If you need a new roof installation, you may be wondering which material is best. Both metal and shingle roofing are popular options, but there are some key differences. Shingle roofing is cheap, lightweight, and easy to install. It will often be the cheapest option and just about any roofing service will carry them. Metal roofing services, on the other hand, may be a bit harder to find but are still common. Metal is more expensive and heavier than shingles, but also has about double the lifespan of shingle roofing.