Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs in Johnstown, PA: The Real-World Pros and Cons

If you own a home in the Johnstown region or anywhere in western Pennsylvania, your roof isn’t just a “covering”—it’s a system that has to survive heavy rain, wind-driven storms, freeze/thaw cycles, ice, snow loads, shaded valleys, and the kind of humidity swings that love to grow algae and moss. Two of the most common choices homeowners consider are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both can be excellent, but they perform differently in our local conditions, and the best choice usually comes down to your budget, your home’s roof design, and how long you plan to stay in the property.


Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly comparison of asphalt shingles versus metal roofs specifically through the lens of Johnstown and western PA weather and housing styles.


Asphalt Shingles: The Pros


Lower upfront cost. Asphalt shingles typically cost less to install than metal roofing. For many homeowners, this is the deciding factor, especially if the roof needs replacement unexpectedly or the home is being prepared for sale.


Easy to repair and widely available. Asphalt shingles are installed by nearly every roofing company in the region, and replacement shingles, accessories, and repair materials are easy to source. If you lose a few shingles in a wind event, the repair is often straightforward.


More forgiving on complex roof shapes. Western PA has plenty of homes with dormers, valleys, hips, intersecting rooflines, and additions. Asphalt shingles handle complex geometry well, and most crews are comfortable detailing these areas.


Quieter during rain and hail. Asphalt generally transmits less noise than metal. While proper attic insulation helps either roof, many homeowners notice asphalt “sounds calmer” during heavy rain.


Lots of style options. Architectural shingles come in many colors and profiles and can complement older homes, farmhouses, and the classic neighborhood look that’s common throughout our area.


Asphalt Shingles: The Cons


Shorter lifespan in our climate (in practice). Shingles have a rated life, but western PA’s freeze/thaw cycles, temperature swings, and storm exposure can shorten real-world performance. Granule loss, cracking, and accelerated wear in valleys and on south-facing slopes are common issues as the roof ages.


More susceptible to algae, moss, and staining. Shaded roof sections, north-facing slopes, and tree-lined neighborhoods are a perfect recipe for algae streaking and moss growth. This is especially common where roofs stay damp longer after rain or snowmelt, and it can reduce curb appeal and shorten the roof’s service life if it leads to moisture retention.


Greater risk of wind-related damage if aging or poorly installed. Wind doesn’t “care” if you have shingles or metal—it cares about edge details, fastening patterns, and the condition of the system. Older shingles, poorly sealed shingle tabs, or improperly nailed shingles are more likely to lift, crease, or blow off in gusty storms.


More maintenance around debris and valleys. Leaves and pine needles love valleys and roof transitions. If debris stays wet and packed, it can contribute to faster deterioration and leakage risk—especially in valleys, around chimneys, and at roof-to-wall intersections.


Potential for multiple layers and hidden defects. In older western PA homes, it’s not unusual to find a second (or even third) layer of shingles. That can hide flashing defects, add weight, and reduce the roof’s ability to shed heat and moisture properly.


Metal Roofing: The Pros


Long service life and durability. Properly installed metal roofs are known for longevity. In a region with regular storms and winter weather, the durability advantage is real—especially against wind and the general wear that can beat up aging shingles.


Excellent shedding of snow and rain. Metal is slick and tends to shed precipitation efficiently, which can reduce the duration of wetness on the roof surface. That matters in western PA because extended wet conditions contribute to moss, algae, and faster material breakdown.


Fire resistance and strong performance in high winds (when detailed correctly). Metal is non-combustible, and many systems are engineered for higher wind resistance. The key phrase is “when detailed correctly”—fasteners, trim, ridge/hip caps, and edge details matter tremendously.


Energy performance benefits (often). Many metal roofs reflect more solar radiation than traditional dark roofing materials, and some systems allow vented assemblies that help the attic stay cooler in summer. While our summers aren’t like Florida’s, western PA still sees plenty of hot, humid stretches where attic heat affects comfort and HVAC runtime.


A clean look and strong curb appeal. Metal can look sharp on everything from modern homes to rustic cabins and farmhouses. In areas where “cottage” and “mountain” aesthetics are popular, it can be a major visual upgrade.


Metal Roofing: The Cons


Higher upfront cost. Metal roofing typically costs more to install than asphalt shingles. Some homeowners recoup that long-term through reduced replacement frequency, but the higher initial investment is real and should be planned for.


Installation quality matters more than people realize. A metal roof isn’t automatically a better roof if the details are wrong. Improper flashing, incorrect underlayment choices, poor ventilation planning, and sloppy trim work can cause leaks and premature issues. Choosing an experienced installer is crucial.


Noise concerns (sometimes). With a well-insulated attic and proper assembly, most homeowners find metal roofs perfectly livable. However, in certain setups—like minimal insulation, open rafter construction, enclosed porches, or additions—rain and hail can be noticeably louder.


Snow sliding and “snow dumps.” Metal sheds snow well, which can be good for the roof but can create hazards at walkways, driveways, and entrances. In Johnstown winters, sudden snow slides can be dangerous and can crush gutters. Snow guards may be needed depending on roof pitch and layout.


Denting from hail (depending on system). Not all metal roofs dent the same. Thicker gauges and certain profiles resist denting better, but cosmetic denting can occur from hail, especially on softer metals or thinner panels. It may not cause leaks, but it can affect appearance.


Expansion and contraction. Metal moves with temperature changes. Quality systems account for this through proper fastening methods and component design, but cheaper installs can lead to oil-canning (visible waviness) or fastener-related issues over time.


What Performs Best in Johnstown and Western PA Conditions?


Our region’s biggest roofing stressors usually come from moisture and temperature cycling. Roofs stay wet longer here than in many parts of the country because we get frequent precipitation, shaded properties are common, and winter keeps surfaces damp with snow and meltwater. That environment favors roof systems that shed water efficiently, resist biological growth, and are detailed correctly in valleys and penetrations.


Asphalt shingles can perform very well here—especially architectural shingles installed with good underlayment, correct ventilation, and careful flashing—provided you accept that they are generally a shorter-life material and may need more attention to algae/moss over time.


Metal roofs can be a fantastic fit for western PA if you choose a reputable installer and you plan for snow management. A well-installed metal roof is often a “once and done” decision for homeowners who plan to stay in the home long term, but it’s not always the best choice for someone who needs the lowest upfront cost.


Key Decision Factors for Local Homeowners


How long you plan to stay. If you expect to move in the near future, a quality asphalt shingle roof may make more financial sense. If you’re staying long-term, metal becomes more attractive because you may avoid another full replacement.


Your roof’s complexity. If your roof has many valleys, dormers, and transitions, either system can work, but the installer’s skill becomes even more important. Complex roofs are where most leaks happen, regardless of material.


Tree cover and shade. If your roof stays shaded and damp, asphalt shingles may show algae or moss sooner, and you may need periodic cleaning and maintenance. Metal tends to resist those issues better simply because it sheds water and dries faster.


Your tolerance for winter snow behavior. If you have steep pitches over entries, walkways, or decks, metal may require snow guards to prevent sudden snow slides. That’s a common add-on in our area and should be included in planning and budgeting.


Your budget and financing plan. Asphalt is easier on the upfront budget. Metal often wins on lifecycle cost, but only if you plan to own the home long enough to benefit.


Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?


Choose asphalt shingles if you want the most budget-friendly option upfront, you prefer a traditional look, you have a complex roofline, or you’re planning to sell within the next several years. With proper ventilation, quality underlayment, and good flashing work, asphalt shingles can be a very solid performer in Johnstown and western PA.


Choose a metal roof if you want longevity, strong weather performance, and a roof that sheds water and snow efficiently—especially if you plan to stay in the home long-term. Just be sure the installer is highly experienced with metal detailing, and plan for snow guards and edge/gutter considerations where needed.


If you’re unsure, the most practical next step is to evaluate your existing roof structure, attic ventilation, and the condition of your flashing and decking. Those factors often matter as much as the roof covering you choose.