METAL ROOF VS ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING

When it comes to your home, you want more than just basic protection for you and your family. This means that keeping the most important parts of your house such as the roof, updated and in good condition is vital for a safer home. Your roof serves as the main protection from outside elements and keeps the architectural structure of your home safe. As the most exposed surface, the roof takes on a tough task. It’s constantly attacked by the sun, rain, and harsh weather. If damaged, it can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Remember to put a lot of thought into caring for your roof and choosing the best material. Many homeowners don’t think about their roof until a storm comes or damage occurs and it’s too late. Always keep in mind that delaying roof replacement or choosing the wrong material and contractor will just cost you more money in the long run.

Once you decide it’s time to replace your roof, you’ll be faced with a number of material options to choose from. Two of the most viable and popular choices of roofing is metal and asphalt shingles. Metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing are very practical materials that you can choose from. Though both options are great, it depends on you and the style and needs of your home to choose which option is better. A lot of homeowners only research price when in search of a new roof, but it’s just as important to know about the quality and durability of the roofing material you choose. Along with a metal roof vs shingles cost comparison, our roofing experts have also listed the pros and cons of each material to help guide you through your next roofing project. Keep in mind not only looks but function and the future also. Choosing the most durable material will save you money and keep your home much safer for years to come.

Asphalt shingle vs metal roof cost comparison

The average roof size is about 1,700 square feet. Most contractors price their services based on how many square feet they are working with. So many factors, like the size of your home, the installation process and which material you use will affect the price of your new roof. Metal roofing can vary in price depending on what type of metal is being used. Steel or aluminum is on the cheaper end while materials like copper or zinc can be rather expensive. The most common type of metal roof among homeowners is a standing seam metal roof. A standing seam roof just conceals the metal fasteners along the panels and gives your metal roof a flat, uniform look.  Installation of metal roofing adds to the cost and can on average be about three times the cost of asphalt roofing. Asphalt Shingles are much less expensive and this is the main quality that attracts homeowners. Depending on how steep or pitched your roof is, the cost of installation can vary. When it comes to cost comparison, asphalt shingles is definitely the most economical choice of the two options.

Durability

One factor that may be more important than pricing is the durability of your roof. Saving money right away is definitely a concern for your pockets, but if you don’t choose a roof that protects your home for years, you’ll end up spending more money anyway. The higher cost of metal roofing definitely pays off when it comes to its lifespan. A metal roof can last you up to 60 years with little to no maintenance involved. Metal also performs well under harsh conditions like high winds, bad weather, mold, and mildew. Also being fire and rust resistant, metal roofs protect while maintaining a fresh look. Asphalt shingles are a bit more susceptible to bad weather like hail and wind damage although fiberglass asphalt shingles can provide better protection than the organic ones. Lasting about 15 to 20 years, Asphalt shingles have a great lifespan for the price you pay. Asphalt’s popularity has withstood the test of time even with the emergence of new and different roofing materials.

Maintenance

Keeping up with the maintenance of your roof does a lot to increase its longevity and also keeps it looking great. Many homeowners that choose metal roofing, primarily did so because of how easy it is to maintain. Metal roofing should be inspected periodically but in general, does not require the costly maintenance that other roofing materials do. The most important factor in the upkeep of your metal roof is simply keeping it clean. Removing dirt and materials that could get stuck on the surface of your roof and become potentially harmful can help your roof live up to its integrity. When it comes to repairing, the metal panel used for metal roofing is much more expensive to fix compared to how much it cost to repair asphalt shingles. For maintaining your asphalt shingle roof, it’s important to inspect it regularly and keep it clean. Asphalt is not mold resistant so you want to make sure to always keep your roof and gutters clean. Also, keep a look out for missing and or loose shingles. This could mean that it’s time to repair your roof which will help prevent later damage.

Energy Efficiency

Having an energy efficient roof helps keep the inside of your home comfortable and also lowers your energy bills. The material and even the color of your roof can affect how energy efficient it is for your home.  A metal roof can lower your energy bills by almost 40% during the summer. The reflective surface of the metal reduces the heat that transfers into your home from the sun, keeping your house extra cool during warmer seasons. On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb heat rather than reflecting it, making them a better choice for homes in colder areas. Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing perform well year round. There are Energy Star asphalt shingles available if efficiency is one of your main concerns and you are opting against metal. With both options saving you money on your energy bills, you end up saving money in the long run with whichever material you choose.

Style

The classic layered look of asphalt shingles is undoubtedly the most popular look for residential roofs. The majority of homes in the United States are topped with asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles come in a great variety of colors and styles that matches with any home’s facade. Three tab shingles give a clean flat appearance, while more architectural styles can appear to be more three dimensional. Asphalt is commonly seen as the main roofing material for urban and suburban areas. Metal roofs vary in style also and are popular in more agricultural settings like farm homes. With sleek and metallic features, metal roofing comes in an array of colors that look great and makes any home stand out. Metal panels can also be used to accent asphalt roofs, for a pop of texture and color. Both materials have great styles and depending on your taste, you can choose which style is best for your home.

Recyclability

One big advantage metal roofing has over asphalt shingles is recyclability. Some metal panels are already made from recycled material and are 100% recyclable. Asphalt shingles are recycled also. Each year millions of asphalt shingles are disposed of and made into other products. Recycling them is cheaper than placing them in landfills but it’s harder to find available recyclers for asphalt shingles. Both materials can be recycled but metal roofing takes the cake with how easy and available recyclers are.

When choosing between metal roofing or asphalt shingle roofing, there is no wrong choice to make. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, while still remaining to be great sustainable roofing options for your home. The cost difference between shingle or metal roof systems causes many homeowners to lean towards asphalt, but the maintenance-free qualities of metal are just as appealing. Depending on the type of home you live in, and the style you’re looking to achieve, it really all depends on personal choice when determining which roofing material is the best option. Product selection is very important for getting a good performance from your roof. It’s best to be knowledgable on all your options and your home’s needs when choosing to replace your roof. Whichever material you choose, it’s important to have your roof installed professionally. Regardless of how high quality your materials are, if they are installed with poor workmanship, you’ll end up in a financial hole and with an unsafe roof. Always be sure to have a trusted and professional roofing contractor on call when starting a new roofing project.