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?
What Is An Asphalt Shingle Roof
As I mentioned earlier, asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in North America, in fact, its not even very close, as asphalt shingles protect about 80% of homes on the continent.
The most driving factor behind this is the ease of installation, and their low price point compared to other roofing materials. Asphalt shingle roof replacements can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $20,000 for an average sized home. Thats still a lot of money, but compared to materials like standing seam metal, and slate tiles, its a bargain!
Asphalt shingles are made with three main materials: a fiberglass mat, asphalt, and a coating of granules. That fiberglass mat is sandwiched between two layers of asphalt, and a mixture of ceramic, metal, and rock granules coat the top layer. A sealant is applied to the bottom of the shingle, and then youve got an asphalt shingle!
That composite construction allows these shingles to have a solid lifespan for the price, depending on what kind of shingle you get. As a broad statement, we can say that asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, but the lifespan of your asphalt roof will heavily depend upon which type of shingle you buy.
The three main types of asphalt shingles are: three-tab, architectural, and luxury.
Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing
Higher One-Time Cost Its true, metal roofing is more expensive than shingle roofing as a one-time cost. In addition to the higher cost of materials, there also could be a higher price point for labor and the equipment needed to complete the job however, its dependent on the installation company.
Limited Qualified Contractors Finding a qualified and experienced metal roofing contractor or installer will make or break an installation, especially since nearly all potential problems with metal roofing stem from some kind of installer error. When compared to shingle roofing installers, there are significantly fewer installers who are equipped and skilled at installing metal roofing.
More Labor Intensive Metal roofing is a precision installation that is much less forgiving than a shingle roof installation. There is virtually zero room to make errors, which is why metal roofing must be installed by a trained craftsperson. This typically means its a little more of a labor-intensive process that could take up more time.
Municipality Issues There are some communities or Home Owners Associations that do not allow metal roofing to be installed on a new or existing home within its jurisdiction. Common reasons for the ban:
- Metal is often thought of as looking industrial
- Inconsistent or goes against the look of a neighborhood
- Can have high-glare issues
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Severe Hail Can Ruin Metal Roofing
Although metal roofs are considerably more durable and maintenance-free than asphalt shingles and other forms of roofing, they are not indestructible. There is one weather condition in particular that bodes ill for metal roofing: large hail. Aluminum and copper, in particular, can be susceptible to denting when hailstones approach golf-ball size.
Steel is harder and fares better in hailstorms, but if you live in a region where such catastrophic hail can occur, be aware of this when considering metal. Pea-sized or even dime-sized hail is rarely a problem, but hailstones larger than this have been known to ruin metal roofs.
Then again, large hail can also destroy an asphalt shingle roof, so if you make sure to have good homeowner’s insurance that covers such storm damage, there is no reason not to install metal roofing.
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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Factors To Consider Before Choosing:
Whenever considering a home renovation, it is important to recognize all the factors that can play into your roof replacement. Factors such as the insurance costs, warranties, roofing extras, cost, your HOA requirements, and numerous other items can impact your final decision.
Pricing is important. Quality is important. Ultimately, your decision goes down to what you want and also what youre willing to pay for!
Advantages Of Shingle Roofing
Economical in the Short Term As mentioned before, shingles are cheaper than metal roofing as a one-time cost , which appeals to a lot of homeowners. This fact alone accounts for the vast majority of shingle installs. For reference, please view the cost comparison above.
Easier to Install & Replace Shingles require less time and labor for both installation and replacement. Shingles come prepackaged and ready to be immediately nailed to the deck . With metal roofing, you have to handle finished panels that could be cumbersome, attach the metal panels to the decking using screws instead of a nail gun, connect the panels together, and finally install the flashing . All of this requires more time, labor, and skill on the part of the installer.
Less Expensive Repairs Going along with the ease of installation and replacement, shingles are also much easier and cheaper to fix in the event a failure occurs. Most shingles can be removed one at a time near the source of an issue and require fewer materials to fix. Metal roofing is more complex because the full-length panels are all connected together and more difficult to replace one at a time.
More Installers Shingles are relatively simple and easy to install, which is why there are more contractors who are able to install shingles than metal roofing. While its still important to find a qualified and experienced installer, its generally easier for consumers to find contractors who can install a shingle roof.
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Disadvantages Of Steel Roofs
- The limited number of qualified contractors: It is difficult to find experienced and qualified steel roof installers or contractors. Steel roof installation requires a high degree of accuracy, and few installers are qualified or skilled to perform this complex roofing process.
- Installation is labor-intensive: Steel roofs require attaching metal panels to the deck using screws and connecting the panels. Moreover, metal roofs require the installation of flashing, which requires multiple pieces of metal. All these activities require a lot of skills, labor, and time.
- High initial installation cost: As a one-time cost, metal roofing is more expensive than shingle roofs. Additionally, the labor cost and other equipment required to complete steel roof installation are higher than shingle installation.
Metal Roof Or Shingle Roof Which Is Better
With any home improvement project, it is important to keep in mind that preference matters, but so do all the other factors that go into selecting the right materials for your project. Factors such as:
- Energy Efficiency
They all matter. So as we review the pros and cons of metal roofing and shingles, keep in mind these factors in addition to your preference will ultimately determine YOUR choice.
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Cost Of Aluminum Vs Steel Shingles
Its important to note that pricing will vary depending on the type of metal you want. Aluminum is a premium material, priced at about $4 per sq.ft.
Aluminum shingles are actually installed very rarely, and few manufacturers offer them. As a result, you will have less color and style options.
The two most reputable and commonly used companies are Interlock and Classic Metal Roofs.
Steel shingles are the most common. They cost less than aluminum, about $3.00 per square foot You will have a lot more style and color options, and there are many manufacturers to choose from.
Tamko manufactures the most budget-friendly, but great quality steel shingles. EDCO product lines are in the middle of the price range, while Matterhorn products are the most expensive.
Additionally, you will see a difference in price of metal shingles depending on the color you want.
Standard metal roofing colors can cost as low as $2.65/sq.ft, while premium, or two-tone colors start out at about $3.75/sq.ft. and can go up to $4.75/sq.ft.
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Cons Of Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing is popular for the many reasons listed above, but there are some cons to consider.
Less Longevity than Metal
Shingles have a shorter lifecycle than their metal counterpart. Whereas metal roofing options can last 50-100 years, a shingle roof rarely lasts longer than 25 years. Here are the factors that cause shingle roofs to degrade vs. metal: before they hit 25 years, shingle roofs usually need at least some shingles replaced or repaired before a full-out roof replacement. Why? Because shingles damage easily, succumb to flaking, and are breeding grounds for algae, mold, and mildew.
Aesthetic Limitations
Shingle roofs can look neat and sophisticated, but they do not have the array of aesthetic options that metal roofing offers.
Its very difficult to dye a shingle or find one thats light in color. The asphalt limits the opportunity for vivid colors on shingle roofs. If you go the painting route, shingles will fade over time and get darker in the sun.
Heat Retention
Instead of refracting sun rays, shingle roofs absorb them because of the color and chemical makeup of the asphalt. This heat is usually transferred indoors, which can cause a spike in utilities if youre trying to maintain a cool environment. Additionally, asphalt is combustible, which can be detrimental in the case of house fires.
Non-Eco Friendly
Also Check: Are Metal Roofs Hail Resistant
Key Takeaways About Metal Roof Coatings
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Roof coating systems can extend the life of your commercial metal roof.
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Silicone and acrylic coatings are the most common types of roof coating systems.
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Roof coatings are popular for metal roofing systems because of the materials ability to reflect UV rays and provide a watertight membrane.
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Roof coating systems are environmentally friendly.
Labor & Installation Costs
Installing a metal roof is more of a specialized job, so youre likely to have a slightly harder time finding an installer and will typically pay more for the labor.
The average cost to install a metal roof is about $8 per square foot. On a 1,000-square-foot home, the typical installation cost will be around $7,875, and your cost will fall between $4,500 and $11,250 in most cases.
The installation charges for an asphalt roof tend to be lower, with an average cost per square foot of $3.75, with most prices falling between $2.60 and $4.90. For a 1,000-square-foot house, youre looking at installation costs of between $2,600 and $4,900, or an average of $3,750. Its also possible to complete a DIY installation for an asphalt roof, although its best to leave the work to a professional roofing contractor.
Keep in mind that your pricing can be significantly higher if you need your installer to remove your existing roof first. Since the removal charges dont typically change based on the type of roof youre installing, we wont include estimates for each. You can expect charges of between $2 and $5 per square foot for asphalt roof removal, which comes out to between $2,000 and $5,000 for a 1,000-sq-ft home.
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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.
Metal Roofing Vs Shingles: What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each
Are you preparing to install a brand-new roof or replace an existing one?
If so, you have more options todaythan ever before.
One of the most difficult decisionsto make is whether youll choose a metal roof or shingles. While eachoffers its own advantages, its important to understand the major differencesbetween the two so you can make a more informed decision.
Not sure what sets them apart? Thatswhy were here.
Today, were breaking down thedifferences between metal roofing vs shingles so you know exactly what toexpect.
Ready to learn more? Lets getstarted!
What is Metal Roofing?
When you think of metal roofs, aparticular image likely springs to mind. Traditional metal roofs were comprisedmainly of corrugated tin panels. Called standing seam roofs, these wereonce characteristic of mostly barns and sheds, though the popular modernfarmhouse aesthetic has again made them popular for homeowners seeking amore rustic look.
Today, you can find metal roofing ina variety of materials, including:
This means that whether your personalstyle is primitive, ultra-modern or anything in between, you can find a metalroofing system that meets your needs.
What is Shingled Roofing?
Shingled roofs are those that featureindividual, overlapping elements. The shingles are usually flat andrectangular. Roofers will lay them in specific courses, beginning at the bottomedge of the roof and working up. As they do so, each course will overlap thejoints below.
Variety
Longevity
Warranty
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Pricing: Metal Roof Vs Shingles
On average, standing seam metal roofs can cost anywhere from $7-$14 per square foot, whereas architectural asphalt shingles cost $3-$5 per square foot. No matter what roofing material you elect to go with, the prices will vary depending on the material.
The average metal roof price is somewhere in the neighborhood of $18,000 and the average price of a new asphalt shingle roof is approximately $8,500. So if youre on a budget, in most cases people will elect to go with an asphalt shingle roof.
Additionally, in addition to price, factors such as warranties and repairs also matter. Some studies show that over 60 years the prices even out over time. That said, the average person does not live in the same house for longer than 5-10 years. So if you plan on staying for a long time, a metal roof might be worth consideration. However, if you are in a starter home or plan on moving soon, asphalt shingles are typically your best bet.
Note: We have put together this complete roofing shingle pricing guide so you can compare pricing for different types of shingles!
A Installation Of Shingle Roof Vs Metal Roof
When it comes to installation, shingle roofing is much easier to install when compared to metal roofs. However, due to the weight of the shingles, the previous ones may need to be removed before installation of the new pieces.
But since the installation process is easier, the removal of the older shingles will essentially take up to a day depending on the size of the house. On the other hand, some of the metal roofing types are quite light. Meaning, you can easily install them on top of the previous roofing.
However, it will generally take longer to install a metal roof since you will need to add plywood. This acts as an insulation to reduce any noise. When the installation is done by a professional, you will not even hear the hailstorms or rain from inside the house. That is why its always a good idea to consult with a professional before installation.
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When Should Your Roof Valley Be Repaired
As the valley is such a vulnerable area of the roof, you should respond quickly to any signs that it may not be in the best condition. Its far more cost-effective, and less of a hassle, to have your roof valley fixed before a leak has developed.
Any of these signs may indicate that it is time to get your roof valley repaired:
- Curled shingles: If you have a closed-cut roof valley, it may have developed curled or raised shingles along the cut edge. Water may penetrate behind these shingles if this issue is not fixed.
- Bumps: Closed-cut, California and woven valleys may develop bumps or an uneven appearance, especially if your roof has laminate shingles. Its best to get these bumps fixed by getting open metal valleys installed.
- Loose granules: Larger amounts of water running down a closed cut valley can start to erode shingle granules. Unless your roof was just installed, loose granules need to be addressed.
- Leaks below the valley:A roof leak doesnt always appear directly below the penetration point. However, if you think theres a leak in your valley allowing water to enter into the attic below, its wise to get it checked right away.
- Missing shingles: If your valley pattern doesnt look quite right, shingles may be missing, and that is always a cause for concern.
Not sure if your roof needs attention? When in doubt, ask a roofing professional for their opinion on the condition of your roof and its valleys. You can find one through IKOs Roof Contractor Locator.
