Understanding the features of metal vs. shingle roof systems can help you choose the right roofing option for your house. Your home’s first defense system is the roof, and the material used to build it makes the variance. So should you install metal or shingles?
While several materials can influence the durability and functionality of your commercial building or home, the most common roofing materials are metals and shingles. They both have distinct pros and cons. This guide will help you make informed decisions.
Let’s roll it out!
The Difference Between a Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof
Metal roofing is more predominant since it features more visual options compared to shingle roofing. Not to mention, metal roofing panels come in many colors and shapes, making your roof resemble other prevalent materials like slate or wood. There are different types of metal roofs, including copper, tin, aluminum, and steel.
Shingle roofing is a common roofing material available in various textures and colors. The durable shingle features fiberglass or a floor-covering core with a coating of asphalt and a ceramic or stone surface. You can select between laminated, standard three-tab, or architectural asphalt for your property.
Advantages of a Metal Roof
Here are some of the pros of metal roofs that can add value to your home.
- Energy Sufficient
Metal roofs are more energy-efficient due to their capability to reflect the sun and its heat away from your house. Metal roofs also lower the indoor air temperature and minimize wear and tear on your vacuum system on sunny days.
The sealing qualities work both ways since they can preserve heat to keep you warm and convenient during cold seasons. Metal roofs are also ideal when mounting solar panels and other energy-saving technology on your roof.
- Durable
Metal roofs are among the most durable materials you can get for the top of your house. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as hail, snow, strong winds, heat, and cold. Thankfully, metal roof systems can last for up to 70 years when well maintained.
- Low Maintenance
Metal roofs require low maintenance compared to their counterpart asphalt shingles. Provided your roof was well installed by a professional, you only need to remove and clean debris to maintain its original look.
- Eco-Friendliness
Metal roofs are more sustainable compared to shingle roofs. That’s because metal roofs contain recyclable materials, including the underlayment that guards the metal roofing against ice and moisture damage.
- Lightweight Material
Metal roofing materials like aluminum and zinc are lightweight. That makes them easy for contractors to carry and install on your property without triggering impact damage on the roof’s structure.
Disadvantages of a Metal Roof
Some of the metal roof drawbacks include the following.
- Costly to Install
When comparing the metal roof vs. shingle roof cost, mounting a metal roof tends to be costlier. While various factors can influence the cost of your roof, installing a metal roof is almost four times what you would spend for a shingle roof.
- Complicated to Repair
Metal roofs are hard to replace than shingles since all the full-length panels are connected. Also, it is very challenging to walk on metal roofs during repairs, making it hard to maintain them.
- Exposed to Dents and Chips
A metal roof can get dented by a fallen tree, hailstorms, and also by walking on it more frequently. Depending on the specific metal used, metal roof paints may also be exposed to fading and chipping.
- Noisy when it is Raining
With a metal roof, it is possible to hear rain tapping on the roof during heavy rainfalls. However, you can install extra insulations to fix the issue unless you like the rain’s sound.
Pros of Shingle Roofs
Like the metal roofs, shingle roofs also come with numerous benefits, including:
- Cheaper to Renovate
Shingle roofs are affordable to buy and install. That makes this type of roofing less costly and manageable. You can remove each shingle one at a time rather than replacing the entire roofing structure.
- Cheap to Buy and Install
Shingle roofs are cheaper compared to metal roofs, making them more popular among homeowners. Besides, they are readily available in many roofing stores. Shingle roofs are significantly cheaper in terms of installation.
- More Visually Appealing
Shingle roofs come with distinct colors and textures to choose from for your house. That helps you find cost-effective material that improves your property’s beauty.
Cons of Shingle Roofs
Despite the benefits of shingle roofing materials, they also have a few shortcomings.
- Shorter Lifespan
Shingle roofs made from high-end materials can last for some time. However, they have shorter lifespans than metal roofs. Bearing in mind how often you have to change your shingles, you may find it ideal you invest your money on metal roofs.
- Vulnerable to Weather Damage
Shingles can easily get damaged by snow, hail, and wind, cutting the lifespan short. Also, poor installation of the roof leads to shingles being ripped off one at a time.
- Prone to Fires
Shingles are class-A fire-rated, but they are flammable materials. Although granules can protect the shingles from fire, the asphalt coating may catch fire if it comes in contact with a flame.
- Flaking Granules
Granules that give color and protect your shingle can fall off and get stuck in your pipes and gutter. As a result, it will compromise the efficiency of your roof and gutters
Factors to Consider Before You Choose a Metal or Shingle Roof
Roofs not only protect your home and the treasures inside the house but also keeps you and your adored ones safe. For that reason, start the decision of the buying process by assessing the following features.
- Availability of a qualified contractor
- Your environment
- Your budget
- Your roof design
- Your property’s lifecycle
- Your municipality
Final Words
Metal vs. shingle roofs are popular and have their share of pros and cons. Shingles are cheap and easy to install, while metals, despite being expensive they are durable and comes with a solid return on investment. Therefore, metal roofs vs. shingle roofs are both great options. It depends on your needs. Connect with us to learn more differences between metal vs. shingle roof systems.
