Is A Metal Roof Better Than Shingles

Heating Cables For Gutters

Q: Last winter, we had a serious problem with ice clogging our gutters. And every time it melted a bit during the day, the overflow would spill onto the walkway and driveway and refreeze at night into a sheet of ice. How can we stop this from happening?

A:Tom Silva replies: One way is to run electric heating cables inside the gutters and downspouts. Turn the cable on during snowy, freezing weather so the water drains away and stays off your walk and drive. Be sure to use cables with thermostatic controls so they don’t overheat or run up your electric bill.

But these cables only treat the symptom of a bigger problem: inadequate roof ventilation. In other words, the heat escaping from the house is getting trapped under the roof and melting the snow, even when the weather is below freezing. That meltwater ends up refreezing in your gutters.

A roofing contractor can install the ridge and soffit vents that a properly ventilated roof should have. But if you can’t get this work done before winter, try placing a small box fan in the attic to cool the underside of the roof. Face it towards the area of the roof that gets warm, and run it whenever there is any snow on the roof. That’s a lot less expensive than installing and operating heating cables.

Advantages & Benefits Of Metal Roofing

Contents

• Benefits

With a vast abundance of roofing materials on the market today, it is no surprise that homeowners are quite perplexed when it comes to picking the right type of roofing material for a re-roofing project. Residential roofing materials vary in price, expected lifespan, and the material they are made out of. In this guide, Im going to share a few insights into how to pick roofing materials the right way.

What Is An Asphalt Shingle Roof

The most common type of roof you see today is an asphalt roof. There are three types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.

3-tab asphalt shingles are exactly what they sounds like, 3-tabs.

Dimensional asphalt shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof.

Luxury or premium asphalt shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate.

While 3-tab asphalt shingles used to dominate the market, dimensional asphalt shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style asphalt shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price.

Also Check: Will Homeowners Insurance Cover A New Roof

Asphalt Shingles Vs Metal: Which Roof Is Right For You

Do you know your roof needs to be replaced? Are you trying to decide if you should stick with an asphalt roof or make the switch to a metal roof? Youre not alone.

I get asked which is better all the time. The truth is, one isnt better than the other. It all boils down to the look you want and your budget.

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been replacing asphalt and metal roofs in the Nashville areas since 1990. We know what it takes to maximize the life of your roof. Thats why we offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.

To help you make the right decision for you, I came up with the 4 main points to compare the two types of roofs. But before we get to the comparisons, you need to know a little about each of them.

Question : Why Leave Shingles When Installing A Metal Roof

Find a better roofing contractor. The old roofing should be removed, underlayment installed and furring strips screwed down for the metal to be fastened to. Dont let the installer screw the metal to plywood sheathing. It wont hold over time. If the old roof needs to be replaced why leave it there and not make sure there are no underlying problems before covering it over again? Also, the extra weight could be too much for your framing and cause cracking or other structural problems.

· Todd Shell, Angies List

1. Some metal roofing contractors are trying to convince people that you do not need roof wrap under metal roofing presumably so they can get their initial installed cost more competitive with other roofing materials. Dont fall for that metal roofs do leak at times, and without the roof wrap you have nothing to keep the water from saturating and rotting the sheathing and rafters, destroying your entire roof.

2. Also, if your roofing is flat sheet raised seam rather than corrugated, the batts or nailing strips should be discontinuous small gaps are needed every few feet to allow hot air to flow up to the ridge vent , otherwise it just becomes an oven between the roofing and the sheathing, plus the sheathing gets much hotter and makes your entire attic hotter in the summer.

3. It saves having to fill up landfills with old shingles.

· Unknown, Angies List

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Disadvantages Of Metal Roofs

Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.

• Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
• Noisiness. Metal roofs may be more noisy during a heavy rain or hailstorm than other products depending on the type of decking used during installation . Adding more attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that may increase costs.
• Expansion, contraction and fasteners. Metal roofing material assemblies that are attached as large panels are designed to expand and contract as they warm and cool. However, both exposed and concealed fasteners have varying lifespans. Depending on the climate, neoprene washers and the screws used during installation may degrade and become dislodged over time.
• Inconsistency of color match. If a repair is required or a home extension is added years later, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal.
• Performance. If water accumulates anywhere on the roof because of poor-quality installation or repair, it can eventually cause serious damage. Low-grade metals may also be thinner gauge and less durable. Some metals rust in certain climates or dent more easily than others during hailstorms or installation.

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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Can You Put A Metal Roof On Top Of Shingles

Since most metal roofing is light, pliable and thin, it’s usually possible to put these panels on top of your existing shingles. Both the shingles and underlayment should be in good condition so you don’t have to replace your whole structure for at least a couple of decades.

You may want to consult a professional in the roofing industry to inspect the top of your house and determine the quality of your existing shingles. It’s also helpful to consider what local regulations require for your roof. In general, most states allow you to have a maximum of two or three layers on top of your house, so if you’ve already had this done, you’d need to remove the existing layers before installing your new roof.

Cost Of Metal Roofs Vs Shingles

Metal roofing costs between $5.50 to $14 per square foot installed vs. an asphalt shingle roof which costs between $3.50 and $7 per square foot installed. Compared to an asphalt roof on a 1,200 square foot single-story home costing $4,200 to 8,500, metal roofs cost $8,400 to $19,000+.

Many homeowners would instead install metal roofs that look like shingles for a more residential look. Other than metal roof cost lying at 2 to 3 times to cost of asphalt shingles, metal roofs are an infinitely better investment because of their long life and low maintenance. Most metal shingles are made of galvanized steel or aluminum, but some companies offer copper and zinc shingles too.

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Diy Metal Roofing Or Hire A Contractor

While one could think that theres nothing to installing a metal roof, a lot could go wrong, which is why youll save much more in the long run if you hire a contractor who has been installing metal roofing panels and shingles for many years.

Beginners tend to get a bit overzealous when screwing in the metal screws and adding sealant, and they overlap the panels without taking wind resistance and drainage into full account. They also do a poor job installing the metal around chimneys and vents, which can mean leaks down the road.

Additionally, they might not take the proper precautions when working with cheaper underlay. FEMA recommends exposed fastener panels and making sure clips are placed close to the eave if you live in a high wind area.

Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles

If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup. Since the material is also less likely to suffer damage from weather than other roofing materials, moisture may not leak inside your roof.

Even though high-quality shingles can keep water out of your home, they’re more likely to lose their integrity since they have a shorter lifespan than metal roofs. As a result, you may end up seeing more moisture damage from asphalt shingles than metal panels.

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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.

Pros Of Shingle Roofing

An asphalt shingle roof is the more common type of roofing you see in residential areas. It is often seen as the traditional type of roof used for most homes. They are constructed using small pieces of asphalt shingles.

Practical

There is a reason why shingle roofs have stuck around for ages: they are practical. If there is a problem, its easy to fix. You can walk on a shingled roof, so cleaning and maintaining your roof is easier.

Economical

The main advantage of a shingle roof is the overall short-term costs. The installation is much cheaper than installing a metal roof, due in part to the lower cost of material. When a homeowner or commercial property owner is faced with suddenly needing a roof replacement, it is the more economical option upfront, which can be helpful when needing to make a decision and install a roof quickly.

Easy Install

Shingles are easier to transport than a full metal slab. They also offer an easier, quicker installation process.

More Contractors

Shingle roofing is easier to install than metal roofing. This means that you have more contractor options for your work order. Many contractors have experience with shingles, so you can feel safe in finding a qualified professional quickly.

Higher Warranty Coverage

Also Check: How Much To Replace A Roof Per Square Foot

What Are Rubber Roof Shingles

Recycled rubber and environmentally friendly, sustainable, and flexible plastics are the main components of rubber shingles. They provide higher energy-efficiency than other shingle materials in the industry.

Rubber shingles come in rolls or sheets, making the installation process a lot easier than usual. Even though they are made of plastics and used tires, manufacturers develop with a wide range of designs that replicate asphalt shingles, tiles, cedar shake, or slates.

Many rubber shingle manufacturers include at least 80% of recycled materials and a composite of other materials such as sawdust. As a result, rubber roof shingles have great durability and an architectural appearance. In general, these shingles are between 45-90 mm thick.

Is A Metal Roof Better Than Asphalt 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.

When comparing metal roof versus shingles costs, its clear asphalt shingles are more affordable. However, metal roofing can last twice as long and is more energy-efficient, so really its up to your specific 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?

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Asphalt Shingles Vs A Metal Roof: Which Is A Better Option

If youre in the market for a new roof, youve likely come across these two popular types:

Asphalt Shingles and Metal roofing

Which one is the better option for you? Here are the pros and cons of the two types of roofs to give you a comparison.

Lifespan:

Metal is the clear winner here. The typical lifespan for a metal roof is around 50 years. Some metals, like zinc and copper, can last 100 years or more! Typical asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, only last 1225 years at most.

Durability:

Steel roofs can last for many decades without showing signs of wear. Theyre also highly resistant to extreme weather, including hail , wind-driven rain, snow, and ice. They can withstand winds up to 120 mph due to the interlocking pattern of the panels. Shingles will more easily blow off of a roof, leaving spots vulnerable to moisture penetration.

Cost:

The cost of a shingle roof can be much less up front than a metal roof. Long term, however, a metal roof pulls ahead and could save you a lot of money. You could end up having to replace your shingle roof three times over the lifespan of a single metal roof. Metal is generally twice the price of shingles.

Fire and hail resistant:

Hurricane Mitigation Adequate Roof Protection Is A Must For Coastal Living

Seaside property, aka coastal living, has long been coveted for its fantastic views and access to beaches. Yet, the glaring disadvantage comes from hurricanes or tropical storms that make landfall.

Did you know? Whether in Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Texas, its not uncommon to see many wind-damaged roofs from which some shingles have been blown off after a major storm or hurricane ripped through the area.

In the continental U.S., Florida tops the list of states with its 1350 miles of ocean-side coastlines. East, West, and Southern borders are all exposed to the Atlantic sea. A great treasure when the sea is relatively calm. While sticking out like a sore thumb during hurricane season.

Hurricane Andrew, in 1992, was a historical storm that had an impact on Florida which is still playing out today. Wind speeds topped 165 mph and left $25 billion in damages to the state. Around 125,000 homes in Miami-Dade County alone, were severely devastated or completely destroyed.

It may be impossible to overcome the ferocity of a natural occurrence that packs that degree of a punch. Since Andrew, Florida has sought to lessen the chances of that much damage occurring at once.

Did you know? Building codes throughout Florida have undergone significant changes, particularly to High Velocity Hurricane Zones , namely Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

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Is Steel Roofing Better Than Shingles

Whether you are looking for a new roof for a new home or in the market for replacing an old one, you might have doubts of steel roof is better than shingles?

• Style: Modern metal roofs come in a variety of colours and styles which gives you an opportunity to style it to match your exterior design. Asphalt shingles are not that much versatile.
• Cost: As for the steel roofing cost yes, it is more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, when you look at the life-cycle costing, you will see that it is much more budget-efficient to invest in something more durable and reliable as a steel roof. Steel roofing will last you from 40 70 years with occasional care compared to 12-20 years of asphalt shingles.
• Energy Efficient: A steel roof will reflect the rays of the sun, thus keeping your home cool on hot days. Your new steel roof will keep money in your pocket by reducing your air conditioning costs by 10-15%. The roof that keeps on giving! In contrast, heat goes literally through asphalt shingle.
• Durable: Protect your home from harsh Toronto weather with steel roofing. Compared to asphalt shingles, steel is: able to withstand winds, will not crack against impact, and will not ignite due to fires or lightning. Best of all, this means that your roof will not require as much maintenance like other roofing materials!

In other words, it is a validated decision replacing a shingle roof with a steel roof.

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