Metal Roofing vs. Shingle Roofing

A roof can be what makes the difference between a house and a secure, safe home. It fits the structural design, insulates from winter’s cold and summer’s heat, and protects the homeowners from the elements. More and more people have been turning to the metal roof in recent years. Here we will compare the metal roof to the shingle roof, giving you some pros and cons of each. 

The Metal Roof

The metal roof is available in several different styles. This largely depends on the metal that is used as well as the coatings that are applied. Aluminum, for example doesn’t need any coating whereas steel needs specialized treatment so that rusting can be prevented. Other metals that can be used are zinc, copper, titanium, and stainless steel. 

Pros

There are several advantages to the metal roof including:

• A lighter material
• Requires little maintenance
• A more durable material
• 100% recyclable
• Longer warranties
• Gives the home a higher resale value
• Fire resistant
• Makes the homeowner eligible for insurance discounts and tax credits
• Will significantly lower energy bills
• Has the ability to be installed over an old roof

Cons

There are, however, some disadvantages associated with the metal roof including:

• Harder to install
• More expensive
• Harder to repair
• Can be noisy if not properly installed

The Shingle Roof

Asphalt shingles are more popular because this is what homeowners have come to expect roofs to look like, particularly in suburban and urban areas. Asphalt is also a material many roofers trust more than metal. The color of the shingles can vary depending on the color of the house. Asphalt shingles can give a flat appearance or a more three-dimensional appearance depending on the type. 

Pros

Here are some of the advantages of shingle roofs:

• More affordable
• Popular with homeowners
• More of a variety of colors
• Faster to install
• Good winter performance
• Can be recycled
• Can be fire resistant
• Easier and cheaper to repair

Cons

There are, however, disadvantages as well including:

• Less durable material
• Heavier material
• Subject to hail and wind damage
• Absorbs summer heat
• Susceptible to mold, mildew, and algae
• Old roof needs to be removed before installation

Reading through the pros and cons, it’s understandable why the metal roof is a choice for many people, particularly in agricultural areas. A metal roof can lower energy bills by about 40% during the summer months. The surface reflects heat whereas the asphalt shingles absorb heat. Additionally, metal roofs can now imitate the styles of other materials, making it an increasingly popular choice in all areas.