Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing: Which Is Right for Your Charlotte Home?

If you are planning a roof replacement for your Charlotte home, one of the biggest decisions you will face is choosing the right roofing material. The two most popular options in the Charlotte area are asphalt shingles and metal roofing, and each has distinct advantages and trade-offs. The best choice for your home depends on your budget, your long-term plans, the style of your home, and how you want your roof to perform against Charlotte's demanding climate.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between asphalt shingles and metal roofing so you can make an informed decision about which material is right for your Charlotte home.

Asphalt Shingles: The Most Popular Choice in Charlotte

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material on homes throughout the Charlotte metro area and across the Piedmont region. Drive through neighborhoods like Ballantyne, University City, Steele Creek, or Matthews, and the vast majority of homes you see will have asphalt shingle roofs. There are good reasons for this popularity.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Not all asphalt shingles are created equal. The two main types are three-tab shingles and architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles.

Three-tab shingles are the basic, flat shingle that was standard for decades. They are lighter, thinner, and less expensive, but they also have a shorter lifespan of around 15 to 20 years and lower wind ratings, typically rated for 60 to 70 mph winds.

Architectural shingles are the current standard for most new roof installations in Charlotte. They are thicker and heavier, with a dimensional look that mimics the appearance of natural wood shake or slate. Architectural shingles typically last 25 to 30 years and carry wind ratings of 110 to 130 mph, which is an important consideration for Charlotte homeowners given our frequent severe thunderstorms and occasional tropical weather. Most roofing professionals in the Charlotte area, including our team at Top Roofing, recommend architectural shingles as the best balance of performance and value.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

• Lower upfront cost: Asphalt shingle roofs typically cost significantly less to install than metal roofing, making them the most budget-friendly option for a full roof replacement.
• Wide variety of styles and colors: Asphalt shingles come in dozens of colors and profiles, making it easy to match your home's architectural style whether you live in a historic bungalow in Dilworth or a newer home in Waxhaw.
• Easy to repair: If a section of shingles is damaged by a storm, individual shingles or sections can be replaced without affecting the rest of the roof.
• Familiar to all contractors: Every roofing contractor in the Charlotte area is experienced with asphalt shingles, which means competitive pricing and straightforward installation.
• Good wind resistance: Modern architectural shingles offer excellent wind performance, with many rated for 130 mph winds when properly installed.

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

• Shorter lifespan: Even the best architectural shingles will last 25 to 30 years under ideal conditions. Charlotte's extreme summer heat and humidity can shorten that lifespan.
• Vulnerable to heat damage: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates the aging of asphalt shingles. With Charlotte summers regularly hitting 90 to 100 degrees, shingles can deteriorate faster here than in cooler climates.
• Susceptible to algae and moss: Charlotte's humid climate creates conditions that promote algae growth, which causes those dark streaks you often see on roofs around town. While algae-resistant shingles are available, they cost more.
• Less energy efficient: Dark asphalt shingles absorb heat, which can raise attic temperatures and increase cooling costs during Charlotte's long, hot summers.

Metal Roofing: The Growing Alternative

Metal roofing has been gaining popularity in the Charlotte area in recent years, particularly among homeowners looking for a longer-lasting, more energy-efficient option. While still less common than asphalt shingles on residential homes in our area, metal roofs are appearing more frequently in neighborhoods across Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities.

Types of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing comes in several styles and materials. The most common options for residential homes include standing seam metal panels, which offer a sleek modern look, and metal shingles that are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional shingles, slate, or wood shake. Materials include steel, aluminum, and copper, with steel being the most common choice for residential applications due to its strength and affordability relative to other metals.

Pros of Metal Roofing

• Exceptional lifespan: A quality metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, which is two to three times longer than asphalt shingles. For many Charlotte homeowners, a metal roof could be the last roof they ever need to install.
• Superior wind resistance: Metal roofing panels can be rated for winds of 140 mph or higher, providing excellent protection during severe storms and tropical weather events.
• Energy efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. In Charlotte, where air conditioning runs for five to six months of the year, those savings add up over time.
• Hail resistance: Metal roofs are much more resistant to hail damage than asphalt shingles. While large hail can dent metal panels, it will not cause the same kind of functional damage that it does to shingles.
• Low maintenance: Metal roofs require very little maintenance compared to asphalt shingles. They do not suffer from moss or algae growth and are not affected by Charlotte's humidity in the same way shingles are.
• Environmentally friendly: Metal roofing is typically made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its life, unlike asphalt shingles which contribute millions of tons to landfills each year.

Cons of Metal Roofing

• Higher upfront cost: Metal roofing typically costs two to three times more than asphalt shingles to install. While the longer lifespan offsets this over time, the initial investment is substantial.
• Noise: Some homeowners worry about rain noise on a metal roof. However, when installed over solid decking with proper underlayment, which is standard practice, a metal roof is no louder than an asphalt shingle roof during rain.
• Denting: While metal roofs handle hail better than shingles functionally, large hail can leave cosmetic dents in some metal panels, particularly softer metals like aluminum.
• Fewer contractor options: Not every roofing contractor in Charlotte has experience installing metal roofing. It requires specialized skills and training, so finding a qualified installer may take more research.
• Expansion and contraction: Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which Charlotte certainly experiences with summer highs near 100 degrees and winter lows in the 20s. This is managed with proper fastening systems, but it needs to be installed correctly.

Cost Comparison for Charlotte Homes

For a typical Charlotte home with a 2,000-square-foot roof, here is a general cost comparison between the two materials. Keep in mind that actual costs vary based on roof complexity, pitch, accessibility, and specific material choices.

• Asphalt shingles (architectural): $8,000 to $15,000 for a full replacement
• Metal roofing (standing seam): $18,000 to $35,000 or more for a full replacement

When you factor in the lifespan difference, the cost per year of ownership is closer than you might expect. An asphalt shingle roof lasting 25 years works out to roughly $400 to $600 per year, while a metal roof lasting 50 years works out to roughly $360 to $700 per year. However, this only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to realize the full benefit of a metal roof's longevity.

Which Material Is Best for Charlotte's Climate?

Both materials perform well in Charlotte's climate when installed correctly, but each has advantages for specific weather conditions we face in the Piedmont region.

For heat and humidity: Metal roofing has the edge. Its reflective properties keep homes cooler, and it is unaffected by the moisture and algae growth that Charlotte's humidity promotes on asphalt shingles.

For hailstorms: Metal roofing is functionally superior, though it may show cosmetic denting. Asphalt shingles, particularly impact-resistant varieties, offer good hail protection but can suffer granule loss and cracking from large hail.

For wind: Both materials offer strong wind ratings in their premium products, but metal roofing generally has the higher ceiling for wind resistance.

For heavy rain: Metal roofing sheds water quickly and effectively, which is beneficial given Charlotte's 43-plus inches of annual rainfall. Asphalt shingles also perform well when in good condition but can develop leaks faster as they age.

Making Your Decision

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right roofing material for your Charlotte home depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, your aesthetic preferences, and your priorities regarding energy efficiency and longevity.

Asphalt architectural shingles remain an excellent choice for most Charlotte homeowners. They offer a strong balance of performance, appearance, and value, and they are the standard that buyers expect when purchasing homes in the Charlotte market. Metal roofing is a compelling option for homeowners who plan to stay in their home for decades, prioritize energy efficiency, or want the peace of mind that comes with a roof designed to last half a century or more.

Get Expert Advice from Top Roofing

Choosing the right roofing material is a big decision, and you do not have to make it alone. Top Roofing offers free estimates and consultations for homeowners throughout the Charlotte area, including Ballantyne, NoDa, South End, Mooresville, Concord, Fort Mill, Waxhaw, and all surrounding communities. Our team has over 10 years of experience helping Charlotte homeowners choose the best roofing solutions for their homes and budgets.

Whether you are leaning toward asphalt shingles or exploring metal roofing, we will walk you through the options, answer your questions, and provide an honest recommendation based on your specific situation. Call us today at (404) 555-1212 or request your free estimate online. We look forward to helping you make the right choice for your home.