Most Triangle roofs are asphalt shingle, and most re-roofs stay that way. But "asphalt shingle" covers a range of products, and metal has become more common on farmhouse-style new builds, porches and some older homes. Here's how the main options compare for a house in Raleigh, Durham, Cary or the surrounding towns.
Price and lifespan at a glance
HomeGuide's roof replacement guide (updated November 7, 2025) lists these national figures:
| Material | Installed cost | Material cost per square | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $3 – $5 per sq ft | $80 – $130 | 15 – 20 years |
| Architectural shingles | $4 – $6 per sq ft | $100 – $250 | 20 – 30 years |
| Metal (all types) | $5 – $16 per sq ft | $100 – $800 | 30 – 80+ years |
| Standing-seam metal | $9 – $16 per sq ft | — | — |
| Metal shingles | $6 – $14 per sq ft | — | — |
| Low-slope (flat) roof replacement | $3 – $11 per sq ft | — | varies by membrane |
A "square" is 100 square feet of roof. Lifespan depends heavily on ventilation, installation and exposure.
3-tab shingles
The flat, uniform shingles found on many older Triangle tract houses. HomeGuide notes they are less durable than most other roof materials. They're increasingly hard to find in a wide range of colors, and matching them for repairs gets harder each year. Choose them only for the tightest budgets or for a house you plan to sell soon.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles
The default for Triangle re-roofs. Thicker, layered shingles that hide minor deck irregularities, last longer than 3-tab and carry higher wind ratings. What to compare between products:
- Wind rating and nailing pattern. Higher wind warranties often require extra nails and specific starter strips. Ask the roofer to follow the high-wind pattern.
- Algae resistance. Humid summers and shade from pines and oaks feed the black streaks you see on north-facing slopes. Algae-resistant shingles with copper-containing granules slow it down.
- Impact resistance. Class 4 impact-rated shingles cost more. If hail has damaged your roof before, ask your insurer whether they offer a discount; don't assume.
- Color. Lighter colors reflect more heat into the sky, which helps a hot attic a little.
Metal
Standing-seam panels with concealed fasteners are the premium metal option: long-lived, wind-resistant and good at shedding pine needles. Exposed-fastener corrugated or ribbed panels cost less but need fastener and washer maintenance over time. Metal shingles and stone-coated steel mimic other looks.
Things to know in the Triangle:
- Noise is rarely a problem over solid decking and an attic.
- Details matter more than panels. Chimneys, skylights, valleys and wall intersections need careful flashing.
- Condensation. Use the underlayment the manufacturer specifies.
- Porch roofs are an easy place to try metal, even on a shingled house.
Low-slope roofs
Porches, additions and some mid-century modern houses have shallow pitches where shingles leak. Those need a membrane, such as TPO, modified bitumen or EPDM, installed by someone who does low-slope work regularly.
Historic houses
Slate, wood shingles, and early metal roofs show up on older homes in Oakwood, Boylan Heights, Durham's historic districts and Hillsborough. In local historic districts, a change of roofing material is a COA question; in-kind replacement is simpler. See Oakwood.
Permits when you switch materials
Cary's permit FAQ exempts roof coverings replaced with the same materials. Switching from shingles to metal falls outside that wording, so ask your building department first. See Cary re-roofing.
Underlayment, flashing and ventilation
The covering gets the attention, but the parts underneath decide whether a roof leaks:
- Synthetic underlayment has largely replaced felt. It's lighter and tears less during installation.
- Ice-and-water membrane in valleys, around chimneys and skylights, and at low-slope transitions adds protection where water concentrates. Ask where the roofer plans to use it.
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and pipes should be new, not reused from the old roof, unless it's a heavy metal like copper in good condition.
- Drip edge at eaves and rakes keeps water off fascia boards.
- Balanced ventilation with clear soffit intake and ridge exhaust extends the life of any covering. Mixing ridge vents with gable or box vents can short-circuit airflow.
These items belong in the written bid, whatever material you choose.
Which should you choose?
- Staying 5–10 years: good architectural shingles, installed well.
- Staying 20+ years, simple roof: consider standing-seam metal.
- Lots of trees overhead: algae-resistant architectural shingles or metal, plus gutter guards.
- Historic district: whatever matches the original, after talking to preservation staff.
For costs, permits and storm repairs, see our roofing guide and our tree damage playbook.
Frequently asked questions
Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
Over solid decking with an attic below, most owners find rain noise similar to shingles. Metal over open framing, like some porch roofs, is louder.
Can I put metal over shingles?
Some systems allow it, but tearing off lets the roofer inspect and repair the decking. Ask about local code and manufacturer requirements.
How do I get rid of black streaks?
Use a gentle, roof-safe cleaner, not a pressure washer, and consider algae-resistant shingles when you re-roof.
Related pages on raleighhomeprojects.com
- Triangle Roof Replacement: Costs, Permits, Storms
- Cary Re-Roofing: When a Permit Is and Isn't Needed
- Oakwood Home Projects: Historic District COAs
- Tree on the Roof? A Triangle Homeowner's Playbook
More Raleigh-Durham guides
- Composite vs. Wood Decking in the Triangle Climate
- LVP vs. Hardwood Over a Triangle Crawl Space
- What a New Roof Costs in the Triangle (2026)
Sources
Checked by the Raleigh Home Projects editorial team on October 20, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details with the agency or your contractor before you sign.