Homeowners know the importance of choosing the right roofing system, but with so many options, they can easily become confused about which roofing material will be the right one. Among the most popular choices are metal roofing systems and asphalt shingles. In this blog post, we carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages of both roofing options and highlight their distinct characteristics.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are among the strongest roofing structures you can have, meeting numerous criteria for durability and sustainability. Metal roofing systems come in flat, metal sheets as well as shingles. Among all the styles, metal panels with interlocking seams tend to be the top choice. The design incorporates interlocking seams and fasteners, securing the sleek metal surface onto the roof deck below, enhancing its durability.
Like any other roofing system, metal roofs have their pros and cons too. Let’s discuss some of them:
Pros Of a Metal Roofing System
- Longevity and Durability: Metal roofs are durable and tend to have a longer life span. The life expectancy of metal roofing systems is around 40 to 70 years, but with time, as the materials improve and new products launch, the life expectancy tends to go up. Metal roofs resist cracking, rusting, and constricting, enabling them to withstand extreme weather situations like hail and snow storms.
- Maintenance: Metal roof shingles require minimal repair and maintenance due to their toughness. All styles are capable of shielding your home against high winds, snow storms, and harsh climatic conditions. However, minimal maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, of course! Regular cleaning and yearly roof inspections are important to avoid any future damage or repair costs.
- Eco-Friendly: Metal is primarily made up of recycled materials and can be recycled again, which means it is created without directly affecting any resources and isn’t wasted in the form of landfills. Metal roofs also reflect UV rays and proper insulation keeps the area below the roof cool, reducing energy consumption.
- Fire Resistant: Metal roofing systems are made of noncombustible materials like steel and aluminum, making them fireproof and a safe choice. Industries and commercial properties often use metal roofing systems for this reason.
- Weather Resistance: Metal is a tough and durable form of alloy, and metal roofing systems can protect your property (whether commercial or residential) from rough weather conditions. Due to their toughness and durability, metal roof shingles are best for areas with harsh weather.
Cons Of Metal Roofing Systems
- Complex Installation Process: Metal roofs cost more and require a lot of skill and experienced labor. Choosing an experienced contractor is crucial to avoid any chance of mistakes at the time of installation.
- Denting: Even though metal roofing systems are rugged and robust, they can still be dented by heavy hail or snow storms. They might also contract or expand due to extreme temperature exposure.
- Cost: Metal roofing systems are expensive when compared to other roofing materials. Metal roofs can cost anywhere between $4 to $40 per square foot depending on the material and local labor rates.
- Risk of Corrosion: Metal roofs tend to form cracks, rust, or corrosion from exposure to extremely harsh weather conditions.
- Noise: Metal roofs might make noise due to hail storms or heavy rain. However, with proper installation and a modern metal roofing system, the noise can be considerably reduced, and comparable to the sound that an asphalt roofing system makes during times of heavy rain.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofing shingles can be commonly seen on today’s modern homes. They’re composed of an inorganic (glass fibers) or organic (cellulose fibers) mat covered with asphalt granules. However, like all other roofing systems, asphalt shingle roofs have pros and cons. Let’s look at some of them:
Pros of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
- Easy to Install: Asphalt shingles are lightweight and comparatively more straightforward to install. This can reduce high labor costs and installation time, making it a convenient option for contractors and homeowners.
- Cost-Effective: Asphalt shingle roofs are among the most affordable roofing options available, especially when compared to alternatives like metal or tile, making them a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Variety: Asphalt shingle roofs are available in a versatile range of colors, styles, and textures, homeowners can pick what complements their home’s architectural style and personal preferences. This variety ensures homeowners can find asphalt shingles that match their aesthetic vision.
- Durability: While asphalt shingle roofs may not have the same lifespan as other roofing materials, high-quality asphalt shingles can still provide good durability. They can withstand moderate weather conditions, including rain, wind, and hail, and offer reliable protection for many years with proper maintenance.
- Ease of Replacement & Repair: In the event of damage, asphalt roofing shingles can be easily replaced without changing the entire roof. This makes repairs relatively simple and cost-effective, allowing homeowners to address issues promptly and maintain the integrity of their roofs over time.
Cons of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
- Limited Lifespan: Asphalt roofing shingles have a limited lifespan, ranging from 20 to 30 years. While they are relatively affordable, they require replacement over time.
- Prone To Weather Damage: Asphalt roofing shingles can be damaged when exposed to extreme weather conditions. If they’re not installed correctly, they can be damaged in strong winds, hail, and other rough weather conditions.
- Regular Maintenance Required: Asphalt roofs require regular maintenance and inspection. Asphalt roofing shingles require regular maintenance to increase their lifespan, from moss and algae growth to collected debris.
- Low Insulation Value: Asphalt roofing shingles generally have lower insulation values than metal roofing materials. This means homes with asphalt shingle roofing systems may experience heat loss in the cold weather and heat gain in the summer compared to homes with better-insulated roofs. However, homeowners can compensate for this by ensuring their attic is adequately insulated to improve energy efficiency and comfort within the home.
Metal Roofs vs. Asphalt Shingles: Determining the Best Option for Your Needs
Metal roofs and asphalt shingles are both great roofing options, which can make the decision hard. We’ve compared both roofing materials on certain parameters to provide better insight into choosing what is best for your requirements.
Cost:
Cost is a primary factor when choosing the right roofing system. When it comes to cost, asphalt shingles win out. They are very affordable as compared to metal roofs. Keep in mind that there are numerous factors that go into the final cost of a project, such as local labor rates, and material prices.
| Aspect | Expected Cost: Metal Roof | Expected Cost: Asphalt Shingle Roof |
| Materials | $5 to $32 per square foot | $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot |
| Labor | $4 to $8 per hour | $4 to $8 per hour |
| Life span | 60+ years | 15 to 25 years |
Durability:
Metal shingles and asphalt shingles are both durable, but when compared closer, metal roofing shingles have a longer life expectancy and can resist rough weather for longer periods of time. Although good-quality asphalt shingles can also withstand harsh climatic conditions, they will eventually become affected by the elements.
Variety:
Both metal roofing systems and asphalt shingles offer many variants in terms of style and color. Metal roofs can be customized and experimented with in terms of design and creativity, while asphalt roofing shingles come in three variants: three-tab asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles. These too can be customized based on the desired color and look.
Resale Value:
Metal roofs have better resale value than asphalt shingles. This is due to their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
Contact The Team At Capital Roofing For An Expert Roof Installation
Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles have their pros and cons, so it’s safe to say that the best choice depends on your needs, budget, and local climate. You should not forget about the importance of installation either, as you’ll want someone who has experience working with both types of roofing materials in order to provide you with the most durable and protective roofing system around.
At Capital Roofing, our experienced professionals are here to assist you at every step of your roofing project. From inspection to installation, we offer comprehensive roofing solutions tailored to your needs.
With years of experience and knowledge in the roofing industry, we are renowned for our exceptional customer service and expertise. We offer both asphalt shingles and metal roof installation services in Claremore, OK. Book a free consultation with one of our experts by giving us a call at (918) 260-4075 and discuss all your residential roofing needs today.
