Side-by-side comparison
| Asphalt shingles | Metal roofing | |
|---|---|---|
| Average installed cost per sq ft | $5.16[1] | $19.30[1] |
| National average whole-job replacement (2025) | $31,871[4] | $51,865[4] |
| Expected life | 20 years (3-tab), 30 years (architectural)[2] | 40–80 years[2] |
| Snow behavior | Snow tends to stay put until it melts | Slippery surface can shed snow and ice suddenly; snow retention often added[3] |
| Ice dams | Neither material prevents ice dams on its own. They come from attic heat loss.[5] | |
Costs are national figures. No free Buffalo-specific survey was found. See our roof cost guide.
How each handles lake-effect snow and ice dams
Buffalo averages 95.4 inches of snow a year at the airport,[6] and areas south of the city get much more lake-effect snow.[7] Ice dams form when heat leaking into the attic melts roof snow that refreezes at the eaves, whatever the roofing material. The fix is air sealing and insulation.[5] When you reroof with either material, New York's Residential Code calls for ice barrier underlayment at the eaves where the local building department records a history of ice-dam damage.[8]
Sliding snow and snow guards
The Metal Construction Association notes that pitched roofs with slippery surfaces can create sliding snow and ice hazards below the eaves, and snow retention systems are installed to reduce the risk of a sudden rooftop avalanche.[3] Plan snow guards over entries, walkways, driveways, decks and lower roofs. Angi lists snow guard installation at $500–$10,000 nationally, depending on the job.[9]
Cost over the life of the roof
Using national averages, a metal roof replacement costs about 1.6 times as much as an asphalt one ($51,865 vs. $31,871).[4] InterNACHI rates metal at two to four times the life of a 3-tab asphalt roof (40–80 years vs. 20).[2] If you plan to stay in the home for decades, metal's longer life can offset its higher price. If you expect to sell sooner, you may not get the full value of that extra lifespan.
Which is right for your home?
- Rural homes, barns and outbuildings in Elma, Alden and Eden are common metal candidates.
- Snow-belt homes in Boston and Concord/Springville should plan snow guards with metal.
- Historic districts may have design review. Check with your village or city first.
- Tight budgets: architectural asphalt shingles offer about 30 years for a fraction of metal's upfront price.[2][1]
Get quotes for both from roof replacement contractors and compare line by line.