What’s The Difference Between Asphalt Shingles And Metal Roofing
Asphalt roofing is a popular roofing material available in several colors and textures to accommodate any home aesthetic at an affordable cost. This durable shingle features a matting or fiberglass core with a coating of asphalt and a ceramic or stone surface. You can choose standard three-tab, laminated or architectural asphalt for your property.
Metal roofing is also becoming more prevalent because it features more visual options than asphalt shingles. You can choose from different shapes and colors that make your roof look like other popular materials, such as wood or slate. There are many types of metal roofs, including tin, steel, aluminum and copper.
Despite the differences between these two roofing materials, they’re both wise investments for your property. The choice you make depends on your design preference, local climate and durability requirements. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each before you decide which one to install.
Do You Plan To Diy Your Roof Installation
Of the two roof types, asphalt is the easier one to install for both professionals and DIYers. The hardest part is moving all the materials up to the roof. After this, the teardown and replacement of an asphalt roof are relatively simple .
Its not as easy to add a metal roof to your property. The materials arent as light or small as asphalt tiles. Its more difficult to attach them to unusually designed roofs. Hiring professional roofers is highly recommended to complete the task.
Cons Of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing tends to come at a much higher price point than asphalt shingles. If installed incorrectly, their efficiency is not nearly as high, and they are difficult to install yourself. Metal roofing often requires an underlying plywood framing, which requires professional installation.
Some metal roofing is heavier to work with and can result in cuts to the skin when handled improperly or without the right set of gloves.
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What Roof Is Better Metal Or Shingles
Metal roofs are more resistant to fire than asphalt shingles, even though asphalt shingles can withstand fire. Although hail can easily damage a metal roof, thats not the case. Compared to asphalt shingles, metal roofs are more efficient at handling hail impacts. Metal roofing wins out as the best choice.
What Is Metal Roofing
The second most common roof after asphalt is metal roofing. There are two types of metal roof systems: standing-seam and screw-down panels.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows for the metal panels to expand and contract freely when the metal heats up.
A screw-down panel is just what it’s called it’s screwed down. The screws are screwed through the metal panel which leaves no room for expansion and contraction.
Thats why I would not recommend putting a screw-down panel over a heated space such as your home or office due to its lack of expansion capability.
To learn more about the two types of metal roofing, read this article on standing-seam vs. screw-down panels.
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Does A Metal Roof Add More Value To A Home
Yes, a metal roof can help increase your homes value. Sources say a metal roof could increase your homes value up to 6%.
While the increase in your homes value isnt usually enough to offset 100% of the cost of the roof, its estimated you could recoup 61-96% depending on the state you live in.
In addition to increasing your homes value, some homeowners also save money on home insurance!
Metal Roof Vs Shingles Roof In Winter Which Should I Choose
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It might be time for a roof replacement if youve lived in your house for a long time or if youre a new homeowner looking for improvements. You want to make sure that the materials you select are the best fit for you when you make such a big investment.
Although metal roofing has become more popular over the past few decades, asphalt shingles are still typically the most popular residential roofing material. Which material is best for you, then?
Lets examine the advantages of metal roofs vs. shingles.
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Is It Difficult To Replace Asphalt With Metal
Replacing shingles with metal roofing requires more labor and time than it takes to install asphalt shingles. However, an experienced roofing contractor can adequately replace your roof with metal panels with minimal difficulty.
The roofing specialist might need to remove the asphalt shingles first, but it’d be much easier if they’re able to install the metal panels on top of your old roofing. You can consult with them about the installation process and how much the roof replacement may cost.
Average Pricing For Metal Roof Vs Asphalt Shingle
Lets say youve got a roof of 2,300 square feet that needs to be finished, since thats the median size home in the United States . Prices below are for materials only and do not include include installation costs due to the geographical fluctuation of that cost.
Metal Roofing
Youre looking at anywhere from $2 per square foot of economy metal roofing up to as much as $4 per square foot for standing seam. Pricing based on June, 2021 prices on Multipurpose metal panel and 16 Standing Seam Minor Rib material and include warranty, delivery, underlayment and trim.
For a 2,300-square-foot metal roof, the materials cost could be between $5,212 and $9,402.
Asphalt Shingles
For a 2,300-square-foot asphalt shingle roof, the materials cost could be between $2,300 to $5,750.
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Planning Your Metal Roofing Project
As you begin planning your roofing project, consider the following three tips to help make it a successful project:
- Determine what is going to be done with your old roofin some cases, you will not have to pay for the removal of the old roof, since it may be possible to install the metal roof on top of what is there.
- Check with your municipality/HOA before you buyas with any modification to the exterior of your home, you might violate local HOA statutes by installing a metal roof.
- Ask the roofing companies you have requested bids from how long their proposal is good for. Any number of factors in the metals market could cause the price to go up if you sit on the bid too long before giving the go-ahead.
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What Do You Want From Your Roof
In summary, both metal roofing and asphalt shingles are popular and have their advantages.
For shingles, the advantages are price and low installation costs. While those are certainly valid considerations, both of those attributes are short-term. Conversely, metal roofing is well known for providing long-term value, exceptional performance, and a solid return on investment.
It all boils down to what you want. If low-cost today is your only criteria , then a shingle roof will be your best option. If, however, youre more interested in a roof that does the following, then metal roofing could be a serious consideration in your roof replacement journey:
- Lasts for decades
- Increases the curb appeal of your home
- Requires less maintenance
- Increases the value of your home
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What Roof Type Is Right For You Asphalt Shingles Or Metal
Asphalt shingles and metal are the two most popular roofing choices but for completely different reasons. Making a decision on the best roofing type for your home depends on what features and benefits you value.
Asphalt shingles are the faster, more affordable solution. However, metal will bring you value in the long term as it lasts two to three times longer than shingles before having to be replaced.
Asphalt Shingles are best to use when:
- You want the cheaper roofing system.
- The roof installation will be done by the homeowner.
- The roofs lifespan is not a top priority.
- An HOA restricts the use of metal roofing.
Metal is best to use when:
- You want your roof to last longer .
- You are looking to save money on energy bills.
- You want a large amount of color choices for your roof.
- You live in an area with high winds or severe weather.
If youve decided that metal may be best for your roof, there are different types of metal roofing to choose from. At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture both corrugated and standing seam panels.
Learn about Corrugated Metal Roofing v. Standing Seam
Is A Metal Roof Or An Asphalt Shingle Roof Right For You
After reading this article, you should have a good idea if a metal roof or an asphalt shingle roof is right for you. Remember, a standing seam metal roof will always be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof.
No matter which roofing material you choose, it means nothing if you make the wrong hiring decision. The truth is, the roofing contractor you hire has the biggest impact on every aspect of your roofing project.
Thats why you need to know how to hire a great one in your area. To help you do this, we created a checklist of 16 questions that every homeowner needs to ask potential roofing contractors.
Not only does the checklist give you the questions to ask, but it also gives you the right answers you should get back. Dont get taken advantage of by a roofing contractor get your checklist now.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. When getting a roof replacement with us, your roof gets the attention to detail it needs, and youll have a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for any of your roofing needs.
Heres your Checklist of 16 Questions You Need to Ask a Roofing Contractor to help you find a reputable roofer in your area.
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Why Choose A Metal Roof Vs Shingle Roof
These days you have so much choice when it comes to roofing options. Many homeowners will choose to go with regular shingles, as they often cost effective. However, its always worth looking at the other options you have. Why not check out a metal roof? There are so many reasons why a metal roof is the best option, when compared to shingle roofs. Here are some of the benefits youll get from a metal roof vs. shingle roof when you have one installed.
Pros & Cons Of Metal Vs Asphalt Shingle Roofs
When it comes to these two materials, there are categories in which one or the other is clearly the best choice. But, there are also categories in which the choice comes down to preference.
The following guide addresses the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing in general versus three-tab asphalt shingles. This chart outlines the best options for major considerations and uses.
Which is Better: Metal or Shingle Roof?
| Metal is best for |
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- Most builders stick with standard colors, textures and shades because they are widely available and low-cost.
Metal
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Metal Roof Vs Asphalt Shingles
If youre replacing an existing roof or need to build a new roof for your property, youll find that there are a lot of materials to choose from. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages, and in this article were looking at the pros and cons of two popular solutions: asphalt shingles and metal roofing.
Pros Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Low Upfront Cost: Most asphalt shingle roofs run between $3-5 per sqft while a metal roof will often cost twice as much. Obviously, if you are running with a tighter budget a metal roof might not be a realistic option and the protection of your home offered from an asphalt roof is an excellent value.
Big Contractor Pool: One factor that is often overlooked is just how many contractors there are available to homeowners who want a standard asphalt shingle roof installed. Finding a contractor that is reliable, trustworthy, and proven their integrity across your service area is another question but you will definitely find no shortage of contractors that would like to install your asphalt roofing system and this can be helpful if you like to shop around a little before bringing a team on your project.
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Disadvantages Of Shingle Roofing
Short Lifecycle Depending on the shingle material , style , and coating you purchase, most shingle roofs last an absolute maximum of 25 years. Replacements, both tear-off and second-layer shingle additions, are very common with shingles.
Higher Long-Term Cost Shingle roofing is cheaper as a one-time cost, but it typically ends up costing more in the long-run when compared to metal roofing. As described earlier, one metal roof would outlast at least three shingle roofs, and those three shingle roofs would end up costing $9,000 more than the one metal roof.
Intrusive Install Shingles are attached to the roof with nails that go through the surface of the shingle and into the roof deck underneath. This is a very intrusive process of creating holes in the material that could very easily compromise the structure if improperly installed.
Heavier Though there have been advances in recent years to reduce the weight of shingles by using less of the base material, asphalt shingles are still heavier than metal panels. The additional weight can be stressful to the structure of the building and could cause problems over time.
Low Recyclability Believe it or not, asphalt shingles can actually be properly recycled. Despite this fact, 11 million tons of asphalt shingles still end up in landfills every year in the U.S. The problem is that many contractors and consumers are unaware of the fact that shingles can be responsibly disposed of.
Advantages Of Metal Roofing
Lightweight A major benefit of metal roofing is that its a very lightweight material. First, its easier for the installers to handle and transport up on the roof during the rollforming and installation process. Second, it doesnt weigh down and put unnecessary stress on a structure, which reduces frame damage and preserves the integrity of a building.
Longevity Perhaps one of the biggest differences between metal roofing and shingles is the length of its life. For metal roofing, its expected that metal roofing should last at least 50+ years until signs of degradation begin to show. Different metal materials, such as copper and zinc, have even been known to last 100 or more years in some instances.
Lower Long-Term Cost As we will discuss later, metal roofing is more expensive as a one-time cost. That being said, metal roofing is typically less expensive in the long-term because one metal roof can easily outlast at least three asphalt shingle roofs .
These two photos represent a 60-year cost comparison between mid-range shingle roofing and metal roofing . In this scenario, the mid-range cost for one architectural shingle roof is around $8,700+ and the cost for one 24-gauge steel standing seam roof with a PVDF paint system is about $17,400+. Even if the shingle roof lasted 20 years, you would need to pay for a shingle roof about three times and a metal roof about one time in a 60-year span, making the metal roof a more economical choice.
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Need An Expert For Your Roofing Project
Whether youre interested in the energy efficiency of a metal roof or the classic design of a shingle roof, trust Long Roofing for your roof replacement. They specialize in both metal and asphalt shingle roof replacements and use only the best products on the market.
Call 866-270-7058 or visit them online to get a quote, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any of your roofing questions!
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Not Allowed By Some Hoas
While every homeowners association has its own set of rules, its not uncommon to hear of an HOA that does not allow metal roofing.
If you are a part of an HOA and are interested in a metal roof, you will have to take a few extra steps to work with the HOA to have your metal roof approved prior to installation.
Wait until you receive approval from the HOA to install a metal roof so that you can avoid potentially having to take off the roof if it isnt allowed.
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The Lifespan Of A Metal Roof Versus A Shingle Roof
The lifespan of a roof is the number of years you get out of it. Both roofs have good lifespans, but a metal roof will last longer than a shingle roof.
For example, a dimensional shingle roof can last up to 30 years, while a standing-seam metal roof can last up to 50 years. Both a metal roof and a shingle roof should get as close as possible to their maximum lifespan as long as they have adequate attic ventilation and are installed properly.
Keep in mind, there are always factors like extreme weather, the climate of your area, and more that will ultimately determine how long both roof systems will last. However, as long as you invest in quality materials and hire a great roofing contractor, you should get peace of mind for years to come, no matter which roof you choose.
