Whether you’re in the process of building your custom dream home or looking to replace your home’s existing roof, you have some choices when it comes to roofing materials. The material you choose will have an impact on the way your home looks, feels, and costs, not only in the immediate installation costs, but in the longer-term maintenance and energy costs, too.
Two of the most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. We’re walking through them both to compare the advantages and disadvantages you should consider when choosing your roof.
Shingle Vs. Metal: Cost Differences
Asphalt shingles are undeniably low-cost, whereas metal roofing costs will be quite a bit higher upfront. This is partly due to the fact that shingles are easy to install and metal roofing is much more labor intensive. But, when thinking about cost long-term, the metal roof is going to be the clear winner here. Metal roofing has a much longer lifespan than shingles (more on this later) and will require less repairs over time.
:Shingle Vs. Metal: Maintenance and Care
Roof maintenance is never on anyone’s list of fun things to do, but it’s crucial to keeping your roof in good shape and avoiding common roof problems. While shingle roofing maintenance and repairs aren’t costly, they will be more common than with a metal roof. Shingles can slip, disintegrate and, with enough wear from the elements, fall off. Replacing missing shingles is easy enough, though, especially when done by an experienced roofer.
Metal roofing will come with much less maintenance, but it’s still important to get your roof inspected annually to prevent costly damage and enhance aesthetics.
Shingle Vs. Metal: Lifespan
A good quality metal roof can last up to 40 years. Shingles, on the other hand, have a lifespan of just 15 to 20 years. This is important to think about when considering a roofing material since the differences in longevity will affect overall costs.
It’s also important to be aware of the factors that affect a roof’s lifespan, such as weather conditions where you live and the quality of the installation. Whichever material you choose, be sure to look for ways to extend the life of your roof — such as regular maintenance and hiring a trusted roofing contractor.
Shingle Vs. Metal: Eco-Friendliness
More than 12 million tons of shingle waste is generated each year and much of it ends up in landfills. Although there are recycled shingles on the market, it hasn’t become a common practice so quality is generally lower. With metal’s lifespan and scrap value, it’s considered more environmentally friendly than shingles. However, both options offer energy savings, especially with shingles that are rated by Energy-Star and the Cool Roof Rating Council.
Other Factors
- Appearance: The look of your home is a personal decision, and both shingles and metal offer a variety of color and style options. Be sure to consider the appearance of your neighboring homes if you don’t want your home to stick out, as well as any HOA guidelines you need to follow.
- Property Value: Because metal roofing has a higher installation cost, this will increase the value of your home (typically 1-6% higher). This can also contribute to how easy it is to resell your home, especially if the roof is in good condition and wouldn’t need to be replaced by the new owners.
Shingle Vs. Metal: The Bottom Line
If you’re financially able, the cosmetic and practical improvements of a metal roof are worth the investment. Asphalt shingles are more affordable, common, and easily repaired. Whichever material you choose, be sure to work with a licensed and reputable roofing company that delivers high-quality workmanship.
If you’re looking for metal or shingle roof repair, replacement, or installation, contact the roofing experts at Stanley’s Roofing today.