A homeowner must make a massive collection of decisions when heading into a roof replacement renovation. There are choices concerning finances, contractors, aesthetics, the durability of materials, and a laundry list more.
Suppose one of the choices you are stuck on involves deciding between using metal panels or shingle roofing for your roof replacement. In that case, this breakdown will bring some clarity by comparing both the positives and negatives of the metal roof vs shingles options.
Both Roofing Materials Explained
Asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing panels are two of the most popular roof types. It is more common to see asphalt shingle roofs for residential roofing than it is to see metal roofs. Metal roofing is a rising trend.
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass mat with an asphalt coating as their base and a finish composed of mineral granules and sealant. Fiberglass is a lightweight, durable material and holds onto asphalt exceptionally well. Asphalt itself is super moisture-resistant and holds up firmly against the wind.
The mineral granules add coloring to the asphalt shingle, and the sealant consists of added layers of raw asphalt that bond other shingles together in the roof installation process.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing systems can be built with metal shingles or standing seam metal. Metal shingle is metal stamped to mimic the visual style of more traditional roofing options. Standing seam metal is installed in flat panels with a concealed fastener system.
Both types of metal roofs are made predominantly of steel. Still, you’ll also see some made of aluminum and copper that are proven to withstand severe weather events, have strong energy efficiency, and have a life expectancy of at least 50 years.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
Choosing one of the many style options of an asphalt shingle over other roofing materials will initially save money, is generally easy to put in place, and can be eco-friendly.
Spend Less Upfront
Asphalts shingles cost significantly less upfront compared to metal roofing. Its affordability keeps it the most popular roofing material. Still, you need to consider that the overall price of an asphalt roof depends on the cost of your chosen roofing contractor, the size of the project, and the type of shingle you decide on.
You can install an asphalt shingle roof for a much lower cost per square foot than other options, and many manufacturers offer shingle warranties that help with future maintenance costs as well. Asphalt is a common roofing material primarily due to its lower initial cost.
Simple Installation
Replacing shingles is relatively easy, and depending on their condition, you can even install new layers of asphalt shingle roof over old shingles. This makes a big impact on labor costs for your roofing project.
Many Style Options
Your shingle roof can come in a variety of designs. Architectural shingles, which are also referred to as dimensional shingles, are the most common. An architectural shingle roof is installed in a special pattern to add visual interest. You can also choose from a wide range of color options.
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
For all of its benefits, asphalt roofing has some downsides as well. An asphalt roof is much less resilient than a metal roof. It won’t last as long, and it needs inspecting periodically.
Lower Durability
While asphalt is moisture and wind-resistant, it is not equipped to withstand extreme weather or even mild impacts from natural occurrences like hail or falling branches. It can be pretty easily damaged under these conditions.
More Frequent Inspections
Because of the downfalls of this roof type, it requires consistent monitoring and regular inspections conducted by a professional to ensure its continued functionality.
Pros of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing offers modern design and long-term peace of mind with unmatched, energy-efficient durability and various cost savings throughout its life.
Highly Resilient
The reason a metal roof lasts so long is that a roof composed of steel can withstand harsh elements. Harsh elements include heavy rain, extreme winds, large hail, and other common threats to different roof styles.
Strong, Eco-Friendly Investment
A metal roof comes at a higher price point, but it pays off in more ways than just avoiding a future roof replacement. Many companies offer increased insurance benefits to homes fitted with a metal roof, and the savings on energy costs can be astronomical.
Asphalt absorbs heat, whereas metal reflects it, meaning you’ll spend less on cooling your home. Metal roofing can also easily fit with solar panels. Many options exist for cashing in on energy savings with a metal roof.
You can further the positive environmental impact of your metal roof by getting it made with recycled materials.
Cons of Metal Roofing
While metal roofing comes with many advantages, a few cons also show themselves:
High Initial Cost
The cost of installing a metal roof compared to shingles is quite a lot higher. You need a significantly larger budget when you first start working on it. You may save money over time since metal roofing tends to last longer than shingles. However, that is an advantage that you must wait for.
Complex Installation
Metal roofing also takes longer to install than shingles. The contractor needs to install the entire roof in perfectly matched sheets rather than shingle blocks that fit together quite easily.
The result brings you a roof that holds together better. However, you must take your time to achieve this.
Metal Roof vs Shingles – Which One is Better?
Ultimately, both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Metal roofing lasts longer and holds together better. However, it takes longer to build and costs more.
Shingles, however, are cheaper and can be installed much quicker. However, they won’t last as long most of the time.
You need to decide which works better for your situation. Do you have an abundance of time and money, or would you instead go with something more cost-efficient that still protects your house amicably? The decision is yours!