If you’re a homeowner in Union, Missouri — or in nearby towns like Washington, Festus, St. Clair, or DeSoto — a roof replacement is one of the most important upgrades you’ll ever make to your home. But before you make your decision, there’s one critical question that needs answering: should you choose asphalt shingles or a metal roof?

At Emmendorfer Exteriors, we’ve worked with families throughout Union and surrounding communities, helping them weigh the pros and cons of both materials. In this guide, we’ll walk through a clear and practical asphalt metal roofing comparison to help you understand which option best fits your property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Whether you’re concerned about price, maintenance, durability, or style — this side-by-side comparison has you covered.

What Is Asphalt Roofing?

Asphalt shingles are made with a fiberglass or organic base and coated with asphalt and mineral granules. They’re the most common roofing material used on Missouri homes.

In areas like Eureka, Fenton, and Pevely, asphalt roofs have been the standard for decades thanks to their affordability and availability.

Common benefits of asphalt roofing include:

• Lower upfront cost
  
• Wide variety of colors and designs
  
• Easier installation and repair
  
• Readily available in most local markets
  

Still, asphalt does have drawbacks — particularly when it comes to long-term durability, which is where this asphalt metal roofing comparison really starts to matter.

What Is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing systems are made from steel, aluminum, or other metal alloys and typically come in panels or shingles with protective coatings. Once reserved for barns or commercial buildings, metal roofs are now widely used on homes throughout Union, Gerald, and Valley Park.

Homeowners in Missouri are increasingly turning to metal roofing for its:

• 40- to 70-year lifespan
  
• Resistance to wind, fire, hail, and rot
  
• Low maintenance needs
  
• Improved energy efficiency
  

A strong asphalt metal roofing comparison should consider how each option performs under local weather conditions — and that’s where metal often pulls ahead.

How Do They Handle Missouri Weather?

Homeowners in Union, Festus, and St. Clair know how unpredictable Missouri’s climate can be. From icy winters to intense spring storms, your roof must hold up to it all.

Here’s how both options perform:

Asphalt Roofing:

• Can crack, curl, or lose granules after years of sun exposure
  
• May require more frequent repairs after hail or wind
  
• Typically lasts 15–30 years depending on quality
  

Metal Roofing:

• Highly resistant to hail and strong wind gusts
  
• Reflects solar heat in summer, reducing energy use
  
• Lasts 40–70 years with proper installation
  

In this asphalt metal roofing comparison, metal is the better option for homeowners who want peace of mind during storms and fewer repair bills over time.

What’s the Difference in Appearance?

Both asphalt and metal offer versatile looks, but each has its own aesthetic appeal.

Asphalt shingles come in traditional styles and color blends that fit Colonial, Ranch, or Craftsman homes. Many homeowners in DeSoto or Fenton prefer asphalt for its familiar appearance.

Metal roofing now comes in standing seam panels, stamped shingle styles, and custom finishes that mimic wood shake, tile, or even slate. In Washington and Eureka, homeowners are starting to favor the sleek, modern style of metal.

Aesthetics are subjective — but they play a big role in resale value. A trusted asphalt metal roofing comparison should include curb appeal as part of your evaluation.

What About the Cost?

This is often the first question we get from homeowners: Which one is cheaper?

Asphalt shingles are typically more affordable upfront:

• Average cost: $4–$6 per square foot installed
  

Metal roofing is more expensive to install:

• Average cost: $8–$14 per square foot installed
  

However, the total cost over the roof’s lifespan is where metal gains an edge.

In this asphalt metal roofing comparison, asphalt may be better for short-term savings, while metal offers long-term value through fewer replacements, less maintenance, and better energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

Keeping utility bills low matters, especially during hot Missouri summers.

Asphalt roofs absorb heat and raise attic temperatures, especially on south-facing homes in towns like Herculaneum or Gerald.

Metal roofs reflect UV rays and help regulate indoor temperatures, leading to cooling cost reductions of up to 25%.

When you factor in energy savings, a metal roof may help pay for itself over time — a key takeaway in any asphalt metal roofing comparison for Missouri homes.

Maintenance and Repairs

Roof repairs are part of homeownership, but the material you choose affects how often they’re needed.

Asphalt Roofing:

• May need shingle replacements after wind or hail
  
• Granule loss is common over time
  
• Flashing and seals require regular checks
  

Metal Roofing:

• Minimal routine maintenance
  
• No granules, no curling, no cracking
  
• Rarely needs panel replacement
  

If low maintenance is a priority for your property in Festus or Eureka, this asphalt metal roofing comparison leans strongly toward metal.

Lifespan and Long-Term Value

Asphalt roofs last 15–30 years
Metal roofs last 40–70 years

For many homeowners in Union, Pevely, or Fenton, a metal roof means you may never have to replace your roof again. It also adds long-term resale value and is considered a premium upgrade in many real estate listings.

This durability is a major advantage in our asphalt metal roofing comparison — especially for those planning to stay in their homes long-term.

Fire, Wind, and Hail Ratings

In rural and wooded areas like Gerald or Herculaneum, fire safety and storm resistance matter more than ever.

Asphalt Roofing:

• Most are Class A fire-rated
  
• May be vulnerable to hail and high winds
  

Metal Roofing:

• Also Class A fire-rated
  
• Rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph
  
• Excellent hail resistance
  

Missouri’s ever-changing climate demands strong roofing materials, making these performance ratings a critical part of your asphalt metal roofing comparison.

Installation Time and Labor

Asphalt is quicker and easier to install
Metal takes longer and requires specialized labor

If you’re under time pressure — for example, selling your home or coordinating with other renovations — asphalt might be the faster solution.

Still, a well-planned metal roof installation pays off in longevity and lower lifetime costs.

Insurance and Resale Factors

Many Missouri insurers offer discounts for metal roofs due to their fire and storm resistance. These savings are not always available for asphalt.

Resale value also increases with a metal roof, especially in competitive areas like Eureka or Washington, where buyers are looking for move-in-ready durability.

Another point in favor of metal in this asphalt metal roofing comparison is its appeal to buyers looking for eco-friendly, low-maintenance homes.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick recap of who each roof might be best for:

Choose Asphalt If You:

• Have a tighter budget
  
• Plan to move in the next 5–10 years
  
• Want a traditional aesthetic
  
• Need fast installation
  

Choose Metal If You:

• Want long-term durability
  
• Live in a high-storm or high-wind area
  
• Value energy efficiency
  
• Prefer low-maintenance roofing
  

Every home is unique, and that’s why this asphalt metal roofing comparison matters. The right roof depends on your goals, your budget, and your plans for the future.

Serving Homeowners Across Eastern Missouri

At Emmendorfer Exteriors, we help homeowners make smart decisions with honest guidance and reliable workmanship. We’ve completed asphalt and metal roofing projects across:

• Union
  
• Washington
  
• Festus
  
• St. Clair
  
• Herculaneum
  
• Gerald
  
• Fenton
  
• Valley Park
  
• DeSoto
  
• Pevely
  
• Eureka
  

We know the roofing challenges in your town — and we’re here to help you choose a roof that’s beautiful, durable, and suited to Missouri’s ever-changing weather.

Final Thoughts

When comparing roofing materials for your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we created this detailed asphalt metal roofing comparison — to help homeowners like you make confident, informed choices.

Whether you’re replacing an aging roof in Union or building a new home in DeSoto, knowing the pros and cons of each material helps you avoid costly mistakes and choose a solution that fits your life.

At Emmendorfer Exteriors, we’re proud to serve our neighbors with trusted guidance, top-quality roofing products, and installation you can count on — no matter which material you choose.