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Whether a metal or shingle roof is better for you depends on your preferences. Standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance, but if you install a screw-down metal roof where the fasteners are exposed, the gaskets on the fasteners will dry rot and need to be replaced. Generally, screw-down metal roofs need to be re-screwed every 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are energy-efficient and have extended warranties, while asphalt shingles are less durable than most. They tend to lose color and get damaged over time, and absorb heat from the sun.

Most traditional lenders will not loan against a house with a leaking roof, and some lenders won’t lend against a home with a roof near the end of its lifespan. If the roof on your new home is in poor condition, you may need to have the seller offer a credit for a roof replacement after closing, or you can opt for a renovation loan—also called a 203k loan—to bundle the house and the roof replacement into one loan.

Fall is widely considered the best time of year to replace a roof. The moderate temperatures are ideal for roofing crews to work and for new shingles to seal properly. Additionally, autumn weather is often drier, reducing the risk of weather-related delays compared to the rainier spring season.

While spring is also a viable option, the higher chance of rainfall can slow down the project. The main drawback to a fall installation is that it's the peak season for roofers, which can lead to higher prices and scheduling challenges.

To potentially save money, you could consider scheduling your roof replacement during the summer or winter off-seasons. However, both seasons have significant disadvantages. Extreme summer heat can make shingles too soft to handle, while winter's cold, snow, and ice can create dangerous working conditions and prevent shingles from sealing correctly, as they typically require temperatures above 40-45°F.

Shingle roofing can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the type and quality of shingle, your local climate, and how well you maintain your roof. If you live in an area that sees extreme weather, like strong winds, hail storms, or hurricanes, the average life span of a shingle roof will often be on the shorter end, especially if you choose a more affordable roof shingle that isn’t designed to persist through extreme weather.