The range of alternatives accessible to you if it’s time to install a new roof may astound you. The most common roofing material on the market today, asphalt shingles have long been renowned for their dependability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. However, there are currently a number of materials worth taking into account, particularly metal, which is the second most common roofing material because of its toughness, lifespan, and range of forms.
Both materials are excellent choices for residential roof repair company, however depending on your needs, one may be more appropriate. In order to assist you in making the best choice for your roof, we compared metal roofs and asphalt shingles side by side, evaluating everything from aesthetics to eco-friendliness.
For every type of housing, both materials come in a variety of finishes.
Although shingle roofs have their own distinctively traditional appearance, they are now also produced to resemble slate, wood shakes, and tile. You can buy them with terra cotta-style edges that go well with Mediterranean homes or scalloped edges that are ideal for Victorian homes. The color pallet is diverse, and there are many distinct finishes, from softly variegated to slightly worn (to compliment older homes).
Corrugated tin panels, also known as standing-seam metal, which evoke images of barns or sheds, were traditionally used to create metal roofs. However, metal roofing has advanced significantly since its farm-house days and is now available in zinc, aluminum, galvanized metals, and even copper. From East Coast Victorians to California contemporary homes, metal roofing is available in a variety of colors, finishes, and shingle, slate, and shake forms to fit less casual, more elegant structures.
Choose the material that will function best for you rather than focusing on looks because you can probably achieve the desired look with either metal or asphalt shingles.
Metal roofs tend to be more durable.
You’ll discover that metal roofs come with 30- to 50-year guarantees and frequently outlast those with lifespans of 40 to 70 years because they can withstand almost anything Mother Nature can dish out. But metal roofs have their limitations: excessive hail, falling trees, and incorrect footing may all harm a metal roof. Share your worries about vulnerabilities with the manufacturer. For instance, you’ll discover that copper is more brittle than steel.
Shingles have a shortened lifespan as a result of a special set of flaws. Ice dams can cause cracks, pooling water and persistent dampness can promote the growth of algae and fungus, and temperature swings throughout the day and night can shorten the lifespan of your shingle roof. The warranty period for shingles ranges from 15 to 30 years, mostly dependent on the location, surroundings, and climate.
Shingle roofs are cheaper up front.
Although a metal roof would last longer, the initial cost of installation will be more. Metal roofs typically cost between $120 and $900 per 100 square feet (a “square” of material is a 10-foot by 10-foot space), while asphalt shingles cost between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet. Due to the fact that installing it requires greater expertise, the cost of metal will also increase.
A metal roof may help you return part of your initial investment because you won’t probably need to replace it in the future. Additionally, homes with metal roofs can qualify for reductions from insurance carriers. Installing a metal roof on your main residence can even be able to get you tax incentives. Finally, because metal roofs use so little energy, you can reduce your monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Metal roofs are more eco-friendly.
Metal roofs are thought to be a more environmentally friendly option than asphalt shingles because they are generally constructed from recyclable materials and can be recycled repeatedly. Aside from being more energy-efficient, metal roofs can prevent heat from entering the interior of the house because of its reflecting characteristics. Your cooling costs might be further decreased with specialized paint coats. In contrast, metal roofs require replacement less frequently than asphalt shingles, which are thought to be dumped in U.S. landfills at a rate of up to 20 billion pounds yearly. Additionally, the fact that asphalt shingles are made of petroleum makes them more dependent on fossil fuels.
Asphalt shingle roofs generally are easier to install and repair.
Professionals only need simple tools and little specific skills to complete the work. In other circumstances, shingles can be put in a day or two, often right over the top of the current layer. Installation of metal roofing often calls for a highly qualified and specialized worker. It won’t go as swiftly as a shingle installation because the task requires more accuracy and has fewer margins for error. However, some lightweight metal materials could be able to be put in place directly over an already-existing roof that is in good shape, simplifying installation and saving money on having the old roof torn down.
Similar to how shingles are less complicated to fix than metal roofing, Asphalt sheets are simpler to deal with than metal ones because they can be easily cut to size and retrofitted to the roof, even if roofing manufacturers don’t advise DIY projects because you might void the warranty. Due to the way the metal panels are connected, metal roofs are more difficult to replace separately and often necessitate for the replacement of a complete panel.