The roof is the most important part of a building as it protects other vulnerable components from harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and hail. The roof is foundational in keeping the structure of the home protected as well as those inside the house or office. A good-quality roof can last up to 50 years if properly maintained making this one of the most important investments you will make in your home’s future.
Roofs, although important, are often prone to damage from various processes like aging, poor maintenance, improper installation, heavy winds, hailstorms, earthquakes, fire, etc. These damages may be small in size, but they will eventually lead to structural problems that could cost you more money than what you initially spent on your home’s construction.
Thus, it is important that you conduct regular roof inspections so you can identify issues and make the choice to repair or replace your roof before major problems occur. If you’ve determined that it is time for a total replacement, you may be aware that there are many residential roofing options available on the market, but are they all created equal?
Many consumers love either traditional asphalt shingle roofs or metal roofing. If you are interested in one of these two materials, you may be wondering what the pros and cons of each are. Continue reading to learn more about asphalt and metal roofs and how they compare, so you can make the right decision for your home!
Asphalt vs Metal: Which Is Better for Your Home?
There are several different types of roofing materials available today, with some being better suited for certain climates than others. If you are considering an asphalt roof or a metal roof, it is important to consider the advantages, disadvantages, and unique factors like location that should impact your decision. As with most things there often isn’t a black and white answer, but instead a thorough consideration of all the facts to make the decision that is right for you and yours!
Climate Is Key
If you live somewhere where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months, then asphalt shingle roofing might not be the ideal solution for you. This type of roof requires special care because it has a tendency to crack over time. This problem arises because asphalt shingles have a low melting point, meaning that they become brittle at lower temperatures. When this happens, cracks begin forming within the shingles, leading to leaks and water penetration into the attic space.
Furthermore, if you reside in climates that receive a lot of hot and sunny days, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice since they tend to lose their color after exposure to sunlight; thus, making them look duller and less attractive. Asphalt shingles also require frequent repairs since they cannot withstand high levels of heat. Henceforth, homeowners who reside in areas where temperature extremes are common, should consider replacing their existing asphalt shingle roof with something else.
Metal Roofing Tolerates Temperature Extremes with Ease
On the contrary, metal roofing does very well in extreme conditions like those found in arid environments. It also works great as a long-term investment because its lifespan lasts much longer than other roofing products. Customers like the versatile options metal roofing affords since it is available in a variety of colors, styles, shapes, textures, and sizes. Additionally, unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing doesn’t fade from sun exposure.
Metal roofing is also resistant to wind, rain, snow, ice, and even hail. Therefore, it won’t ever leak through the seams, allowing moisture to escape instead. This means metal roofing is extremely durable and will stand the test of time. It can handle large amounts of weight without any signs of wear. If you are looking for a hardy investment in your home’s future, metal roofing is a great choice!
Pros & Cons of Each Type of Roofing Material
When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of using asphalt versus metal roofing, we must first understand why most homes choose to install asphalt shingles. There are actually three main benefits associated with installing asphalt shingles. First, asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors, designs, and patterns. Second, asphalt shingles are easy to maintain. Third, asphalt shingles don’t require extensive training to install. Now let’s take a closer look at the top five drawbacks of asphalt shingles.
1) They Are Expensive to Install
The average price tag for installing asphalt shingles ranges anywhere from $2-$6 per square foot. However, some people claim that these costs could increase by up to 50 percent or more depending on how many rooms there are in the house. In fact, when compared to other types of roofs such as tile, slate, wood shake, etc., asphalt shingles cost significantly more money to install.
2) They Require Special Care During Installation
As mentioned earlier, asphalt shingles aren’t designed to endure harsh weather conditions. For example, they’re prone to cracking under heavy winds, especially if they’ve been installed improperly. Asphalt shingles simply do not perform well in hot climates.
If your home has an attic space, then you’ll need to make sure that this area isn’t exposed to direct sunlight during installation. This way, the temperature inside the attic stays cool enough so that the shingles stay flexible. Otherwise, the shingles may crack due to overheating.
3) They Can Be Damaging to Your Home and The Environment
Asphalt shingles contain chemicals called “emulsifiers” which help keep water away from the surface of the shingles. Unfortunately, these emulsifiers have proven harmful to our environment over the years. These chemicals eventually end up getting washed down into rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground aquifers. Thus, further polluting our nations waterways.
4) They Don’t Last Long Enough
Most homeowners assume that their asphalt shingle roof will last between 20-30 years. But according to recent studies, only about 10% of asphalt shingles survive past 30 years! That means 90% of asphalt shingled roofs fail within just 3 decades. So, what happens after those 30 years? Most commonly, the shingles will start falling apart and leaking which may lead to more substantial damages.
5) They Aren’t Very Durable
In addition to being expensive to replace, asphalt shingles also tend to wear out quickly. If you live in areas where it gets very cold, then you should expect your shingles to fall off more quickly than average. Conversely, if you live somewhere warm, then you can expect your shingles’ lifespan to be significantly better, unless the climate’s temperature is extreme at which point shingles may crack and fade.
Now Consider the Advantages of Metal Roofs:
• Metal is one of the strongest materials available today. It doesn’t break easily, even though it does get dented and scratched over time.
• Metal roofs don’t require any maintenance whatsoever. You won’t find yourself having to clean dirt or debris off of your new metal roof every single day.
• Metal roofs come with warranties ranging from 15-20 years.
What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Roofs?
• Metal roofs are extremely loud. When someone walks across your rooftop, you might hear footsteps echoing throughout your entire house.
• Metal roofs are quite costly. Depending on the size of your property, you could spend thousands of dollars on a brand-new metal roof.
• Metal roofs look really dated when compared to other types of roofs. Most people prefer modern looking homes.
As with any product there are both pros and cons to each type of roofing. The final decision comes down to the importance of budget, appearance preferences, desired performance, and climate. Each product can look great and function well in the right conditions. Consider your climate, aesthetic, budget, and thedesired durability of your roof and choose with confidence between these two great residential roofing options!