When deciding on a roofing material for your home, it’s important to make an informed choice. Read on to find out which material is right for you.
Affordability
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for a residential roofing material, and that’s because they have a low up-front cost. Including materials and installation, the price usually ranges from $3-$7 per square foot.
Weight and Simplicity
Asphalt shingles are generally lighter in weight, and they’re simpler to install. This makes them easier to work with if you’re installing the roof yourself.
Longevity
One key advantage of metal roofing is that it lasts a very long time. Roof replacement can be a costly and disruptive exercise, and most people will want to do it as few times as they possibly can.
Asphalt shingles typically last about 15 to 20 years, where as metal roofing often lasts more than 50 years. For many homeowners, this means a metal roof installation will be the first and last one they have installed on their home. Asphalt shingles also require additional maintenance, particularly in areas with with more extreme weather conditions. This commonly includes things like re-caulking, resealing, or replacing shingles. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is highly durable, particularly in areas with hail or high winds.
Energy Efficiency
Another advantage of metal roofing is that it offers a higher degree of energy efficiency. One way it does this is via cool roof pigments. These are made to reflect sunlight, which lowers the amount of energy absorbed by the roof. Most metal roofs also have a high level of thermal emittance. This means that they can release much of the heat they’ve absorbed.
Combined, these two features lower the amount of the sun’s heat that the roof absorbs. Less heat coming in through the roof means less heat entering the home. In fact, a cool metal roof can result in a savings of cooling energy costs by up to 20%. This is in sharp contrast to asphalt shingles, which absorb heat and keep it inside the home, driving up the cost of cooling energy.
Environmental Impact
Between asphalt and metal roofing, metal is considered to be the more ecologically-friendly choice. This is because it’s often made from recycled materials. Also, at the end of its life, it’s 100% recyclable. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are made from oil and chemicals. They can take centuries to decompose, and are not often recycled.
Aesthetics
While aesthetics can be a personal opinion, metal roofing is usually available in a wider variety of styles and colors, giving you more options regarding the look of your home. Metal roofing also continues to look good throughout its lifespan, whereas shingles tend to look old and worn out after 5-7 years, detracting from your home’s appearance. Shingles can also suffer from gloeocapsa magma. This is a bacteria that starts in water, and is brought up to roofs by birds and wind. It creates unsightly black streaks on the shingles, and causes them to weaken over time, shortening their lifespan.
Note about HOAs
If your home is governed by a homeowners association (HOA), it’s best to check with them regarding what kind of roof you put on your home. Some have rules about what materials can and can’t be used.
Conclusion
While asphalt shingles typically have a lower upfront cost than metal roofing, we ultimately feel that metal roofing is a better investment. The sheer number of advantages in terms of longevity, durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness make it the better long-term option. In many cases, metal roofing is simply more economical over the long-term.