James Carter
August 25, 2024 | Filed under: Buying a New Roof,Consumer Education,Research,Uncategorized
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners: what are the differences between asphalt shingles and metal roofing?
If you didn’t know, asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the US. Most installers are comfortable with them, and most roofing contractors offer them.
However, metal roofing is now the second most commonly used material, beating out wood, slate, polymer products, and tile. Metal’s wide range of colors and styles match any home and allows for custom and unique solutions.
Asphalt vs Metal?
Beyond availability and popularity, how can you decide which fits your home best?
Our company president, Todd Miller, recently spoke on this in an article for House Beautiful magazine.
For starters, neither roofing material is a new innovation. Both are trusted solutions that have been installed on homes for decades now. However, this doesn’t mean they have an equal track record of quality, durability, and longevity.
This difference is reflected in their respective costs. Asphalt is the cheaper option, both in terms of material and installation costs. Nearly all roofing contractors can install asphalt, so you can choose based on other factors.
Todd says the easiest way to compare is that “a quality metal roof will often total about two to three times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof.”
This increase in cost comes with a substantial bump in lifespan and a decrease in maintenance. Metal roofing can withstand much more severe weather and often lasts years or decades longer. Many homeowners in climates prone to extreme weather choose metal to protect their homes and belongings.
The cost difference is a major factor for most homeowners, but as Todd puts it, “If you intend to remain in your home through at least one re-roofing cycle, metal roofs make a lot of sense.” Instead of replacing an asphalt roof once or twice, a metal roof may last for the entire period.
The benefits and drawbacks of both types of roofing are well worth considering before making your roofing decision. Determine how long you plan to stay in your home, how the climate might affect your decision, and how important color and style options are to you. The best decision you can make is an informed one, and we hope this helps.
Please get in touch with us anytime if you have further questions about asphalt vs metal, and which kind of roofing is best for your home. Our experienced team is ready to help you achieve the roof of your dreams.
We’ve developed a unique tool to help identify what grade of roofing and what types of materials could be best for your unique home and situation. Our Roofing Needs Profiler provides a FREE, unbiased, personalized assessment in 10 minutes or less. We hope you’ll try it today!
