There are as many, if not more metal roof options out there as asphalt shingle roofs.  It is not common to have an entire residential roof covered in metal panels.  There are two main types of metal roofs: exposed fasteners and concealed fasteners.  

Exposed fastener metal roofs are the most common type of metal residential roofs.  This is because they are the most economical.  Schwartz Residential Roofing does NOT install these types of roofs on homes.  The problem with an exposed fastener roof is the rubber gasket on the exposed screw will breakdown after 10-15 years and cause leaks.  This can be a very costly repair.  We will install concealed fastener or standing seam metal roofs. Metal roofing properly installed can last a long time.  The color can fade but most quality roof panels come with a 20-year finish warranty against fading. 

Typically, only certain areas are covered with metal roofing, like bay windows, water tables, dormers, or porches.  The metal is an accent usually with asphalt shingles as the main roof.

A standing seam metal roof properly installed is typically 2-3 times the cost of asphalt shingles.  An exposed fastener system can be 20-50% more than an asphalt shingle roof.  Be wary of a metal roof price that is comparable to an asphalt shingle roof.  Most of the cost with any metal roof is the flashing and edge metal details.  If the cost of a metal roof is as low as an asphalt shingle roof, it usually means short cuts will be taken during the installation.  This will lead to costly repairs shortly after the roof is installed.