Which One Is Cheaper, Metal Roof or Shingles? A Cost Comparison for New Jersey Homeowners

When it comes to roofing options, one of the most common homeowner dilemmas is deciding which one is cheaper: a metal roof or shingles? While cost is a primary factor, homeowners in New Jersey must also consider climate suitability, long-term value, installation complexity, and potential return on investment. With extreme Northeast winters, humid summers, and fluctuating utility costs, selecting the right roofing material can significantly impact both your wallet and your home’s resilience.

With CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, we will break down the costs of metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles specifically for New Jersey homes, while exploring installation factors, local climate compatibility, durability, and energy efficiency. If you’re planning a roof replacement in Trenton, Newark, Edison, or any part of New Jersey, this guide is for you.

📌 Understanding Roofing Cost Basics in New Jersey

Before we compare the two materials directly, it’s important to understand how roofing costs are calculated. In New Jersey, total roofing costs include:

• Material costs per square foot
• Labor charges, which are higher in urban centers like Jersey City and Hoboken
• Removal of the old roof
• Roof pitch and structural complexity
• Disposal and cleanup
• Permit and inspection fees (regulated by NJ Uniform Construction Code)

🏗️ Cost Breakdown: Metal Roof vs. Shingles

✅ Asphalt Shingles (Traditional 3-tab or Architectural)

• Material cost: $1.50 – $5.50 per square foot
• Installed cost in NJ: $5,500 – $13,500 for a 1,500 sq ft roof
• Lifespan: 15–30 years (depending on type and quality)
• Labor cost: Relatively low and widely available

Asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material in New Jersey, especially in suburban areas like Freehold, East Brunswick, and Cherry Hill. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and generally available at lower upfront costs.

✅ Metal Roofing (Standing Seam, Aluminum, Galvanized Steel)

• Material cost: $5.50 – $14.00 per square foot
• Installed cost in NJ: $10,000 – $30,000 for a 1,500 sq ft roof
• Lifespan: 40–70 years
• Labor cost: Higher due to specialized tools and skills

Metal roofs are rising in popularity in parts of New Jersey, especially in coastal towns like Point Pleasant or Long Branch, where high wind resistance is valued. While the initial price tag is significantly higher, the longevity and durability offer better long-term value.

🔍 Which One Is Cheaper Upfront in New Jersey?

If you’re looking strictly at initial investment, asphalt shingles are clearly cheaper to install in New Jersey:

• Asphalt shingles can cost 40% to 70% less upfront than metal roofing.
• New Jersey roofing contractors frequently offer package deals for shingle installations.
• Shingle replacements are faster and often completed in a day or two, minimizing labor charges.

Verdict: Shingles win for short-term affordability.

🔄 Long-Term Cost Analysis: Which Roof Saves More Over Time?

While shingles are cheaper to install, metal roofing may be more cost-effective over decades due to:

• Lower maintenance: Metal requires less upkeep and fewer repairs.
• Energy efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar radiation, reducing cooling costs in hot NJ summers.
• Insurance discounts: Some New Jersey insurers offer lower premiums for metal roofs due to fire and wind resistance.
• Longevity: One metal roof can outlast two to three asphalt roofs.

💡 For homeowners in Princeton, Morristown, or Ridgewood, where energy costs and property values are higher, metal roofs might provide better ROI despite the upfront cost.

🌦️ Local Climate Considerations in New Jersey

New Jersey’s diverse climate zones mean weather-related roofing performance matters:

👉 In coastal areas like Atlantic City and Toms River, metal roofs often outperform shingles due to superior wind and saltwater corrosion resistance.

🏡 Home Value & Resale Impact in New Jersey

Curb appeal and resale value are important, especially in competitive NJ markets like Montclair or Summit.

• Metal roofs can boost home resale value by up to 6%, according to national remodeling data.
• Shingles may blend better in historic districts or HOA-governed neighborhoods.

Check with local zoning boards, especially in Westfield, Cape May, or Lambertville, where design restrictions might limit roof choices.

🛠️ Maintenance and Repair Differences

• Shingles are cheaper to repair but may require more frequent patching after storms.
• Metal roofing has fewer seams and is less likely to leak, but repairs require experienced professionals and can be costly.

Also, if a tree limb hits a metal roof in Woodland Park or Middletown, dents may occur—but these are usually cosmetic.

📊 Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

In an era of rising energy costs in New Jersey, energy-efficient roofing can lower monthly bills:

• Metal roofs reflect 70%+ of solar radiation—reducing AC usage.
• Many metal products qualify for ENERGY STAR tax credits.
• Metal is also 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable roofing option.

Asphalt shingles, while recyclable, are more likely to end up in landfills. Over 11 million tons of roofing waste are dumped annually in the U.S.

💬 Final Verdict: Which One Is Cheaper—Metal or Shingles?

✅ If you’re focused on immediate budget and installation simplicity in New Jersey, asphalt shingles are cheaper and widely supported by local contractors.

✅ If you’re thinking long-term savings, energy efficiency, and durability, especially in storm-prone or coastal parts of NJ, a metal roof may offer better value despite the higher upfront cost.

📍 Pro Tip for NJ Homeowners:

Get multiple quotes from licensed roofing contractors such as CJ Commercial Roofing NJ. Ask for itemized bids comparing metal and shingles. Look into PSE&G energy incentives or New Jersey Clean Energy Program rebates if energy efficiency is a concern.

🧰 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re rehabbing a fixer-upper in Bayonne or upgrading your dream home in Tenafly, knowing which roofing option is cheaper helps you make the right decision. Asphalt shingles remain king for affordability, but metal roofing deserves a second look for homeowners seeking longevity, low maintenance, and eco-conscious living.

📞 Need help finding certified roofers in NJ or comparing actual bids? Start by reaching out to local associations like the New Jersey Roofing Contractors Association (NJRCA).