Texas homeowners replacing a roof often ask whether they should upgrade to metal. Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing are excellent choices in Texas—but they serve different needs and budgets.
Asphalt shingles: The most common choice
Pros: - Lower upfront cost (typically $8,000–$15,000 for an average home) - Wide range of colors and styles - Faster installation - Easy to repair individual sections - Well understood by insurance adjusters
Cons: - Shorter lifespan (20–30 years depending on shingle grade) - More vulnerable to hail damage than metal - More granule loss over time, affecting drainage
Best for: Homeowners looking for a cost-effective, attractive solution who plan to stay in the home 10–20 years.
Metal roofing: The long-term investment
Pros: - Lifespan of 40–70 years (steel) or longer (aluminum, copper) - Excellent wind resistance (some systems rated to 140 mph) - Reflects solar heat—can reduce cooling costs 10–25% - Many Texas insurance companies offer premium discounts for impact-resistant metal - Better hail resistance (Class 4 impact-rated products)
Cons: - Higher upfront cost (typically $18,000–$40,000 for the same home) - Noisier during hail and heavy rain without adequate insulation - Requires more experienced installers; fewer contractors are qualified
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay long-term, those in hail-heavy areas, and anyone whose current insurance premiums are high due to repeated claims.
The insurance savings angle: In Texas, Class 4 impact-resistant roofing (both asphalt and metal) can qualify for insurance discounts of 20–40% on the wind/hail portion of your premium. Over 10–15 years, this can offset a significant portion of the upgrade cost. Ask your insurance agent about the Fortified Roof program.
Our recommendation: If you are replacing after storm damage and insurance is covering most of the cost, upgrading to Class 4 asphalt shingles or metal for the difference in deductible can be a smart long-term move. If budget is the primary concern, a quality 30-year architectural shingle installed correctly will serve you well.
PCG Contractors installs both systems. We will walk you through the options specific to your home and insurance situation.