Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Understanding the Pros and Cons

Choosing The Right Shingles For Your Home

Your roof is the most important part of the home, as it is what protects you and your family – as well as your personal belongings – from the elements. The roof is under constant assault from those elements, such as rain, snow, and the sun. However, homeowners don’t give much thought to the roof until there is a problem. Over the years we have been in business at 2nd2None Roofing, one major debate homeowners tend to have when it comes to roofs is what material is best, particularly whether metal or asphalt shingles are better. So, here is a look at the Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Pros and Cons.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight – One of the best things about metal is that it is lightweight – the lightest weight material that you can purchase and have installed on your roof. While the weight will vary based on the exact type of metal, you are looking at between 50 and 250 pounds per square (aluminum to steel).
• Long-Lasting – Metal roofing huntsville alabama is resistant to weather and has an impeccable lifespan. Some metal roofs can last as long as you live – and longer, in some cases, if it is properly cared for. In general, metal roofs are expected to last roughly 60 years.
• High Weather Performance – Metal is wind-resistant and fireproof, not to mention the fact that it is good at preventing leaks. You may even get up to a 30 percent reduction in your home insurance with a metal roof installed.
• Eco-Friendly – Metal is an incredibly energy-efficient material. It has the ability to reflect heat, which keeps your home cooler in the warm months of the year. In addition, the material itself is recyclable because it consists of recycled content.

Cons

While metal roofing offers durability and long-term value, homeowners should also understand the disadvantages of metal roofs before making a final decision.

• Expensive – Cost is the main drawback when it comes to metal roofs. While prices have been reduced over the years, a metal roof is going to cost you two to three times more than an asphalt roof, depending on the exact type of metal.
• Expansion/Contraction – Metal can expand and contract, which impacts the roof’s ability to stay water tight and its performance long-term.
• Labor-Intensive – Because there is very little room for errors during the installation due to the fact that metal is less forgiving than asphalt shingles, it is very labor-intensive and it also need to be installed by a professional to limit errors.

Asphalt Shingles Pros and Cons

Pros and cons of asphalt shingles vs metal roof

• Economical – One of the biggest benefits of asphalt shingles is that they are inexpensive. In most cases, you are looking at at least half the cost of a metal roof upfront.
• Easy to Install and Repair – Asphalt shingles are also easy to install and repair. In most cases, these shingles can be installed on an entire home in one day if a professional is doing the job. If shingles get damaged, they are easy to repair. Shingles come prepackaged, ready-to-install, unlike metal roofing.
• Variety of Styles – While there are basic three-tab options for those worried about price, there are many other styles available for those that would like to take things up a notch and aren’t budget-constrained. There are various colors, as well thick, high-end laminate shingles. You can even get shingles that look like slate or wood shakes.
• Quality Performance – Depending on the exact product, asphalt shingles tend to come with a warranty of between 20 and 30 years. Most are fire-rated up to Class A and require very little maintenance. Some may even meet Energy Star requirements, qualifying as a cool roof, which could save you money on your tax return.

Cons

• Susceptible to Weather – While asphalt shingles do provide general protection, they are unable to hold up well to severe weather, particularly hail. There are impact- and wind-resistant shingles, but you will pay roughly 50 percent more for these products. In addition, shingles that do not receive adequate sunlight may be susceptible to mildew, algae and moss, which shortens the shingles’ lifespan.
• Heavy – Asphalt shingles are often heavy. Basic products tend to weight roughly 200 pounds per square. If you decide to get the higher-quality shingles, you are looking to closer to 500 pounds per square.
• Inadequate Recycling – More and more people are going green. However, asphalt shingles are not recycled the way they should be. Instead, 11 million tons of them find their way into landfills each year in the United States.

Hope you got a good idea on the pros and cons of metal roof vs asphalt shingles.

If you are interested in learning more about our roofing material options, feel free to contact us at (256) 479-7575 or check out our other services here.

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