Metal Roofing Vs Shingle Roofing
There are many types of roofing materials to choose from, with two of the most popular choices being shingles and metal roofing. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, letting them both excel, but in slightly different situations.
Advantages Of Asphalt Shingles
When you look around at residential properties, you will notice that most have asphalt shingles. This is due to the long list of advantages associated with the material, including that builders know and trust it thanks to a century of use in the housing industry. Shingles are also very economical as this is typically the most affordable option for roofing. From an installation perspective, shingles are also incredibly convenient, making them the easiest to install. This means that professional roofers might be able to shingle your entire roof in a day. Repairing is equally simple. To round it out, shingles also come in a wide range of styles and have a good performance record, typically carrying a warranty lasting 20 to 30 years.
Disadvantages Of Asphalt Shingles
While shingles have all those advantages in their favor, they are not without negatives. While the warranties for shingles tend to last 20 to 30 years, those warranties, and the durability of the shingles, is tied to maintenance and having a well-ventilated roof deck. Shingles can also be somewhat boring unless you opt for one of the fancier styles available, which will increase the price point somewhat Shingles also do worse than some other materials when it comes to severe weather like hail and if your roof doesn’t get enough sunlight, you may have moisture-related issues like algae and mildew. Shingles are also heavy, making them harder to handle and are rarely recycled.
Advantages Of Metal Roofing
While shingles tend to have reasonably long lifespans, metal roofs last even longer. Most of the time, a metal roof’s limited warranty will last as long as 50 years. There are actually rumors of metal roofs in Europe that have lasted over a century. In reality, the average life a well-maintained metal roof is about 60 years. Metal roofs also resolve some of the issues with shingles, offering the lightest roofing material and excellent performance in extreme weather. Metal can prevent leaks, is fireproof, and offers very good wind resistance. In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance may even give you a discount for having a weather-resistant roof. To wrap up the positives, metal roofs are also environmentally friendly due to their high recycled content, recyclability, and their status as one of the most efficient roofing materials.
Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing
The biggest disadvantage for metal roofing is the high cost since it typically costs about three times as much as shingles, with pricier metals costing even more. Metal can also have a harsh appearance, particularly in residential areas. Additionally, you have to be careful when choosing metal roofs since they are not all made equally. Depending on their construction, metal roofs may contract and expand a great deal, reducing long-term performance and being water-tight, but this depends on installation. For the best results from metal roofing, you should avoid low-grade steel and opt for something sturdier, like zinc, copper, or stainless steel.
