Metal Roof vs Shingles: Which Should You Choose?
As a homeowner, you have more choices regarding roofing materials than ever before. There will be something out there for you, whether you’re looking for something affordable or that will stand the test of time. While both are very common roofing material options, what are the main differences between a metal roof vs shingles? Why should you pick one over the other? Both have benefits and disadvantages. When considering a metal roof vs shingles, from aesthetics to eco-friendliness, here’s how they stack up against each other.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are probably the most common roofing option out there right now. They’re highly accessible and suit such a large variety of homes. Shingles are typically made with layers of fiberglass, asphalt, and other recycled materials depending on the exact type of shingles that you’re looking at.
Metal Roofs
In the past, metal roofs have been considered just for commercial businesses, but you’ll see that they’re becoming increasingly popular for homes. More metal roof designs are being created for residential homes, offering another option for your roof.
Longevity
One of the most important things about any roof is that it will be long-lasting. You need the roofing material you choose to be able to stand up to the elements, so which type of roof is the winner here? Metal roofs have the edge, as they can last for much longer before needing to be replaced.
On average, they can last well over 50 years if they’re well cared for. If you want to replace the roof once and not worry about it again, this will be your option. Asphalt shingle roofs aren’t going to be as long-lasting, as they can only last for around 25 – 30 years before they need to be replaced. That is a big difference, but you will see that many other benefits make up for this.
Cost
Replacing your roof will never be cheap, and cost will be a factor in which roofing material you choose. This is where asphalt shingles come out on top, as they’re a lot cheaper on average. You’ll see that they typically cost around $20,970 if you pick a low-end roof, which goes up to around $30,000 if you choose a high-end one.
On the other hand, a metal roof will cost a lot more. A metal roof can cost around $43,000 to up to $88,000, depending on your roof. Of course, that is a large range, but even if you go for a lower-priced roof, it will be more expensive than a shingle roof.
Ease of Installation
When you decide what kind of roof you want to be installed, you’ll have to find the right roofer to handle the job. You’ll ask them several questions, such as how much they charge, how they’re insured, etc. You’ll also need to ask them if they’re experienced in fitting the kind of roof that you’re looking for. This is important, as it will affect the kind of roof that you get.
It’s typically a lot easier to find a roofer that can fit a shingle roof, as they’re such a common roofing type. While metal roofs are becoming more popular, there are a lot fewer roofers out there that can install them. That’s something that you’re going to have to keep in mind when you’re picking a roofing material.
Ease of Maintenance
Once the roof has been installed, you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance to ensure it stays in the best condition. The better you maintain it, the more likely you’ll get the entire life span from it. As such, you’ll want to pick the roofing type easier for you to maintain. Metal is often considered low maintenance, as it isn’t much you have to do to keep it in top shape.
You’ll need to remove debris if it ever finds its way onto the roof and cleans it if needed. Asphalt roofs do need a little more maintenance, especially after storms. You may find you need to replace shingles or flashing, but that’s not too much of a problem. It also ensures that you don’t need to replace large roof sections if there is a problem.
Aesthetics
When comparing a metal roof vs shingles, aesthetics is essential, as you want it to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood and the house itself. Both roofing types can look amazing when installed correctly, so it’ll mainly be about what you want. A metal roof, for example, comes in a huge range of colors and styles. There will be something for every home in a metal roofing range, so you can pick something that suits you.
You can even get roofing made to mimic shingles or tiles, too, if that’s something you’re interested in. Be aware, though, that some HOAs frown upon metal roofs as they feel they look too ‘industrial,’ and they can be susceptible to ‘oil canning.’ Asphalt shingles can also look great, and again you can pick shingles from a range of different colors too. The color range will be more limited, so be ready for that if you go for shingles.
Fire Safety
Finally, you’ll want to consider fire safety when picking a roofing material. Asphalt shingles are typically fireproof, but if the fire reaches the asphalt layer in your shingles, they could catch fire. On the other hand, nature’s metal roofs are fire resistant, so they get top fire safety classification. If you’re concerned about that, it’s a big point in their favor. Both metal and shingled roofs have their benefits, so you’ll need to consider which one is for you. Use this guide to see which would be better for you.
The Bottom Line
These are some pros and cons between a metal roof vs shingles, both look stunning and will last for decades when well installed and taken care of. Contact your local roofing contractor today if you’re interested in installing either one.
