Choosing the right material for a roofing replacement is a major decision for any homeowner. Two of the most common are asphalt shingles and metal roofing.
The type you choose will impact your home’s appearance, comfort, and long-term costs, so it’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of both asphalt shingles and metal roofing before making a decision. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about both so you’ll have a better idea of which one will work best for your home and budget.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
You’ve likely seen asphalt shingles on countless homes. They’re a very common roofing material for residential properties. Their popularity often comes down to the cost of asphalt shingles, as manufacturers can produce them quite cheaply. In fact, many homeowners choose this type of roofing due to its initial affordability.
Shingle installation is usually pretty direct. Roofers carefully nail them to wooden roof structures. They layer them, starting from the bottom of a sloped roof and working up. Standard asphalt shingles typically arrive in sheets or rolls and have a fairly standard makeup, featuring a ceramic granular top surface and a smooth asphalt layer over fiberglass.
What Is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing presents a distinct alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. It comes in various materials, such as corrugated steel, aluminum, tin, and even recycled metal. It arrives as large, flat sheets, often formed into styles such as standing seam metal or exposed fastener panels.
Manufacturers fold these materials longitudinally into specific patterns, such as corrugated or the sleek lines of standing seam designs. The design features interlocking seams, like those in a seam metal system, which are crucial for weather resistance. Secure fasteners hold the smooth metal surface to the roof frame, providing excellent durability.
This construction gives metal roofs their strength and lasting quality, making them resilient against various weather conditions. Metal roofs typically require minimal maintenance to remain in good condition. This low maintenance is a significant advantage for many homeowners choosing metal roofing.
Comparing Costs
Budget is a huge factor for most people when they need to buy a new roof. Let’s take a high-level look at what you might expect to spend.
Asphalt Shingle Costs
Initially, asphalt shingles are the more budget-friendly option when looking at roof installation expenses. The shingles cost between one-third and one-half of what some metal roofing does.
This price can change based on the specific type, such as upgrading to architectural asphalt shingles, which are more expensive roofing materials but offer enhanced aesthetics. Shingle prices aren’t usually as affected by changes in raw material costs as metal can be. However, an asphalt roof has a shorter lifespan and will likely need replacing sooner than a metal one.
Metal Roofing Costs
Metal roofing generally has a higher price tag per square foot, making it a more expensive roofing option up-front. The costs associated with metal roof projects can sometimes be two or three times higher than those of installing asphalt shingles.
The specific metal type chosen has a significant impact on the final costs that metal projects incur. Material cost shifts for components, such as recycled metal, will also have a bigger effect here compared to asphalt. Although you pay more at the start, installing metal can lead to long-term savings, and homes with metal roofs might sell for a bit more. This higher resale value is likely due to their long life, durability, and recent popularity.
How Long Do They Last?
A roof is a long-term part of your home, so its lifespan is a very important point. You don’t want to face frequent roof replacements. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to severe weather.
Asphalt shingle roofs, particularly standard asphalt types, tend to wear out faster, often having a shorter lifespan. Over time, these roof shingles can get damaged by various weather conditions. They might slip, break down, or even fall off after enough exposure to high winds or hail, meaning these shingles don’t last as long as metal.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, are built for the long haul, resisting damage from extreme weather more effectively. You can expect a metal roof to last significantly longer, potentially up to 60 years. This long lifespan is a significant selling point for many homeowners.
Comparing Maintenance Needs
No one loves spending weekends on roof repairs. So, thinking about what upkeep the roof requires is smart. Low maintenance is a desirable feature for any roofing material.
Shingle roofing usually needs more attention over its lifetime, especially asphalt roofs. Because roof shingles can slip, crack, or wear out from weather exposure, you might find yourself doing more repairs. This upkeep keeps the shingle roof protecting your home properly.
A metal roof typically needs less ongoing work. This is especially true compared to asphalt shingle roofs. The angle or slope of your roof can play a part in maintenance needs for any material, but metal often has an edge here, particularly in preventing issues such as ice dams.
Comparing Energy Efficiency
Your roof can affect your home’s temperature. It can also impact your energy bills, potentially helping you save money in the long run. This is where your local climate and prevailing weather conditions come into play.
Metal roofing is known for being cooler in hot climates. The metal reflects most of the sunlight and heat, which is a significant advantage. This can make a real difference during hot summers, reducing cooling costs.
Homeowners also report fewer problems with snow and ice dams building up on metal roofs. This is because precipitation slides off the smooth surface more easily. However, some find that metal roofing can make homes in colder areas a bit more expensive to heat because they don’t retain heat as well.
Asphalt-shingled homes, including those with architectural asphalt, tend to be warmer overall. This can be a benefit in colder climates, potentially saving on heating costs. But this same trait means it can cost more to cool your home during summer or in warmer regions.
These subtle differences can influence your daily comfort and your home’s energy consumption. Some insurance companies offer discounts for energy-efficient roofing choices, so it’s worth checking if your choice qualifies.
Comparing Installation
The roof installation process and cost also differ quite a bit between metal and asphalt shingles.
Installing asphalt shingles is generally easier and quicker. Most roofing contractors are very familiar with this material and the shingle installation process. This can make finding an installer simpler and potentially less expensive in terms of labor.
Installing metal roofing, especially a standing seam metal roof, often requires specialized skills and tools. The weight and size of metal panels mean installation often needs an experienced professional who understands the specifics of working with seamless metal. This might increase the initial installation costs.
Having an expert handle the installation of metal is important for the roof’s performance and longevity. A proper roof installation prevents leaks and helps the system withstand various weather conditions effectively.
Home Resale Value Considerations
Many homeowners wonder if their choice of roofing material will affect their home’s selling price. It’s a valid question, as a roof is a significant investment. The right roof can enhance curb appeal and buyer confidence.
Homes with metal roofs, such as those with standing seam systems, sometimes sell for slightly higher prices. This is likely thanks to the material’s durability, long lifespan, and growing appeal among those choosing metal. Buyers appreciate a roof they won’t have to worry about for a long time, potentially reducing future roof replacements.
For homes with asphalt shingle roofs, the impact on resale isn’t always as direct from the material itself. The age and upkeep quality of a shingle roof, whether standard asphalt or architectural asphalt, will typically influence a home’s resale value more. A well-maintained asphalt shingle roof in good condition is still a positive feature.
Pros and Cons: Metal Roofing
Let’s summarize some key points about metal.
- Homes with metal roofs, particularly standing seam metal, may get higher resale values due to material longevity and resilience to extreme weather.
- It typically requires less maintenance than an asphalt shingle roof because metal roofs are generally more durable.
- Metal roofing reflects sunlight, helping to keep homes cooler in hot climates.
- Metal roofs tend to have less trouble with snow, ice dams, and rain buildup compared to shingle roofs.
- Some insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant metal roofing, which can help further reduce costs.
- The lifespan can be quite long, possibly around 60 years, minimizing the need for frequent roof replacements.
Cons
- Metal roofing may increase heating costs in colder climates, although proper insulation can help mitigate this.
- The installation of metal, especially for complex designs or standing seam systems, requires specialized professionals, which can raise labor costs for installing metal roof components.
Pros and Cons: Asphalt Shingles
Now, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingles.
Pros
- Asphalt shingle roofs tend to stay warmer, which can lower heating costs in cold areas.
- Shingle installation is simpler, and most roofers are skilled with this common asphalt roofing material.
- Standard asphalt shingles are generally inexpensive, and the cost of asphalt shingles for repairs is typically lower.
Cons
- Homes with shingle roofs might sell for a bit less than those with metal roofs, as their shorter lifespan is a known factor.
- More upkeep is often needed for asphalt roofs compared to metal roofs because roof shingles can slip, crack, or wear out from severe weather.
- Shingle roofs, especially standard asphalt, usually don’t last as long as metal ones, leading to earlier roof replacements.
- The tendency for shingled homes to be warmer can mean higher cooling costs in summer and in hot climates.
Key Takeaways
So, when you’re faced with the metal roof vs. shingles decision, there’s a lot to consider. Your budget, local climate, aesthetic preferences, and tolerance for future maintenance all play big roles. Whether choosing metal or asphalt roofing is best really depends on these personal factors and your long-term plans for the property.
A standing seam metal roof offers longevity and modern appeal, while architectural asphalt shingles can provide a traditional look at a lower initial cost. Regardless of your final choice in the metal roof vs. shingles debate, using high-quality roofing materials from reputable manufacturers is crucial. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor for your installation can also significantly extend your roof’s lifespan and help it perform well under various weather conditions.
