Metal roofing has gotten really popular in the last few years, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It looks sharp, lasts forever, and the marketing makes it sound like the obvious choice. But is it the right choice for every home in Utah?
Let’s break it down without the sales pitch.
Durability: Metal wins on raw lifespan. A quality standing-seam metal roof can last 50-70 years. A premium architectural asphalt shingle roof (like the GAF Timberline HDZ we install) is rated for 25-30 years with proper installation. That said, very few homeowners stay in the same house for 50 years, so the question becomes: are you paying for longevity you’ll actually use?
Cost: This is where the conversation gets real. A metal roof typically costs 2-3 times what an asphalt shingle roof costs. For a mid-sized Salt Lake City home, you might be looking at $12,000-$16,000 for quality shingles vs. $28,000-$45,000 for standing-seam metal. Corrugated metal is cheaper, but it doesn’t hold up as well and has a more industrial look that doesn’t suit every neighborhood.
Snow performance: This is the Utah-specific factor. Metal roofs shed snow faster, which can be good and bad. Good because snow doesn’t accumulate and add weight. Bad because sheets of snow can slide off in an avalanche and damage gutters, landscaping, people, or cars below. If you go metal, you need snow guards — and they add to the cost. Asphalt shingles hold snow in place better, which means more weight on the roof but a more controlled melt.
Energy efficiency: Metal reflects more heat in summer, which can reduce cooling costs. In Utah’s climate, that’s a real benefit from June through September. However, proper attic ventilation and insulation do more for energy efficiency than the roofing material itself.
Noise: Old metal roofs were loud in rain and hail. Modern metal roofs with proper underlayment are much better, but they’re still not as quiet as shingles. In a heavy Utah hailstorm, you’ll notice the difference.
Our honest take: for most homeowners in the Salt Lake valley, quality architectural shingles are the sweet spot. They look great, perform well in our climate, come with solid warranties (especially with GAF certified installation), and cost about half what metal does. Metal makes sense for specific situations — you’re building your forever home, you want a specific aesthetic, or you’re in a high-fire-risk area.
We install both. We’re not pushing one over the other. What we will do is give you an honest assessment of what makes sense for your specific home, budget, and plans.
Ready to get your roof inspected? Call V3 Roofing at (385) 900-4618 for a FREE estimate.
