Materials

Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing for Georgia Homes

By Take Charge Roofing · Atlanta, GA

Georgia homeowners asking about roofing materials almost always end up at the same question: asphalt shingles or metal? Both are legitimate choices — but the right answer depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how you weigh upfront cost against long-term performance.

Here's a clear breakdown based on how each material actually performs in Georgia's climate.

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryAsphaltMetal
Upfront Cost$10,000 – $18,000$20,000 – $40,000
Lifespan20 – 30 years40 – 70 years
Georgia Heat PerformanceAbsorbs heat; can degrade fasterReflects heat; cooler attic
Hail ResistanceStandard: moderate | Impact-resistant: highVery high (Class 4 rating)
Wind ResistanceUp to 130 mph (arch.) | 110 mph (3-tab)Up to 140+ mph
Insurance CoverageFully covered, universalCovered; some insurers offer discounts
Noise in RainQuietLouder (mitigated with insulation)
Resale Value BoostStandard expectationPremium in some markets

The Georgia Climate Factor

Georgia's weather creates specific considerations that matter in this comparison:

  • Heat

    Georgia summers are brutal on dark-colored asphalt shingles. Metal roofs reflect significantly more solar heat, reducing attic temperatures and potentially lowering cooling costs by 10–25%.

  • Hail

    The Atlanta metro is in a high-hail-frequency zone. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles (Class 3 or Class 4 rated) close the gap with metal significantly — and some insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 rated shingles.

  • Humidity

    Georgia's high humidity can accelerate granule loss and algae growth on asphalt shingles. Algae-resistant shingles (copper-granule coated) and proper ventilation mitigate this. Metal is naturally resistant.

  • Wind

    Georgia thunderstorms regularly produce 60–80 mph wind gusts. Both architectural asphalt (rated to 130 mph) and metal (rated to 140+ mph) handle this well — basic 3-tab shingles do not.

The Honest Bottom Line

For most Georgia homeowners: Architectural asphalt shingles — or impact-resistant asphalt shingles if you're in a high-hail area — are the right choice. They perform well in Georgia's climate, are fully covered by insurance, and cost half as much as metal upfront.

Metal makes more sense if: You plan to stay in the home 20+ years, you want the lowest possible maintenance over time, you value energy efficiency, or you're building a high-end home where the premium is justified by resale positioning.

Take Charge Roofing installs both. During your free inspection, we'll give you honest material recommendations based on your specific home, budget, and goals — not on which option has a higher margin for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is metal roofing better than asphalt in Georgia?+
Metal roofing outperforms asphalt in longevity (40–70 years vs. 20–30 years), heat reflection, and wind resistance. However, asphalt shingles are significantly less expensive upfront, are covered by standard insurance policies, and are the right choice for most Georgia homeowners weighing total cost of ownership. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles close the gap in storm performance.
Does metal roofing increase home value in Georgia?+
Metal roofing can increase home resale value — studies show roughly 1–6% premium depending on the market. In Georgia's competitive real estate markets like Atlanta and Alpharetta, a metal roof is a differentiating feature. However, the upfront cost premium over asphalt rarely recovers fully within a typical homeownership period.
How much more does metal roofing cost than asphalt?+
Metal roofing typically costs 2–3x more than architectural asphalt shingles upfront. For an average Atlanta home, that means $20,000–$40,000 for metal vs. $10,000–$18,000 for architectural asphalt. Metal's longer lifespan (40–70 years vs. 25–30) means fewer replacements over the long run — which can make it cost-competitive on a per-year basis.

Not Sure Which Material Is Right for Your Home?

Get a free inspection and honest material recommendation — no pressure, no upsell.

Call (678) 794-3212Get Free Inspection