By Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp | Syracuse, NY
If you’re a Syracuse homeowner facing a roof replacement, you’ve likely come across two of the most popular options: asphalt shingles vs metal roofing. Both have loyal fans, and both can serve you well — but the right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style, and how long you plan to stay in the house.
At Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp, we’ve installed hundreds of roofs across the Syracuse area. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Syracuse isn’t easy on roofs. We’re one of the snowiest cities in the United States, with average annual snowfall exceeding 120 inches. Add to that freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, heavy rain, and summer storms — and you quickly realize that roofing material isn’t just an aesthetic decision. It’s a structural one.
The material you choose affects:
How well your roof handles snow and ice load
How long the roof lasts before needing replacement
Your home’s energy efficiency and heating bills
Your return on investment when you eventually sell
With that context in mind, let’s compare the two leading contenders.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America — and for good reason. They’ve been the go-to choice for decades because they strike an excellent balance between cost, performance, and aesthetic flexibility.
How They Work
Asphalt shingles are made of a fiberglass or organic mat base, coated with asphalt and embedded with mineral granules. Those granules protect against UV rays and add texture. Most modern shingles are “architectural” (also called dimensional or laminated), which means they have a layered look that mimics wood shake or slate.
As a GAF Certified Contractor, Roofing Quality Plus installs premium GAF architectural shingles that come with a 25-year color warranty — guaranteed not to fade or discolor — and optional 50-year extended warranty coverage.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
Lower upfront cost. Asphalt shingles typically cost $4–$8 per square foot installed, making them far more accessible for most homeowners than metal alternatives.
Wide style variety. Available in dozens of colors and profiles, asphalt shingles can complement virtually any home exterior — from classic colonial to modern craftsman.
Easier repairs. If a few shingles are damaged by a storm or falling branch, individual shingles can be replaced without disturbing the entire roof.
Faster installation. Most asphalt roofing jobs can be completed in one to two days, minimizing disruption to your household.
Universal contractor availability. Every roofing contractor is trained to work with asphalt, so getting quotes and finding installers is straightforward.
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Shorter lifespan. Standard architectural shingles last 20–30 years. While that’s respectable, it’s significantly shorter than metal.
Vulnerable to ice dams. In Syracuse winters, ice dams can form along eaves and force water under shingles, causing leaks. Proper installation with ice-and-water shield underlayment mitigates this — but it’s still a vulnerability to be aware of.
Less energy efficient. Asphalt absorbs heat rather than reflecting it, which can increase cooling costs in summer months.
Environmental footprint. Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based and are not easily recyclable, contributing to landfill waste at end of life.
Metal roofing has surged in popularity over the past decade, and it’s no longer just for commercial buildings or barns. Today’s residential metal roofs are sleek, stylish, and engineered to outperform in extreme climates — making them a compelling option for Syracuse homeowners who plan to stay in their home for the long haul.
Types of Metal Roofing
The two most common residential metal roofing types are:
- Standing seam metal: Panels run vertically with raised seams that interlock, hiding all fasteners. Cleaner look, superior weather resistance, and longer lifespan.
- Metal shingles: Stamped steel or aluminum panels designed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles, slate, or wood shake. A good middle ground between traditional aesthetics and metal performance.
Common metals used include galvanized steel, Galvalume steel, aluminum, and copper (premium).
Pros of Metal Roofing
Exceptional lifespan. Metal roofs typically last 40–70 years. A well-installed standing seam roof can outlast the mortgage on your home.
Superior snow performance. Metal’s smooth surface allows snow to slide off naturally, reducing ice dam formation and snow load — a major advantage in Central New York winters.
Energy efficiency. Metal reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce summer cooling costs by 10–25%.
Low maintenance. Metal is resistant to cracking, shrinking, and erosion. It won’t grow mold or be damaged by insects.
Increased home value. Metal roofing can increase resale value and is an attractive selling point for buyers who don’t want to replace a roof soon after purchase.
Eco-friendly. Most metal roofing is made from recycled content and is 100% recyclable at end of life.
Cons of Metal Roofing
Higher upfront cost. Metal roofing typically runs $10–$20+ per square foot installed — roughly 2–3x the cost of asphalt. For a typical Syracuse home, that’s a meaningful difference.
Noise. Without proper insulation and underlayment, metal roofs can be noisier during heavy rain or hail. A professional installation with quality underlayment largely eliminates this issue.
Denting. Aluminum and thinner gauges of steel can dent from large hail or falling branches. Thicker-gauge steel panels are more resistant.
Fewer local contractors. Not every roofing company installs metal roofs correctly. Improper installation — especially with standing seam — can lead to costly problems.
|
Feature |
Asphalt Shingles |
Metal Roofing |
|
Average lifespan |
20–30 years |
40–70 years |
|
Upfront cost |
$4–$8/sq ft |
$10–$20+/sq ft |
|
Snow/ice performance |
Moderate (needs ice shield) |
Excellent (sheds snow naturally) |
|
Energy efficiency |
Low–moderate |
High (reflective) |
|
Maintenance |
Low |
Very low |
|
Style variety |
Very high |
High |
|
Resale value boost |
Moderate |
High |
|
Eco-friendliness |
Low |
High |
|
Installation speed |
1–2 days |
2–4 days |
|
Repair ease |
Easy |
Moderate |
Here’s how we guide homeowners at Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp:
Choose asphalt shingles if:
You need to keep upfront costs manageable
You plan to sell your home within the next 10–15 years
You want the widest range of color and style options
Your home has a complex roof shape with many angles, valleys, and dormers (which makes metal installation more expensive)
Choose metal roofing if:
You plan to stay in your home for 20+ years and want the last roof you’ll ever need
Energy savings and sustainability are priorities for you
You live in an area with heavy snow load and ice dam concerns
You want to maximize your home’s resale value
Still unsure? Consider this:
If the cost difference between asphalt and metal is within your budget, and you plan to stay long-term, metal often wins on a cost-per-year basis. A $18,000 metal roof lasting 50 years costs you $360/year. A $10,000 asphalt roof lasting 25 years costs $400/year — and you’ll eventually need to replace it again.
Here’s the truth most guides leave out: the material matters, but the installation matters more.
A premium metal roof installed incorrectly will fail faster than a mid-grade asphalt roof installed by a certified expert. That’s why choosing a qualified, certified contractor is just as important as choosing the right material.
Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp is a GAF Certified Contractor serving the greater Syracuse area. Our team has 13+ years of experience with both asphalt and metal roofing systems, and every project comes backed by our 10-year labor warranty — in addition to the manufacturer’s material warranty.
Most architectural asphalt shingles last 20–30 years in Central New York. However, Syracuse’s harsh winters, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles can shorten that lifespan if the roof wasn’t installed with proper underlayment and ventilation. GAF premium shingles installed by a certified contractor — like Roofing Quality Plus — consistently reach the higher end of that range.
For homeowners planning to stay long-term, yes — metal roofing is almost always worth it in New York. The combination of snow-shedding performance, a 40–70 year lifespan, and reduced energy bills makes the higher upfront investment pay for itself over time. On a cost-per-year basis, metal often ends up cheaper than asphalt.
This is one of the most common concerns — and it’s largely a myth when the roof is installed correctly. A properly installed metal roof with quality underlayment and insulation is no noisier than an asphalt roof. The “tin roof in a rainstorm” sound typically comes from metal roofs on barns or sheds with no insulation layer beneath them.
In many cases, yes. Metal roofing can be installed directly over existing asphalt shingles, which saves on tear-off costs and reduces waste. However, this depends on the condition of your existing roof deck and local building codes. Our team will assess your current roof before recommending this approach.
Metal roofing has a clear advantage here. Its smooth surface allows snow to slide off naturally before it can melt and refreeze at the eaves. Asphalt shingles can be protected with proper ice-and-water shield underlayment and attic ventilation, but they’re inherently more susceptible to ice dam damage than metal.
Absolutely. A new roof is one of the top home improvements for return on investment. Asphalt shingle replacements typically recoup 60–70% of their cost at resale, while metal roofs can recoup even more because buyers value the longevity and reduced maintenance. In a competitive market like Syracuse, a new roof can be the deciding factor for a buyer.
As a general rule: if your roof is under 15 years old and the damage is isolated to a small area, repair is likely the right call. If it’s over 20 years old, has widespread granule loss, multiple leaks, or visible sagging, replacement is almost always more cost-effective in the long run. Not sure? Call us for a free inspection — we’ll give you an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
We understand that a roof replacement is a significant investment. Contact our team directly at (315) 775-9205 to discuss payment options and financing solutions that fit your budget.
An asphalt shingle roof replacement on an average-sized home typically takes 1–2 days. A metal roof installation may take 2–4 days depending on the system type and roof complexity. Weather permitting, most projects are completed with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Yes. Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp is a GAF Certified Contractor, BBB-accredited, fully licensed, and insured to operate in New York State. Every project comes with a 10-year labor warranty on top of the manufacturer’s material warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.
Get a Free Roof Assessment in Syracuse, NY
Still not sure which direction to go? We’re here to help — with no pressure and no sales pitch.
Our team will inspect your current roof, discuss your goals and budget, and give you a detailed, transparent quote for both options so you can compare apples to apples.
📞 Call or text us: +1 (315) 775-9205
Roofing Quality Plus Construction Corp is a GAF Certified contractor and BBB-accredited business proudly serving Syracuse, NY and surrounding communities. We specialize in roofing installation, repair, replacement, g
