There’s no universal right answer here — and we’d rather give you the information to make the right call for your situation than steer you toward one or the other.
Here are the key factors worth weighing:
Cost Metal roofing typically runs at least twice the cost of a quality asphalt shingle installation. That’s a meaningful difference upfront, and it’s the most significant factor for most homeowners.
Longevity A well-installed standing seam metal roof with quality materials can last 40-50 years. A quality asphalt shingle roof in Montana typically performs well for 25–30 years depending on conditions and maintenance. Over a long enough timeline, the cost per year of a metal roof can compare favorably — but that math only works if you’re planning to stay in the home long enough to realize it.
Performance Metal roofing carries a Class 4 impact rating and a Class A fire rating on most systems — the highest available in both categories. It’s non-combustible, sheds snow efficiently, and reflects heat rather than absorbing it. In Montana, those aren’t small considerations.
Aesthetics Standing seam metal has a distinctive, architectural appearance that asphalt can’t replicate. If the look matters to you, it matters — and it can add meaningful curb appeal and resale value in the right market.
Slope Some sections of a home — covered porches, additions, low-pitch transitions — aren’t suitable for standard asphalt shingles. For those areas on an otherwise asphalt roof, we install OmniSeal, a granulated roofing material designed specifically for low-slope applications. It bridges the gap cleanly and practically without the cost of switching to metal.
Most homeowners think about metal roofing in terms of how it looks on a steep slope — and that’s exactly where it shines visually. What often catches people off guard is the estimate. Here’s why: the lowest slope on your roof dictates which metal system we specify for the entire roof. Panel profiles differ between systems — sometimes by as much as two inches — so mixing metal types on the same roof isn’t something we do. The result would be mismatched profiles that don’t work together aesthetically or structurally. If your roof has even one low-slope section that requires a more complex system like mechanical lock standing seam, that’s what we’d recommend throughout. It’s the right way to do it — and it’s one of the reasons metal roofing estimates can come back higher than some homeowners expect. We’d rather explain that upfront than have it be a surprise.
Maintenance Quality standing seam metal roofing with concealed fasteners requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan. Asphalt roofing is also low-maintenance but will need attention — and eventual replacement — sooner.
The best way to figure out which makes sense for your home is to have a conversation with one of our advisors. We’ll look at your roof, your goals, and your budget and give you a straight answer.