You might actually still be confused on what type of roofing you should have for your home or you are torn between two commonly used roofing – metal roofing and shingle. This article will help you sort out all your confusions and will help you come up with a decision.
A metal roof is a more premium roofing material option and comes in many styles and design options. Metal roofs may be made of tin, zinc, aluminum, steel, or copper and will be either standing seam, corrugated, or modular panels. They also come in shingles, which is a newer style and one that is growing in popularity.
Asphalt shingles may be the most popular roofing material used by homeowners, but metal roofs are becoming more and more popular. Some people might think metal is too expensive or not attractive enough, but this article will compare the actual benefits of metal vs shingle roofing to help you make an informed decision about which type of roof is best for your home.
Metal Roofing
There are, of course, pros and cons to a material like metal. We will go through those to help weigh the options of making such a large investment in your home.
- 100% recyclable
- Long-lasting (50+ years)
- Excellent insulation
- Low-maintenance
- Boosts curb appeal
- Fire and insect resistant
- Very durable against hail, wind, and other strong storms
- Increase your home’s value
- Cons of Metal Roofs:
- Expensive upfront costs
- Aluminum panels can be noisy
- Fewer color options
Asphalt Shingle Roof
There are many variables to work through when considering whether an asphalt shingle roof is right for you. To help you make this decision, we will go over the pros and cons of asphalt shingles.
- Affordable
- Durable against strong winds, rainstorms, and hail
- Reduces energy costs
- It can be installed over any flat surface, including a metal or concrete base.
- Lots of color options
- Easy to maintain and repair
- DIY-friendly
- Cons of Standard Asphalt Shingles:
- Poor insulation properties as they age — will require more energy to heat your home in the winter months.
- Low lifespan at 15-20 years max before need replacement
- Leaky seals can lead to increased electricity bills from air conditioning units due to moist surfaces inside the house.
Which is the Best?
Now that we’ve weighed all of the pros and cons, let’s find out which one is the best choice depending on your needs.
The Most Budget-Friendly: Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are much cheaper than most roofing materials, while metal is one of the most expensive (outside of concrete, tile, or wood). Asphalt shingles run between $100-$200 per roofing square (roofing term for 10 x 10-foot area), while metal can cost anywhere from $150-$900 per 100 square feet.
The Best Long-Term Investment: Metal
Metal roofs may cost more upfront, but they last over four times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. This means that you would have to replace your asphalt shingles four times for the cost of one metal roof. What you pay is what you get—a low-maintenance long-lasting metal roof.
The Most Durable: Metal
Metal is naturally insulating, fire-resistant, insect-resistant, and can withstand some of the highest winds and hail your home could face. It’s relatively lightweight but heavier than asphalt shingles, so it has less chance of being lifted by strong winds.
It looks as if shingles and metal roofing are going head to head as far as pros, cons, and side-by-side comparison. Inevitably it is up to the homeowner’s specific needs.