If the time has come for a new roof, there arean assortment of options to choose from. Asphalt shingles are well-known for their cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and reliability, which make them the most sought-after roofing material available today. However, there are a number of choices that also deserve consideration – metal being one of them. Metal is the second most sought-after choice owing to its longevity, wide-range of styles, and durability.
While metal and asphalt are both excellent options for roofing, one of those materials might be better for your specific needs. To help you make the right decision for your residential roof, Saalfeld Construction Roofing placed them up against each other – asphalt shingles -vs-metal roofs – comparing everything from aesthetics to eco-friendliness.
Metal And Asphalt Have Finish Choices For All Style Of Houses
Shingle roofs already boast a conventional look of their own; however, they’re also being made to mimic the appearance of tile, slate, and wood shakes. Some have a terra cotta appearance perfect for a Mediterranean home while others have scalloped edges appropriate for Victorian homes. There is a wide-ranging colour palette and there is also a multitude of finishes, from subtly multi coloured to slightly weathered (perfect for older homes).
Originally, corrugated tin panels created metal roofs that suggest images of barns or sheds. Although metal roofing – made in aluminium, copper, tin, zinc, galvanised metal – has come a long way today. You will discover metal roofing that fits more refined, rustic structures, from East Coast Victorians to California contemporaries, is a range of finishes and colours, as well as in slate, shake, and shingle styles.
It is likely that you can get the look you desire from either asphalt shingle or metal. So, let the performance of the material be your deciding factor rather than appearance.
Metal Is The More Durable Roof
Metal roofs come with 30, 40, 50-year warranties, and frequently have a lifespan of 40 up to 70 years, with an ability to withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws their way. However, metal roofs do have weaknesses: falling branches or extreme hail could dent a metal roof. Walking on it improperly could also make a dent.
Because of their own weaknesses, shingles lifespan is shorter, chronically damp conditions and pooling water can result in fungus and algae growth, cracks can be created from ice dams, the life of your shingle roof can be reduced with the temperature spikes between night and day. Unlike metal roofs, shingle roof warranties are between 15 to 30-years. The years largely depends on the environment, region, and climate.
Shingle Roofs Have Cheaper Up-Front Costs
According to Saalfeld Construction Roofing, the cost of metal roofs is generally from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet. Asphalt on the other hand generally runs between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet. Furthermore, the metal installation will also run more than asphalt since the job is more specialised.
Since you will not ever have to replace a metal roof, you likely can recoup some of the costs in the future, Moreover, you can save a sufficient amount of money in heating and cool costs each month as metal roofs are very energy efficient.
Metal Roofs Are More Eco-Friendly
Metal roofs are a more sustainable choice than asphalt shingles since they are created with recycled material and can also be recycled over and over. Thanks to the metal roofs reflective qualities, they are also more energy efficient. These reflective qualities can keep the home cooler by blocking heat transmission to the interior of the home. On the other hand, asphalt shingles require replacement more often than metal roofs. In fact, it is estimated that almost 20 billion pounds of used asphalt shingles are delivered to the United States landfills annually. Additionally, dependency on fossil fuels is increased with asphalt shingles because they are a petroleum-based product.
Installation And Repair Of Asphalt Shingle Roofs Are Generally Easier
Asphalt shingles can be installed in one or two days in many cases, sometimes over the existing layer. However, metal roof installation jobs are more precise, leaving less room for mistakes, making it take longer than shingle installation. However, some metal roofs can be installed directly over an existing roof that is in good condition, which eliminates the cost of tearing off the original roof.
Also, repair for asphalt shingle roofs are simpler and they are with metal roofs. However, it is not recommended to do-it-yourself for either material. For more information about asphalt shingles and metal roofs speak with the professionals at Saalfeld Construction Roofing where they will happily answer all your questions.
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