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Today, there are many different kinds of roofing materials to choose from. With the roofing industry constantly making strides in the right direction, you now have many options when selecting the right roofing material for your home. Despite the choices that are available, two roofing materials remain in high demand: asphalt shingles and metal.
If you are looking to replace your roof, you may be deciding between metal and asphalt shingles. Although both are durable, their pros and cons vary in several ways. This article will explain the differences between metal roof vs. shingles, and help you choose the right material for your home. Let us give you a brief overview of both the materials we will discuss.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles were first used in 1903, more than 115 years ago. Over time, the use of shingles has increased significantly. Asphalt Shingles are still one of the most popular types of roofing material available not only in North America but throughout the world. They’re manufactured in the form of strips that are made from asphalt or fiberglass, and they usually include some mineral granules as well.
Asphalt, the major component of this type of roofing material, is a type of petroleum-based material that’s mixed with other ingredients to create a malleable substance. This substance is most commonly used in the creation of roads. Fiberglass helps make the shingles more durable, and it protects them against water damage. Mineral granules also help protect the shingles from damage caused by weather and sun exposure.
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles and colors, making them easy to install and maintain. To learn more about this roofing material in detail, check out our asphalt shingles guide.
Pros and Cons Of Asphalt Shingles
| Pros Of Asphalt Shingles | Cons of a Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|
| ✅ Budget Friendly | ❌ Less durable compared to other roofing materials |
| ✅ Wide variety of colors | ❌ Are less energy efficient that other roofing materials |
| ✅ Lightweight | ❌ Asphalt shingles require regular maintenance |
| ✅ Easy to install and maintain |
What Is A Metal Roof?
Not many know that metal roofs came into existence earlier than asphalt shingles. These were introduced in the middle of the 18th century. For years, metal roofing systems remained in the shadow of asphalt roofs. However, metal roofs are slowly becoming more popular due to their many benefits.
A metal roof is a type of roofing made from metal sheets. Metal roofs are made out of steel or aluminum, which means they have a long lifespan and can withstand harsher weather conditions. They also come in various styles and finishes, so you can find the one that best suits your home’s style.
| Pros of a Metal Roof | Cons of a Metal Roof |
|---|---|
| ✅ Has a superior life expectancy | ❌ Costly roofing material |
| ✅ Easy to maintain | ❌ Requires expert installation |
| ✅ Metal roofs are energy efficient | ❌ Metals are heavier than some roofing materials |
| ✅ Highly durable |
Metal Roof vs. Shingles: A Comparison
We have covered both metal and asphalt shingles and their pros and cons. Now let us move to how they compare against each other. Here are some parameters:
Life Expectancy
The most important thing to consider when choosing a new roof is the material’s life expectancy. A metal roof has a much longer lifespan than a shingle roof and it won’t need to be replaced as often. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years if they are properly maintained.
Asphalt shingle roofs will not last nearly as long as metal roofs. They can typically last between 20-25 years, and some high-quality shingles can last over 30 years. A metal roof will cost more upfront, but it may save you money over time because the average lifespan exceeds an asphalt shingle roof by a significant margin.
Cost
One of the major factors that can influence your decision to buy a roofing material is its cost.
There is a significant difference in metal roof vs asphalt shingles cost. Both metal roofs and shingles are relatively affordable, but when you compare the two, metal roofs are more expensive.
According to Forbes, the average cost of a new metal roof is between $3,000 – $14000 for a 2200 sq feet home. At the same time, premium options such as copper can cost in excess of $25000. On the other hand, the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof of the same size varies between $2500 – $5000. You can expect to pay less for an asphalt shingle roof.
Maintenance
Maintenance refers to regular cleaning and checking on your roof for damages. When it comes to metal roof vs shingles, both materials will require some maintenance.
Asphalt shingles require more maintenance than metal roofs, which makes them more expensive to maintain over time. Asphalt shingles can also get damaged, and they may require frequent repairs. Metal roofs are easier to maintain than asphalt shingle roofs. They are typically more durable, and will not need to be repaired as often.
Installation Process
Metal roofs are more difficult to install and repair. They require special equipment and tools—and even then, installation is a long process that involves several steps. Metal roofs also weigh significantly more than asphalt shingles, so they can be tougher to handle.
Durability
Metal roofing is built to last, and when it comes to durability, metal wins hands-down. Shingles are made of asphalt or fiberglass, and they can crack after a few years. Metal roofs are more watertight than shingles, and they are better at keeping your home dry—and they can save you money on energy bills as well.
Metal roofs are also more fire resistant than asphalt shingles, making them the more durable roofing option when you compare the two.
The Best Roof Installation Services
We hope that this comparison of metal roofs vs. asphalt shingles has helped you decide what’s best for your home. As we mentioned, there’s no right answer and everyone needs to decide what is best for their situation. There are some areas where asphalt shingles perform better, and there are some where metal roofing comes out on top.
No matter the roofing material you choose, one thing is certain you need a professional roofing contractor to install them safely. At SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors, we have years of experience in the roofing industry, and we specialize in roof repairs and replacements. If you have decided on a roofing material, and you want expert installation or still have some questions, contact us today at (814)-400-3329.
