowners. Architectural shingles carry stronger wind ratings than basic shingles. Standing seam metal sheds wind almost entirely, thanks to its interlocking panels. Hail dents metal more visibly than it damages asphalt, though the dent is usually cosmetic rather than a leak risk.
More detail on standing seam, corrugated, and metal tile options is on the metal roofing page.
Which Material Needs Less Upkeep
Metal wins decisively on maintenance, though neither material can be ignored entirely.
A metal roof mostly needs a yearly inspection and occasional debris removal. The material does not absorb moisture, grow moss, or lose granules the way asphalt does. Asphalt shingles need more regular attention by comparison. Wind and hail can lift or crack individual shingles, and a missing shingle lets water reach the deck underneath. Storm damage is also more common with asphalt. Wind-lifted shingles are one of the most frequent repair calls Hershberger Brothers Roofing gets after a major Ohio storm.
The roof repair vs replacement guide covers how to tell whether damage needs a patch or a full section replaced.
Which Material Fits Your Home And Budget
The right material comes down to which priority matters most to you.
- If upfront cost matters most, asphalt is the more affordable choice for most budgets.
- If you plan to stay in the home long term, metal’s longer lifespan often makes it the better value over time.
- If summer cooling costs are a concern, metal’s reflective surface gives it a real edge.
- If your roof has a steep pitch and you get heavy snow, asphalt avoids the slip risk metal can carry.
- If low maintenance matters most, metal needs the least ongoing attention of the two.
Most homeowners in Wayne County and the surrounding area still choose asphalt for a standard replacement. The lower upfront cost is the main reason. Metal has been gaining ground for homeowners planning to stay put for decades. The lifespan and energy savings offset the higher initial price over time.
Get A Straight Answer From A Crew That Has Installed Both
A free inspection settles most of this without the guesswork. Hershberger Brothers Roofing has installed both materials across northeast Ohio for years. A quick look at your roof, pitch, and budget usually points clearly toward one option. Schedule a free inspection and get a straight recommendation, not a sales pitch for whichever material is easiest to sell.
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