Metal Roof vs Shingles: Which Is Right for Your Home?

When weighing up a metal roof vs shingles, which is right for your home? We explain the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Millions of Americans need to have their roofs replaced. Depending on the type of roof you have, it might be time for you to replace yours. Having a solid roof over your head is vital to your home’s integrity and safety.

If you are debating the metal roof vs shingles debate, don’t worry.

You are not alone.

Keep reading this article to have all your questions answered. Hopefully, once you finish reading, you will be able to decide on what roof is best for your home.

What is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is exactly what it sounds like. This type of roof is cut into big pieces that will eventually cover your roof. These big sheets of metal can fold into different patterns that will help with water flow when it rains.

Metal roofs then fasten onto your home. This process makes the roof extremely strong and durable. Having a strong and safe roof over your head is important, especially in harsh climates.

There are several different types of metals that can be used for your roof. The most popular would be aluminum, composite metals, tin, and corrugated steel.

All of these metals are across the country. List the help of our professionals to determine which metal is best for your home.

What Are Shingles?

Shingles are commonly made out of asphalt and will protect your home and add beautiful texture. This type of roofing can come in many different shapes and sizes, be sure to utilize our professionals to help determine which is best for you. 

Asphalt shingles are then laid from the bottom and work their way up. By doing so, the roofing material will be able to flow downward. This will help with water drainage.

Shingles are one of the best roof materials because of their cost. They are light on your wallet and are easy to install. They are not hard to install and are very accessible to everyone, no matter where you live.

Metal Roof Vs Shingles, Which is Best For Me?

You can’t go wrong with either material. However, that does not mean that each does not have its positives and negatives. Knowing the positives and negatives of each material can help you decide which is best.

Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof

There are many pros to having a metal roof. The first pro you will notice is the roof does not require much maintenance.

Once they are installed, you do not need to do much to keep them intact. Another pro is that they are in style and are often sought after when a home is being bought.

The final pro for a metal roof is that they will outlast their competition. Metal roofs can last upwards of 75 years on a home located in an area with harsh weather conditions.

Two of the cons of a metal roof are that they cost more to install and the installation process is hard. Although they will last a long time, they are hard and expensive to put into place.

A large concern with metal roofing is its weight. If you have an older home, this type of roof may not be suitable. Your home’s weight limit might not support the weight of the metal.

Pros and Cons of Shingles

Just as metal roofs, shingles also have several pros. The first pro with asphalt shingles is they are inexpensive and extremely accessible. They will not cost much to install either.

Another pro is their durability. Shingles will last a long time before they start to deteriorate.

A con of having shingles is that they do not hold up well against strong weather. If you live in an area with heavy winds and rain, shingles might not be the best idea for you. 

Comparing Shingles and Metal Roofing

When deciding whether to have shingles or a metal roof, they need to be compared side by side. Several qualities are needed in a roof. The right roof for you will depend on maintenance, cost, lifespan, and many other factors. 

Cost of Materials

• Metal roofing costs an average of $4-6.50 a square foot
• Asphalt shingles cost an average of $1-2 per square foot
• Shingle roofing: 1 / Metal roofing: 0

Life of Each Roof

• Metal roofs are extremely durable and can last up to 70 years
• Asphalt shingles are not as durable and can last up to 50 years
• The climate you live in drastically affects the lifespan of each roof
• Shingle roofing: 1 / Metal roofing: 1

Maintaining Each Roof

• Metal is not affected by the weather unless a hole is created
• Metal roofing is very easy to maintain and does need any help after it is installed
• Asphalt shingles can become altered from extreme weather or even begin to dissolve
• Shingles may need repairs after they have been installed
• Shingle roofing: 1 / Metal roofing: 2

Climate Considerations

• A metal roof has the potential to keep your home cooler in the summer months
• In doing so, a metal roof can potentially save you money
• Homes with metal roofs are harder to heat in the colder months
• Asphalt shingles will keep a house warmer in the summer which will not save you any money
• Asphalt shingles will have more issues with snow accumulation
• Shingle roofing: 2 / Metal roofing: 3

Installing Each Roof

• The pieces of metal roofs are extremely heavy which makes the installation process hard
• Installing a metal roof is not a DIY project
• Asphalt shingles are much lighter than metal roofing pieces
• Shingles are much easier to install and can be done on your own
• Shingle roofing: 3 / Metal roofing: 3

Popularity In Housing Market

• Metal roofing will last longer making them very desirable in a home
• Asphalt shingles can crumble over time and may need repairs sooner than a metal roof
• Shingle roofing: 3 / Metal roofing: 4

The final score in the metal roofing vs shingle roofing battle leans towards metal roofing. Although metal roofing won the side-by-side comparisons, that does not mean it is right for every home.

Get Your New Roof Today

The metal roof vs shingles debate has different outcomes for each person. If you are looking for a cost-efficient option and you don’t live in an extreme weather area, shingles are for you.

If you live in an area where there is extreme weather and you have extra money lying around, get metal roofing. You can’t go wrong with either option!

Need help with your next roof? Contact us today and we will help you with all your needs.