When it’s time to replace your roof, the number of alternatives available might be overwhelming. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market today because of their dependability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. However, there is now a variety of options to explore, including metal, which is the second most common roofing material due to its resilience, endurance, and wide range of forms. Though both materials are excellent for residential roofing, one may be more suitable for your requirements. So we put them up against one other—asphalt or metal roofing, and compared everything from appearances to eco-friendliness to help you choose the best roof for your home.
Table of Contents
Finish Options for Every House style.
Shingle roofs, typically have a classic appearance, they are increasingly being produced to resemble slate, tile, and wood shakes. They can be found with scalloped edges, which are ideal for Victorian buildings, or with a terra cotta appearance, which is ideal for Mediterranean homes. The color pallet is diverse, and there are a variety of finishes available.
Metal roofs have traditionally been fashioned of corrugated tin panels (also known as standing-seam metal) that resemble sheds. But, in addition to tin, metal roofing in zinc, copper, aluminum, and even galvanized metals, has also become extremely trendy as well. Metal roofing is available in a variety of colors and finishes, as well as shingle, slate, and shake types, to complement less rustic, more elegant constructions.
Metal Roofs Tend to be More Durable.
Metal roofs can withstand practically anything Mother Nature can throw at them (wind damage, mild hail damage, moisture damage), which is why they often come with 30- to 50-year guarantees and lifespans of 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are not without flaws: Extreme hail or falling trees, as well as inappropriate walking on a metal roof, will damage it. Talk to the manufacturer about your security concerns. Steel, for example, is tougher than copper, as you’ll discover.
Shingles have a reduced life expectancy due to their own set of flaws.
Fungus and algae can grow in the presence of standing water, ice dams can cause fractures, and temperature swings between day and night can shorten the life of your shingle roof. Shingle roofs have warranties ranging from 15 to 30 years, depending on the area, environment, and temperature.
RELATED: How Long Does a Metal Roof Last
Types of Residential Metal Roofing
The word “metal roofing” encompasses a wide range of choices. The key distinction is the metal utilized. In terms of durability, look, and price, these are all different. Here are some of the several types of metal roofs you may find.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
- Reasonably priced.
- It can withstand a variety of weather conditions.
- Durability and longevity are in the middle range.
Steel Roofing
- It’s pricier than a lot of other alternatives.
- It tends to be more robust and can endure weather fluctuations by expanding and contracting.
- It comes in a variety of styles.
Metal Slate Roofing
- Reasonably priced.
- Long-lasting and dependable.
- Installing a metal roof is more difficult than installing other forms of metal roofing.
Aluminum Roofing
- Reasonably priced.
- When exposed to the elements, it expands and shrinks effectively.
- Given its relative ease of recycling, this is a sustainable option.
- With escalating material costs, this is a costly alternative.
- Recycled Materials
- Long-lasting and durable.
Corrugated Metal
- Many other metal roofs are more expensive.
- With a shorter lifespan, it is less durable.
Zinc Metal Roofing
- Metal roofing is more costly than other forms of roofing.
- It’s a soft animal that’s susceptible to severe weather.
- Long life expectancy
Tin Roofing
- It is not very prevalent.
- comparatively low-cost.
Shingle Roofs Have a Cheaper Upfront Cost
A metal roof will last longer, but the cost will be higher at the time of installation. Metal roofs can cost anywhere from $120 to $900 for 100 square feet (one 10-foot by 10-foot space, or a “square”), whereas asphalt shingles might cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per 100 square feet. Because it is a more specialist job, its installation will cost you more in metal.
You might be able to recuperate some of the expenses of a metal roof in the future since you won’t have to replace it. Homeowners with metal roofs may also qualify for insurance savings. Installing a metal roof on your principal residence may potentially qualify you for tax incentives. Finally, because metal roofs are extremely energy-efficient, you may save money on your monthly heating and cooling bills.
Types of Asphalt Shingle roofing
It may come as a surprise, but asphalt shingle variation extends beyond color and look. Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of styles.
The longevity and cost of asphalt shingles are affected by differences between them.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles
- Option with the lowest cost.
- This is really frequent.
Dimensional (or Architectural Shingles)
- Reasonably priced.
- Three-tab shingles have a shorter lifespan.
- Three-tab shingles provide fewer design choices.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles
- The cost of these shingles is higher than the cost of other varieties of shingles.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- There are many different styles to choose from.
- Can increase the property’s value.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of metal roofs vs. an asphalt shingle roof, you must factor in the cost of installation in addition to the higher material costs. Metal roofing installation usually necessitates the use of specialist workers and equipment, which enhances the entire cost.
A metal roof for a 2,000 square foot ranch home roof might cost $10,000 to $18,000, including installation.
Asphalt roofing installation costs range from less than most forms of metal roofing to virtually nothing for individuals who opt to do it themselves. Because asphalt roofing has more ease of installation, customers who want to do it themselves can save money on the cost of labor.
Before installation, an asphalt roof for a 2,000 square foot roof might cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
RELATED: Metal Roofing Cost – Canadian Pricing Guide
Metal Roofs are More Eco-Friendly / Better for Energy efficiency
Metal roofs are considered a more ecological option than asphalt shingles since they are mostly constructed of recyclable materials and can be recycled again and again. Metal roofs are also more energy-efficient due to their reflecting characteristics, which can prevent heat from being transmitted to the interior of the house (big energy savings). Specialized paint coatings might help you save even more money on your cooling expenditures.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, need to be changed more regularly than metal roofs; it’s estimated that approximately 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles end up in landfills in the United States each year. Furthermore, because asphalt shingles are made from petroleum, they increase our reliance on fossil fuels.
An Asphalt shingle roof is generally easier to install and repair.
Professionals just need simple instruments and a little specialized expertise. In certain circumstances, shingles can be put in a day or two, sometimes directly over the previous layer. Metal roofing often necessitates the use of a highly trained and specialized tradesperson.
Because the work is more exact and leaves less room for error, it will take longer than shingle installation. Some lightweight metal materials, on the other hand, may be able to be put directly over an existing roof in excellent condition, simplifying installation and avoiding the cost of pulling down the old roof.
Similarly, shingle roofs are less expensive to repair than metal roofs. Though roofing manufacturers don’t promote do-it-yourself projects because you risk voiding your warranty, asphalt sheets are easier to deal with than metal sheets since they can be cut to size and retrofitted to the roof with ease. Metal roofs are more difficult to repair separately owing to the way the metal panels are connected, and often need a complete panel replacement.
Roofing Contractor in Halifax, NS
Do you need assistance having your shingled roof or metal roof installed in Halifax? Our team of professional roofing contractors can help you every inch of the way in the installation process. Does your roof need repairs? We can also help with that! Contact us today for your hassle-free quote.
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