Metal Roof vs Shingles in Arkansas

A metal roof lasts longer than shingles: metal commonly lasts 40 to 70 years, while asphalt shingles realistically last 15 to 20 years in Arkansas. Shingles cost less up front. Metal is usually the better buy if you plan to stay a long time, and shingles if you plan to sell sooner or want the lower price today.

We install both. Our Armor package is a 26-gauge PBR steel roof, and our Guardian, Defender and Shield packages are Atlas shingle roofs. Here is how they compare, from our own package specs.

How do metal and shingle roofs compare side by side?

	Armor (metal)	Guardian (shingle)	Defender (shingle)	Shield (shingle)
Material	26-gauge PBR steel panel	Class 4 impact-rated shingle (UL 2218)	Class 3 impact-rated architectural shingle	Standard architectural shingle
Hail rating	Up to 2 inches	Up to 2 inches	Up to 1-3/4 inches	Not impact rated
Expected life in Arkansas	40 to 70 years	25 years or more	15 to 20 years	15 to 20 years
Patriot Leak Free Guarantee	15 years	10 years	5 years	2 years
No-Blame-Game Guarantee	15 years	10 years	5 years	2 years
$250,000 Directorii Guarantee	Included	Included	Add-on	Add-on

How long does a metal roof last compared with shingles?

Metal roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years. Asphalt shingles realistically last 15 to 20 years in Arkansas, because manufacturer ratings assume milder climates than our heat, humidity and storms. Class 4 impact-rated shingles commonly last 25 years or more.

That means a metal roof may be the last roof you put on the house. A shingle roof will likely need replacing again if you stay 20 years or more.

Which handles hail better, metal or shingles?

Our Armor metal roof and our Guardian Class 4 shingle are both rated for hail up to 2 inches. Defender is rated for hail up to 1-3/4 inches. Shield is not impact rated.

Class 4 is the highest impact rating a shingle can earn under UL 2218. A Class 4 roof may qualify for a homeowners insurance discount. That varies by insurer, so ask your agent before you choose.

What comes with each package?

• Armor: premium synthetic underlayment, full high-temp ice and water shield, eave and trim starter system, color-matched metal drip edge, metal ridge system and balanced metal-compatible ventilation.
• Guardian: premium synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield at eaves, valleys and penetrations, eave and rake starter strips, aluminum drip edge, impact-rated hip and ridge, lifetime pipe flashing and balanced ridge and intake ventilation.
• Defender: synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield at valleys and penetrations, eave and rake starter strips, aluminum drip edge, impact-rated hip and ridge, lifetime pipe flashing and balanced ridge and intake ventilation.
• Shield: synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield at valleys, eave starter strips, galvanized drip edge, standard ridge, standard pipe flashing and whirlybird ventilation.

Our shingle packages use Atlas Signature Select shingle systems. Patriot is an Atlas PRO+ contractor at the Gold level. Learn more on our asphalt shingle roofing page.

Does a metal roof cost more than shingles?

Yes, up front. Armor is our top package and is priced at the top of our replacement range. Over a long stay in the home, the longer life of metal can offset part of that, because you may avoid buying a second shingle roof.

We publish our replacement price ranges on our roof prices page, and every quote shows all four packages side by side. To spread out the cost, see our financing page.

Which roof should you choose?

• Staying 20 years or more, or tired of hail claims: look hard at Armor metal or Guardian Class 4 shingles.
• Planning to sell in a few years: a shingle package usually fits better.
• Want the shingle look with more hail protection: Guardian.
• Want a sound roof at the lowest price: Shield.

See the full Armor system on our metal roofing page, and read the full wording of each promise on our guarantees page.

Frequently asked questions

Is a metal roof better than shingles in Arkansas?

It depends on how long you will stay. Metal roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years, against 15 to 20 years for asphalt shingles in Arkansas, and our Armor metal roof carries our longest guarantees. Shingles cost less up front, and our Guardian Class 4 shingle is rated for the same 2-inch hail as Armor.

How long does a metal roof last compared with shingles?

Metal roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years. Asphalt shingles realistically last 15 to 20 years in Arkansas, and Class 4 impact-rated shingles commonly 25 years or more.

Is a metal roof louder in the rain?

Rain sounds different on metal. Noise depends mostly on what is under the panels. Armor is installed over solid decking with full ice and water shield and synthetic underlayment, not over open framing.

Can a metal roof go over my old shingles?

Not with us. We tear off to the deck so we can see and fix any rotted decking before the new roof goes on.

What kind of metal roof does Patriot install?

Armor uses 26-gauge PBR steel panels, Class A fire rated and rated for hail up to 2 inches, over full high-temp ice and water shield and premium synthetic underlayment, with a metal ridge system and color-matched metal drip edge.

Want a second set of eyes on your roof?

Book a roof inspection. You get our 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, so you can see your own roof and decide for yourself.