Which Roofing Material is Best for Arizona Homes?
Choosing between metal roofing and asphalt shingles is a major decision for homeowners in Sedona, Cottonwood, Prescott, and Camp Verde. With Arizona’s intense sun, monsoons, and fluctuating temperatures, your roof needs to be both durable and energy-efficient.
So, which is better for Arizona homeowners—a metal roof or asphalt shingles? This guide breaks down the cost, longevity, energy efficiency, and maintenance of each option to help you make an informed choice.
Cost Comparison: Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles
Upfront Installation Costs
| Material | Cost per Square Foot (Installed) | Total for a 2,000 sq. ft. Home |
| Asphalt Shingles | $3.50 – $6 | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Standing Seam Metal Roof | $10 – $20 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Corrugated Metal | $7 – $14 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
| Aluminum Roofing | $9 – $16 | $18,000 – $32,000 |
Long-Term Savings
Although asphalt shingles are cheaper upfront, metal roofing saves money over time due to:
✔ Longer lifespan (40-70 years vs. 15-30 years for shingles)
✔ Lower maintenance costs (fewer repairs needed)
✔ Energy savings (reflects heat, reducing AC costs)
📌 For a deeper cost breakdown, check out: How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
Durability & Performance in Arizona’s Climate
🔥 Heat & UV Resistance
- Metal Roofs: Reflect up to 70% of solar radiation, keeping homes cooler in Prescott Valley and Cottonwood.
- Asphalt Shingles: Absorb heat, leading to higher cooling costs and faster material degradation.
🌧️ Monsoon Season & Wind Resistance
- Metal Roofs: Withstand winds up to 140-160 mph with interlocking panels that resist uplift.
- Asphalt Shingles: Typically rated for 110-130 mph but are more prone to wind damage and lifting.
🧊 Hail & Impact Resistance
- Metal Roofs: Rated Class 4 impact-resistant, meaning they can endure hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
- Asphalt Shingles: More likely to crack or lose granules after hailstorms.
📌 Want to see how metal roofs hold up in storms? Read: How Metal Roofs Perform in Extreme Weather
Energy Efficiency: Lowering Cooling Costs in Arizona
How Metal Roofs Save Energy
✅ Reflects Sunlight – Reduces cooling costs by 15-25% in hot climates like Sedona and Camp Verde.
✅ Quick Heat Release – Does not retain heat like asphalt, keeping your home cooler at night.
✅ Works with Solar – Metal roofs are ideal for solar panel installation, further cutting energy bills.
Asphalt Shingles & Heat Retention
🚨 Absorb Heat – Can reach up to 170°F in Arizona summers, increasing AC usage.
🚨 Granules Wear Off – Over time, asphalt shingles lose their reflective coating, making them less efficient.
📌 For a full energy-saving analysis, visit: Energy Efficiency of Metal Roofing
Lifespan & Maintenance: Which Roof Lasts Longer?
| Roofing Material | Average Lifespan | Maintenance Needs |
| Metal Roofing | 40-70+ years | Minimal (occasional inspections) |
| Asphalt Shingles | 15-30 years | Moderate (shingle replacements, sealing) |
Why Metal Roofs Last Longer
✔ Resists cracking, warping, and rotting
✔ Fireproof and wind-resistant
✔ Low maintenance compared to asphalt
Asphalt Shingles: A Shorter Lifespan
❌ More vulnerable to UV damage and monsoons
❌ Prone to leaks and granule loss over time
❌ Requires replacement every 15-30 years
📌 Want the most durable roofing? Check out: The Most Durable Roofing Materials for Arizona
Environmental Impact: Sustainability Matters
🌎 Metal Roofing
✅ Made from recycled materials (up to 95%)
✅ 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan
✅ Reduces cooling energy use (helps mitigate urban heat island effect)
🛑 Asphalt Shingles
🚨 Most end up in landfills (20% of U.S. landfill waste comes from roofing materials)
🚨 Petroleum-based product (non-renewable resource)
🚨 Short lifespan leads to frequent replacements
📌 For a full eco-comparison, read: The Environmental Impact of Metal Roofing
Final Verdict: Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?
| Factor | Winner |
| Initial Cost | Asphalt Shingles |
| Lifespan | Metal Roofs |
| Durability | Metal Roofs |
| Energy Efficiency | Metal Roofs |
| Maintenance | Metal Roofs |
| Eco-Friendliness | Metal Roofs |
For Arizona homeowners, metal roofing is the best long-term investment due to:
✔ Superior durability & resistance to extreme weather
✔ Lower energy costs & improved cooling efficiency
✔ Minimal maintenance & long lifespan
If you’re considering a new roof in Prescott, Cottonwood, or Sedona, a metal roof can save you thousands over time while keeping your home cooler and more secure.
🚀 Want a custom quote? Contact a trusted metal roofing contractor in Arizona today!
Related Reads:
- 🔹 Metal Roof Installation: What Homeowners Need to Know
- 🔹 How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost? Pricing Breakdown?
- 🔹 Metal Roof Performance in Extreme Weather
Outbound Sources:
- Energy.gov – Cool Roofs for Energy Efficiency
- Metal Roofing Alliance – Comparing Metal Roofs to Asphalt Shingles
- EPA – Shingle Recycling & Environmental Impact