Whether you are building a new roof on your property or replacing an existing one, you will find that there are different roofing materials to choose from. And while it sounds great to have numerous options, such as concrete, wood, metal, tile, or asphalt shingles, it can also be daunting to weigh all the pros and cons of each kind of roofing material.
The choice between asphalt shingles and metal roofs (metal roof vs asphalt shingles) will have a major impact on the costs, aesthetic appearance, or feel, but can also determine the longevity of your roofing. In general, metal roofs have become a popular choice because they tend to have a lot of benefits including their durability and less maintenance requirements. This post will help you stay informed about the pros and cons of each roofing material to assist you make an educated decision on which material best suits your property.
Difference Between Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs come in large flat sheets which are folded longitudinally in several different patterns including flat seam metal roofs and corrugated metals. Flat seam metal roofs are expensive to install and make, but interlocking seam patterns is among the best options in the market. The design comes with fasteners and interlocks that hold the smooth roof surface to the frame of your house, offering these roofs durability and strength while needing less maintenance.
In previous years, metal roofing was a very simple material. There were no designs or styles to select from, and if lucky you could get a painted metal roof. Nonetheless, they have become a popular option in roofing materials, and have created a whole new product line for themselves.
* Advantages of Metal Roofing
- Longevity: A quality metal roof can last for 5-7 decades, and others can last for more than one century while requiring less maintenance. Different metal roofing materials such as copper and zinc have been known to last 100 or more years in some cases.
- Low Maintenance: The level of upkeep required to maintain a metal roof is less, particularly if it was properly installed. Metal roofs are highly resistant and durable, and won’t need regular maintenance even decades into their lifeline, all you are required to do is schedule a professional roof inspection to ensure that all is in order.
- Eco-friendly roofing option: Whichever metal you select, you can be guaranteed that it will be 100% recyclable: metal roofs require less energy to make than other materials.
- Plenty of choices: Metal roofs come in many colors, sizes, and shapes, ranging from panels like standing seam systems to exposed fastener roofing. This means that there is a variety of metal roofing options to select from including copper, stainless steel, lead, and zinc.
* Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
The disadvantages are few for metal roofing, but one that is a major one for most property owners is:
- Higher initial cost: Metal roofing is indeed more expensive than asphalt shingles as a one-time cost. However, they prove to be cost-effective in the long term when you calculate the replacement and maintenance cost that comes with shingles, consider all these factors before making up your decision.
Asphalt Shingles Roof
Asphalt shingles generally come in stacks, rolls, or sheets and are typically uniform in composition and design. They are nailed onto the wooden-framed structures, staggered, and layered upward from the lower point on a relatively sloped roof.
Since the materials used to make asphalt shingles are cheap and the cost of making them is low, they tend to be the most economical option for roof replacement and construction. They are easier to install and won’t need any specialized skill to install them correctly.
* Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
1. Easy to install: DIY enthusiasts can install asphalt shingles as they don’t need specialist installation, which makes them cheaper compared to metal roofing.
2. Plenty of options: Shingles come in a wide range of designs, styles and colors, which are suitable for modern and conventional, contemporary properties.
3. Economical in the short-term: The main catch for asphalt shingles is that they are cheaper to install, however, this is offset in the long run due to eventual replacement cost and regular maintenance needed.
* Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Despite becoming popular, asphalt shingles suffer specific cons that are typically addressed by their metal alternatives. These include following things :
1. They have a shorter lifespan of around two decades and are expensive to repair or replace.
2. They are not eco-friendly as most of them cannot be recycled after their lifespan ends.
3. Regular maintenance is needed.
Which Roofing Material is the Best?
An asphalt shingle roof is going to be more economical in the short term and you enjoy great warranty options, but its lifespan is short and requires regular maintenance.
On the flip side, a metal roofing system is going to be more expensive, but offers an extended lifespan and needs less maintenance. Are you torn between whether to use metal roofing or asphalt shingles?
Here are a few factors you need to consider:
1. Maintenance
Caring for a metal roof is normally less daunting than maintaining an asphalt roof, but it depends on the angle or slope of your roof and whether the job was done by a qualified roofer or by a layperson.
2. Climate
Generally, metal roofs are cooler in warm climates, because metal will reflect most of the heat and sunlight that beats your rooftop. Thus, homeowners with metal roofs report a few cases of precipitation and accumulated snow. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are typically warmer, thus making homeowners incur extra cooling costs during summer, but saving them in winter months on their heating costs.
3. Budget
The main factor in asphalt shingles vs metal roofs is cost. This is a huge investment and you don’t want to be replacing your roof in 20 years to come. Asphalt roofs are more affordable than their metal alternatives in the short term. Metal roofing is generally more expensive than asphalt roofs, sometimes by a magnitude of three or two. However, they have high longevity and need less maintenance.
In Colclusion
When it comes to your property, finding the right roofing material is crucial and there is no one-size fits all solution. Fortunately, our team at Gilday Construction Group are expert when it comes to installing metal roofs of any type. If you own a business or home in Manchester TN we would be glad to walk you through your options and find the best material for your unique situation. Contact our experts for assistance today.
