Metal Roofing vs Shingles in Lubbock: How to Choose

Choose metal if you plan to stay in the house a long time and can afford a higher price up front; choose shingles if budget comes first or you may sell within a few years. In hail country, the fairer comparison is a standing-seam metal roof against an impact-rated (Class 4) shingle roof, since both are built to take hits. How long you'll own the home, how your insurer treats each material, and whether dents bother you usually settle the choice.

The price gap

Metal costs a lot more to put on. This Old House's 2026 national figures for a 2,000-square-foot roof put asphalt shingles at about $5.16 per square foot and metal at about $19.30 per square foot (This Old House). The Metal Roofing Alliance, an industry group, gives a lower estimate: roughly two to three times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof (MRA). Both are national figures, not Lubbock prices. This Old House also notes that standing seam costs more than corrugated metal.

How long each lasts

Lifespan estimates vary by source:

• This Old House: asphalt shingles 30–35 years; metal 40–70 years.
• Metal Roofing Alliance: asphalt about 12–20 years; metal often 30–50+ years.

Neither figure is a promise for a Lubbock roof. Sun, wind-blown grit, hail and how well the roof was installed all shorten or stretch real service life. What both sources agree on is that a well-installed metal roof generally outlasts shingles.

How each handles hail

Metal: The MRA says most metal roofing earns a UL 2218 Class 4 rating (MRA). That rating is about whether the panel cracks or lets water through, not whether it dents. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) notes that hail and debris can dent or scratch a metal roof, that dents might not affect how it performs, and that how well it holds up depends on the metal, the panel thickness, the coating and the installation (TDI).

Shingles: Standard shingles bruise and crack under large hail. Impact-rated shingles do better. IBHS testing found the best performers against 2-inch hail were polymer-modified asphalt shingles (IBHS). See our Class 4 shingle guide for what to ask.

The insurance side

This is where many Lubbock owners make the call. TDI's August 2026 guidance on metal roofs makes four points (TDI):

• a metal roof may lower your premium, but not every insurer offers a discount and amounts vary;
• a policy that gives that discount may exclude cosmetic damage, so dents that don't affect function may not be paid for;
• insurers can add new exclusions at renewal;
• policies typically reduce roof coverage as a roof ages, usually more slowly for metal than for shingles.

Before choosing, ask your agent for the premium on each material and whether either choice adds a cosmetic-damage exclusion. If you would want dented panels replaced, that answer matters.

Wind, sun and dust

Both materials can handle West Texas wind when installed to the manufacturer's instructions. For shingles, ask about the wind rating and the fastening pattern. For metal, ask about the clip or fastener spacing and how edges and ridges are secured. Exposed-fastener panels have screws with rubber washers that sit in the sun; ask how often the roofer recommends checking them. Standing-seam panels hide their fasteners, which is one reason they cost more.

Other things to weigh

• Noise: The MRA says there is little difference between metal and other materials when it comes to noise from rain or hail.
• Looks: Hold a color sample against your brick and trim, and check any HOA rules before you pick a panel or shingle color.
• Repairs: Shingle repairs are simple and widely available. Metal panel repairs need matching panels and someone experienced with that system.
• Resale: If you may sell soon, you may not get the full metal premium back. Ask a local real estate agent.

Our metal roofing page covers what a metal proposal should include, and roof replacement in Lubbock covers the full tear-off scope.

Common questions

Is a metal roof worth it in Lubbock?

It can be if you'll stay long enough to benefit from the longer life and any insurance savings. Get both prices and your insurer's premium quote for each before deciding.

Will hail dent a metal roof?

Large hail can. TDI says the metal type, panel thickness and coating all affect how a metal roof holds up, and that dents might not affect how it works.

Can metal go over my existing shingles?

The MRA says metal can often be installed over an existing roof. Whether it should on your house depends on the deck condition and local permit rules, so ask the roofer and the City.

Are Class 4 shingles a good middle option?

For many homes, yes. They cost less than metal and may earn an insurance credit; ask your insurer what it offers.

We connect Lubbock homeowners with independent local pros. You confirm the price and schedule directly with them.