Do Metal Roofs Last Longer Than Shingles

Shingle Roofing Installation Is Simple

Installing a shingle roof is a relatively easy process that takes less time, tools, and skill than installing a metal roof. It is the most DIY friendly type of roofing material if you are looking for sweat equity while saving money on the labor costs associated with a professional installation.

Most shingle roofs installations can be completed in 1-3 days. The timing depends on factors such as the size of your roof and if you are tearing off the old roof first or installing a new roof over existing shingles.

Maintenance And Repair Costs

One of the most attractive features of a metal roof is that it requires practically zero maintenance. If you have a corrugated metal roof, you may need to re-tighten the screws about every 10 years. All other types of metal roofs are truly maintenance free. For most homeowners this is a breath of fresh air, as no one wants to spend their free time taking care of their roof.

When it comes to repairs, its important to note that in most cases a metal roof will not require repairs, because its designed to be a water shedding system. This means that its impervious to damage from leaks and ice dams, and therefore should not need to be fixed.

However, there are cases when faulty installation can compromise the integrity of a metal roof, and you will start to get problems like leaks, etc. Fixing a metal roof is expensive pros charge at least $500 to fix a metal roof. However, depending on the type of system and complexity of the problem, the total price can be a lot higher. For example, if you need to take apart standing seam panels, repairs can cost thousands, because its such a hard job.

Ultimately, you should invest into high quality installation to avoid any costly problems and repairs down the line.

Metal Roofing Has Higher Upfront Costs

Metal is going to cost you more than shingles upfront. The materials and installation are also both more expensive for metal compared to shingles. The price of metal roofing varies significantly depending on which type of metal panel you choose.

Metal Roofing Cost

Including installation costs, corrugated metal roofing panels can range from $5.00 to $8.00 per square foot. Standing seam metal roofing, which is the best metal roofing system, can range from $8.00 to $14.00 per square foot installed.

Learn more about the cost of corrugated metal roofing: How Much Does Corrugated Metal Roofing Cost? Includes Pricing & Factors.

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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.

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!

This content is from our sponsor. The FOX editorial team was not involved with the creation of this content.

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Defining Metal Roof Costs

To discuss costs, we need to start by defining two terms: first cost and life cycle cost. As you might expect, the first cost is the product cost on the day of purchase. Conversely, life cycle costs also include factors like the life expectancy and maintenance of a product over its lifetime.

For a better understanding, lets look at the comparison of a home office printer. The first costs for printer option #1 are $59.00, while the first costs for printer option #2 are $99.

Based on first costs alone, option #1 seems the logical choice however, upon reading reviews, it seems the print head on the cheaper-priced printer commonly fails within the first year and, of course, after the 90 day warranty expires. With an estimated repair bill of $50, the life cycle costs for printer #1 escalates to $109.

And suddenly, the higher-priced printer option #2 may offer better life cycle costs. Ultimately, life cycle costs are the concept of paying more money for a product on day one but in exchange, reasonably expecting the product to last longer or provide fewer problems during ownership.

We can now apply the same premise to metal roofing panels with a better understanding of life cycle costs. The table below highlights that life cycle costs are a game-changer in any cost comparison between shingle and metal roofing.

What Are The Benefits Of Metal Roofing

Longevity, energy efficiency and a lower environmental impact are just some of the benefits of choosing a metal roof.

Although the initial cost of a metal roof is more than traditional asphalt, so is its lifespan. Metal roofs can last 30 to 50 years longer than other roofing materials, saving you money in the long-term. ) Plus, cool-metal roofing uses a reflective solar coating designed to minimize heat buildup and reduce air conditioning costs.

Every year, about 13.2 million tons of asphalt roofing shingle waste is generated across the United States making metal an environmentally friendly option to consider. They are also 100% recyclable and are made with a minimum of 25% recycled material, depending on the type of metal.

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What Are The Advantages Of A Shingle Roof

A shingle roof has the following characteristics that can benefit your home:

• Cheaper to purchase and install: Asphalt can be about half the upfront cost of metal because it’s more popular with homeowners, so it’s widely available. They’re also significantly cheaper to install than metal roofs.
• More visually appealing: Asphalt shingles offer plenty of color and texture options to help you find a cost-effective material that enhances your property’s aesthetic. If you live in a suburban area, it’s also more likely to blend in with the other houses in your neighborhood.
• Cheaper to repair: Since it’s more affordable to purchase and install, shingle roof maintenance is more manageable and less expensive. You can remove each shingle one at a time instead of replacing the whole roofing structure.
• More contractors available: Asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, so more contractors are willing to offer them than metal roofing. Keep in mind that finding the right roofing specialist is essential to getting a protective, long-lasting roof.

Clay And Concrete Shingles

This kind falls under a broader category called tile roofing shingles. They are amongst the most durable options on the market, but its really important for them to be properly installed. For instance, installing them on mortar beds can cause them to slip in about 10 years.

While the tiles arent expensive to purchase, the cost of installation pretty much compensates for each penny that you save. In some situations, the roof has to be strengthened in order for it to support such weight. With proper maintenance, the tiles that fall under this category can last up to 100 years. Aside from clay and concrete, some other tiles that fall into this category include stone slate tiles, polymer tiles, and composite tiles.

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Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofing

Over these next two chapters, were going to dive deep and help you understand the pros and cons of metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs. As you learn about each of these options, think about what youre really looking for in your roof.

Are any of the disadvantages total deal breakers? Or does one advantage fit exactly what youre looking for? Thinking about these next two chapters should lead you to understanding which option is right for you.

Metal is a material that brings a lot of benefits, but is certainly not the right roof for everyone.

While all metal roofs share certain benefits, some have restrictions on where they should be used to avoid being damaged. When we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of a metal roof, you have to factor in the type of metal panel in question.

As we touched on earlier, the term metal roof covers a wide range of products. We make note of the differences in metal when appropriate below.

Lets discuss the main pros and cons of metal roofing.

Your Warranty Options For An Asphalt Shingle Roof Vs A Metal Roof

A warranty is in place to protect you and your roof from any future problems. You should have a couple of warranties on the materials and the contractors workmanship when you get a new roof.

Be aware, the workmanship warranty will depend on the local roofing contractor you hire. However, the warranty you get on the materials vary.

Asphalt shingles come out of the package with a warranty. For example, a dimensional asphalt shingle comes with a 30-year warranty. Be aware, this warranty is only on the materials and not the workmanship.

However, if you use all of one manufacturers roofing components instead of mixing and matching from other companies, you can qualify to get the enhanced warranty. Once you register your roof with the manufacturer, the enhanced warranty covers your roof for the next 50 years.

Metal roof panels dont give you an opportunity to get an enhanced warranty. But they do come with a 30-year paint warranty that covers the protective coating on the metal panels.

Which roof offers better warranties?

An asphalt roof comes with more warranties from a manufacturer. Youll also have the opportunity to get the enhanced warranty.

Be aware, a workmanship warranty is just as important as a warranty on the materials. To learn more about your warranty options, read this article on what roof warranties cover.

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Ridge Vents Are More Obvious

On most homes today, attic venting is provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. On a shingled roof, this continuous ridge vent is a strip of shingle-like material that runs the entire length of the peak of the house, masking outflow holes on the sides of the ridge. You likely have seen this countless times, but probably never really noticed because the CRV usually lies very flat and blends in perfectly with the surrounding roof.

On many metal roofs, especially standing-seam roofs, the CRV is also metal, and it stands out further and is thus much more noticeable. These thick, prominent lines or ridges are inherent in metal roofs and add to their distinctive look.

Metal Roof Installation Cost Factors

Metal roof installation costs are about the same price or slightly more than your metal panels or shingles. For example, aluminum roof shingles cost about $4.60 per square foot and $10 per square foot installed, while galvanized steel roof panels cost $3.35 per square foot and $7.75 per square foot installed. Many factors will weigh in on the total cost to install your new roof.

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Is A Metal Roof Better Than Shingles

Lets start off by clarifying that both materialsasphalt shingles and metal roofingare great options for residential roofing. Both will protect your home and should last for many years. However, one or the other might be better suited to your needs and preferences.

Asphalt shingles remain to be the most popular material for roofing residential properties and are available in a wide array of colors and textures. Standard, three-tab shingles are most commonly used, though laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are also available. A matting or fiberglass core, an asphalt coating, and a stone or ceramic surface make for a highly durable shingle.

Alternatively, metal roofing tends to be lightweight, as well as durable and energy efficient. It also comes in a variety of designs which makes for a versatile and therefore appealing product. But what are their specific pros and cons and which roof is best for your home?

Types Of Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels

Corrugated metal roofing sheets are designed to have grooves and ridges that have an industrial look to them. Below are the most common types of corrugated metal roofing panels on the market.

• Corrugated: A wavy panel that is wider and has deeper corrugations than ½ corrugated. The waviness is more profound with corrugations and each panel is normally 39 or 37 wide.

• R-Panel: Consists of squared ribs that are 1.25 in height. R-Panel is the corrugated panel with the closest resemblance to standing seam.

• 7.2 Panel:Ribbed panel with a boxy appearance. These panels feature symmetrical ribs that are spaced 7.2 on center, with each rib measuring 1.5 high.

Durability Of Corrugated Metal Roofing

Metal roofing materials are durable and can handle high wind gusts. Theyre designed to not crack, chip, or warp. Metal roofs are also resistant to fires, mold, mildew, and termite damage.

The level of durability depends on the gauge, or thickness, of your roof. A thicker roof is a stronger material. As the gauge number gets lower, the thickness increases. Oil canning is inherent in all metal roofs, it is more noticeable on a standing seam roof because of the flat surfaces. The ridges and grooves of corrugated panels help better disguise the waviness of oil canning.

How Long Will A Standing Seam Metal Roof Last?

Standing seam roofs are considered “Lifetime Roofs”, meaning they are designed to last 40 to 60 plus years when installed correctly.

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Can You Put Metal Roofing Over Cedar Shake

Some municipal codes require a complete stripping of shingles down to the bare wood. It is wise to check with your local building inspector before you start the project. Youll need a building permit for a new roof anyway. If you have cedar shake shingles, theyll have to come off before the metal goes on.

How Long Does Metal Roof Last

Aside from their attractive aesthetic appeal, metal roofs are far superior to other conventional roofing materials due to an incredible life expectancy. While other roofing materials typically need replacement every 10 to 20 years, properly installed steel roofs should last as long as you own your home. This is especially true when you invest in a metal roof engineered from galvanized steel. This material is virtually indestructible in the face of bad weather, winds, hail, snow storms, and nearly anything else Mother Nature throws its way. Plus, many galvanized steel roofs have outstanding impact ratings and can even withstand tornado-force gales.

Along with their dynamic steel construction, another factor that contributes to the longevity of a metal roofs life expectancy is the fact that these roofing systems are impervious to insect infestation, rot, fire, and other harmful elements that would otherwise erode or destroy yesterdays traditional roofing. As a result, not only will your metal roof last for years to come, but also provide virtually maintenance free care once installed.

Tile roof manufacturers built their materials to last. To answer how long does metal roof last compared to other materials, clay and slate can last from 70-100 years with effective maintenance. Concrete tiles can last beyond 70 years. These make all these alternatives rivals to metal roofs. Learn more about their properties from Roof Stores below.

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Metal Roofing Vs Shingle Roofing: Which Material Should You Choose

Metal roofing and shingle roofing are both viable options to choose for your next roofing project, but there are distinct benefits, drawbacks, and differences to know of before you buy.

If youre in the market for a new roof, you might be questioning the type of roof that will work best for you and your home or building. And while its great to have so many options, such as asphalt shingles, metal, wood, tile, or concrete, it can also be overwhelming to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roofing material.

Luckily, theres not just one answer for every building, which gives you the freedom to discover the available options, ask any and all questions, and finally make a choice based on factual research.

Here at Sheffield Metals, we think its important to give an honest comparison of everything you need to know about metal roofing systems and asphalt shingle roofing so the decision is easier for you. In this article, expect to learn about:

• The advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing
• The advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingles
• Important considerations to keep in mind before you choose

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Metal Roof

On the other hand, you may want to consider some of the drawbacks of having a metal roof on your property:

• Vulnerable to dents and chips: Hailstorms, falling branches and walking on it too often can dent a metal roof. Depending on your roof’s specific metal, the paint may also be vulnerable to chipping and fading.
• Expensive to install: Putting a metal roof on your house comes at a hefty price. Even though many factors can influence your roof’s cost, you may have to pay more than four times what you’d pay to install asphalt shingles.
• Limited qualified contractors: To install your metal roof correctly, you need to find a roofing specialist who has adequate experience working with metal. Unfortunately, its lack of popularity makes it more challenging to find a metal roofing contractor than an asphalt shingle one.
• Difficult to repair: Metal roofing is more complicated to replace than asphalt shingles because all the full-length panels are connected. Since it’s more challenging to walk on it, metal roof maintenance may be difficult.
• Noisy: You may hear rain or hail tapping on your metal roof throughout the day. Unless you like the sound of rain, you can install some extra insulation to fix the issue.

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