When replacing the roof of your house, you're faced with the task of finding the most suitable material for your roof. With so many material options in the market, some of the most common ones are metal and asphalt. Here are some answers to the frequently asked questions regarding metal roofs and asphalt shingles to make your choice easier.
What Are the Types of Metal Roofs and Asphalt Shingles?
Metal roofs are available in different designs and formats including wooden shake, standing seam, tiles, and shingles. This is why they're appealing to many homeowners. Some of the common types of metal roofs include tin, steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and seam standing metal.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles come in different textures and colors. These roofing materials are low-cost and have a traditional aesthetic. The popular asphalt shingles are standard three-tab, architectural, and laminated shingles.
Which Material Is Durable?
Metal roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles. They can last for up to 70 years. However, strong hail or falling debris can easily dent these roofs. However, some types of metal roofs are harder than others. For example, steel is harder than copper.
Shingles have a short lifespan. These materials can last for up to 30 years. Damp conditions and pooling water can cause fungus and algae growth. Additionally, ice dams can lead to cracks and extreme temperatures can significantly reduce the quality of shingle roofs in a single night.
What Are the Main Advantages of Metal Roofs and Asphalt Shingles?
The main advantages of metal roofs that make them preferable to asphalt shingles are eco-friendliness and energy efficiency. Metal roofs are made from recycled materials and are thus more sustainable than shingles. These roofs are also more energy-efficient than shingles because they can reflect the sun and turn its heat away from your house. This will reduce the bills generated by your HVAC system. Additionally, metal roofs' insulative features also enable them to keep you warm during the winter.
One of the advantages of asphalt shingles over metal roofs is cost. They're cheaper to buy and install. They're also cheaper to repair. This makes them more manageable. For instance, if you have a problem with a shingle roof, replacing a single shingle can resolve the issue as opposed to replacing the whole roof. Furthermore, shingles are more visually appealing than metal roofing because they come with different colors and texture options.
Choosing between metal roofing and shingles will depend on your budget, among many other considerations. However, if you're on a tight budget and want a material that's easy and cheap to maintain, you should opt for asphalt shingles. If you want a durable, lightweight, and energy-efficient material, then metal roofs are the best solution for you. Contact residential roofers to learn more.
