Asphalt shingles cost less up front and are easy to repair. Metal costs more but lasts longer and sheds snow. In Colorado, hail and your insurance policy often decide it.
Side by side
| Asphalt shingles | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower. Most Denver-area homes run about $18,000 to $25,000 | Higher, often well above a shingle roof for the same home |
| Typical lifespan | About 20 to 30 years for architectural shingles; Colorado sun and hail often shorten it | 40 years or more when installed well |
| Hail | Class 4 shingles are available and earn insurance credits with many carriers | Class 4 products are common, but hail can dent metal, and dents are often excluded as cosmetic |
| Fire (wildfire code) | Most are Class A as a system | Class A, with gaps under the panels blocked against embers |
| Snow and ice | Holds snow; needs ice-and-water shield at eaves | Sheds snow; needs snow guards over doors, decks and walkways |
| Wind | Good with high-wind shingles and proper nailing | Very good with the right fasteners and clips |
| Repairs | Easy and inexpensive | Harder; panels and colors can be difficult to match |
| HOA approval | Rarely an issue | Some HOAs restrict metal or limit colors and styles |
When shingles make more sense
- You're replacing through an insurance claim and want to keep out-of-pocket costs at your deductible.
- You may sell within 10 to 15 years.
- Your HOA limits metal, or your roof has many small sections where metal gets expensive.
- You want a Class 4 roof and an insurance credit at the lowest cost.
When metal makes more sense
- You plan to stay for decades and want to avoid another tear-off.
- You're in the foothills or mountains, with heavy snow, wind or wildfire risk.
- It's a shop, barn or outbuilding, where exposed-fastener panels are cost-effective.
- Your policy covers dents on metal, or you accept that cosmetic dents may not be paid.
Many insurers add a cosmetic damage exclusion to metal roofs, which means hail dents that don't cause leaks aren't covered. Ask your agent before you choose metal, especially if you're upgrading on a claim.
What about stone-coated steel?
Stone-coated steel panels look like shingles, shake or tile and hide small dents better than smooth metal. They cost more than standard shingles, and they're a good middle ground in neighborhoods where smooth metal doesn't fit.
The noise question
On a home with solid roof decking and an insulated attic, metal is not much louder than shingles in rain or hail. The "loud tin roof" reputation comes from metal laid over open framing on barns and sheds.
Common questions
Is a metal roof worth it in Colorado?
It can be if you'll stay a long time or live where snow, wind or wildfire are serious. If you may sell within 10 to 15 years, Class 4 shingles usually give a better return.
Does hail damage metal roofs?
Large hail can dent metal. Many policies exclude cosmetic dents on metal roofs, so ask your agent before you choose it.
Can I switch from shingles to metal on an insurance claim?
Yes, but insurance pays for like kind and quality. You pay the difference for metal, and the upgrade must be shown on your contract.
Do metal roofs meet Colorado's wildfire code?
Metal is Class A when installed with the gaps under the panels blocked against embers, which the code requires.
Sources
- Charity Roofs: Colorado wildfire roofing code
- GAF: What you need to know about impact-resistant shingles
Updated October 9, 2026. This guide is general information for Colorado homeowners, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy's wording controls your coverage, so read it or ask your agent about your specific situation.