Which Is Better: Metal Roof vs. Shingles?

Many various types, styles, and colors of roofing materials are available on the market today, and the most popular roofing types are metal and asphalt shingles. Every homeowner has their own preference for the type of roof that is best for their home. Other than preference, choosing roofing materials also comes down to the weather and climate in your area. Each roofing material has characteristics that make it appropriate for specific weather. Now the question is, which one is the best for your home?

If you are looking for which roofing material suits your home, this article will help you choose the type of roofing material you need. 

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are made up of metal sheets installed on your home. They have various colors and styles, which are often considered more durable than other types of roofing. However, they can be more expensive than other options and may require more maintenance. Metal roofing is a lightweight material with several benefits. First, it’s easy for roofers to manage and transport during the installation process. Second, it doesn’t weigh down on a structure, reducing frame damage and preserving the integrity of a building. Finally, one of the crucial advantages of metal roofing is its longevity. Metal roofs can endure for 50 years or more. This makes them an excellent choice for long-term projects. Though installing a metal roof has a higher one-time cost.  It is less expensive in the long term because it lasts more than 50 years, while an asphalt shingle roof only lasts 25-30 years.

Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofs are made up of asphalt shingles installed on your roof deck. They come in various colors and styles and are often considered more affordable than metal roofs. However, they may not be as durable as metal roofs. Shingles are less expensive than metal roofing when considering the initial investment. This is a key factor contributing to shingles being chosen more often than metal roofing. Shingles are easier to install and replace because they require less time and labor for both installation and replacement. Lastly, with easier installation and replacement, shingles are also much easier and cheaper to fix if a failure occurs. Most shingles can be removed one at a time near a leak or source of an issue and require fewer materials to repair. Metal roofing is more complex because the full-length panels are all connected together, and more complicated to replace one at a time.

Cost of Metal Roof vs. Shingle 

As we wrote somewhere at the beginning of this text, installing a metal roof is more expensive than installing a roof from asphalt shingles. It definitely is, since a square foot of metal roof costs between $7 to $14, while a square foot of asphalt shingle roof costs somewhere between $2 to $6, depending on the material. But, of course, we are talking about prices before installation, just raw materials.

Yet, as we mentioned before, metal roofing lasts way longer and is more durable than asphalt shingle roofs; therefore, this price difference is understandable.

Installing Metal Roof Over Shingles Pros and Cons 

Before explaining the pros and cons of installing metal roofs over shingles, we need to emphasize that this process is often called reroofing or an overlay. Reroofing is a good option when you want to improve your roof by giving it a new appeal, but only if the structure of your roof is in good condition, especially because it will have to handle more weight.

As for installing a metal roof over the roof with shingles, there are certain benefits and disadvantages which you have to keep in mind if you are considering overlaying your shingle roof with metal roofing.

As for the benefits, we may mention that with a metal roof overlay, you gain added insulation protection and save on labor costs; plus, the installation process is way faster since your roofing contractor doesn’t have to remove asphalt shingles. 

On the other hand, the disadvantages of metal roofing overlay can be quite serious if you have installed metal roofs on shingles that have issues. In that case, shingle issues won’t disappear, yet they will worsen over time, especially if you have moisture issues on your old roof. With metal sheets over asphalt shingles, moisture won’t vanish, yet it will be trapped and will lead to costly repairs down the road. That’s why you must have a well-maintained and functional asphalt shingle roof before you install metal sheets. 

Metal Roof vs. Shingles in a Cold Climate 

For cold climates, the best roofing options are typically those that can withstand heavy snow and ice accumulation; therefore, metal roofs are a better choice than asphalt shingle roofs for extremely cold climates. Other roofs which are prone to cold are clay tile roofs. Both tile roofs and metal roofs are known for their long lifespan and relatively low maintenance, which are excellent features for cold climate areas.

Metal Roof vs. Shingles in a Hot Climate

Even in hot climates, metal roofing is generally considered a better option compared to asphalt shingles. The reason why a metal roof is a better option lies in its ability to reflect heat and minimize heat absorption effectively. Since the metal roof has high reflectivity, it keeps the home’s interior cooler, reducing cooling costs. On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb heat, which makes your home hotter and increases energy costs.

Conclusion

As we said at the beginning of this text, when it comes to roofing materials, there are a variety of choices to choose from. Each type of roofing has its own benefits and liabilities, so deciding which material is suitable for your home can be difficult.

Ultimately, the best roofing material for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including climate, budget, personal preferences, and energy efficiency goals. It is important to consider the long-term cost-benefit analysis of each option, as well as the maintenance requirements and durability. By considering these factors and consulting with a professional roofing contractor, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your home is protected for many years to come.
If you still need clarification about which type of roofing to choose, feel free to contact Fortified Roofing. As a residential roofing contractor in Freehold Township, NJ, we will provide the best suggestions based on your preference and your area’s climate. Not stopping there, we provide the highest quality of roof installation with a seamless process from beginning to end. So contact us today, and let’s start your roofing project!