Your roof is an important part of the safety of your home. It protects you and your house from the outside elements and plays a role in energy usage. When it is time to get your roof replaced, you might be surprised at how many options you have to choose from. The two most popular types of roofing materials are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. But, which one is the right one for your home? Our roofing experts are going to compare metal roofing shingles vs. asphalt shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles in the United States. These shingles are popular because they are durable. The shingles also require minimal upkeep and are available in hundreds of colors and styles. Plus, asphalt shingles are more affordable than other types of roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles are commonly referred to as composition shingles (or composite shingles). They are called composite shingles because they are usually made of multiple materials. Asphalt shingle’s durability is provided by a fiberglass core or matting. The matting is topped with an asphalt coating and a ceramic or stone granule surface.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing hasn’t always been a stylish option for the average homeowner. Traditionally metal roofing was perceived as a roof style that is only used in commercial construction or on farms. Modern technology has allowed us to create metal roofs that complement the modern home.
With the new generation of metal shingles, like the Matterhorn® Metal Shingles from CertainTeed, you can’t even tell the roof is metal. Metal roofing has increased durability. It also requires little upkeep and is available in a range of different colors and styles.
Metal roofing can be made from different types of metal. The types of metal are tin, steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and standing seam. At Expert Roofing & Exteriors we believe in only using the best materials. If you are going to make a significant investment in your home, going cheap can be inefficient and will cost you more money in the long run. Because of that philosophy, when comparing asphalt shingles to metal roofing we are going to be focusing on steel roofing.
Head to Head
Now that you know a little more information about the materials, let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.
Variety
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing each have stylized options to match any style of home. They are available in a variety of colors and styles. And, modern manufacturing techniques have allowed manufacturers to replicate the look of wood shakes, slate, and tile.
The Winner: TIE
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing come in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles. A roof is an important part of curb appeal. Making sure your roof matches your home can be a big factor when choosing materials. Asphalt and metal roofs are both up to that challenge.
Lifespan & Warranty
Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20 years or more. Their lifespan will depend on the climate you live in and other factors like maintenance and storms. However, around 20 years is a safe bet for most asphalt roofs. Typical warranties range anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Metal shingles have an average lifespan of 50 years or more. The lifespan of metal shingles can depend on maintenance, mother nature, and other factors. 50 years is a safe bet for metal roofs. However, it is not uncommon for the metal roof to last a lot longer than that. Most manufacturers have a lot of faith in their metal roofing and commonly offer 50 year warranties.
The Winner: Metal Roofing
The lifespans of both asphalt shingles and metal roofing can be affected by climate, storms, maintenance, and other factors. But, metal roofing will significantly outlive its asphalt counterpart. Plus, manufacturers backup these statistics with extended warranties.
Durability
Asphalt shingles tend to last around 20 years. Common causes include water pooling and the shingles staying damp for long periods of time. This dampness can lead to algae and fungus growth that can cause issues for the shingles and the wood under them. In climates that experience snow and ice, ice dams can create cracks and cause shingles to fail. Plus, temperature fluctuations between day and night can decrease shingle effectiveness.
Metal roofs last around 50 years and are affected less by the weather. They are constructed to handle anything mother nature can throw at them which gives them an edge – especially in areas like the Midwest. Metal shingles can still be damaged, though. The most common damage that occurs for metal roofing is dents. Dents typically occur as the result of severe hail, falling branches, or being walked on incorrectly. Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do about the hail damage. But, with proper roof maintenance practices you shouldn’t have to worry about falling branches.
The Winner: Metal Roofing
Asphalt shingles have come a long way. Modern technology has allowed manufacturers to increase durability and lifespan. But, if you’re looking for the most durable roofing materials, metal shingles are the way to go.
Eco Friendly
Asphalt shingles are replaced fairly frequently. While most shingles can last 20+ years, because of weather, poor maintenance, and other factors – that isn’t always the case. Asphalt shingles are a petroleum based product. That means they are made of a form of fossil fuel. It is estimated that 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are placed in landfills each year in the United States alone. There are recycling options available for asphalt shingles to reduce the amount of waste they generate. But it is still the wild west when it comes to recycling asphalt shingles.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, are commonly made of already recycled materials. And the best part is that when it is time for them to be replaced, they can be recycled again. Plus, metal roofs are more energy efficient. Their efficiency is attributed to the reflective qualities. Because of the way the roof reflects the sun, it blocks heat transmission to the home’s interior and reduces utility usage.
The Winner: Metal Roofing
Metal and asphalt can both be recycled. But, metal roofing is typically made from recycled material before it even touches your home. And metal roofing has no dependency of fossil fuels. Lastly, metal roofing can lower utility bills and reduce your homes carbon footprint.
Cost
Asphalt shingles are cheaper than metal roofing options. There are two main causes for the difference in price. The first reason is because the materials used to make the shingles are cheaper than the steel used to make metal roofing. The second reason is because asphalt shingles are easier to put on. Specialty tools must be used and specific processes must be followed when laying metal roofing.
The Winner: Asphalt shingles*
If you are looking at strictly cost, asphalt shingles will win nearly every time. However, we encourage you to consider other things like lifespan, durability, and warranties when looking at the overall ownership cost of the roof. Most metal roofs will last twice as long, come with longer warranties, and provide increased durability. Plus, they have less of an impact on the environment.
Your Local Roofing Experts
Our roofing experts are on standby to help. For more information or to get your risk-free quote, give us a call at (573) 567-3177. Or, head to our contact us page and use our easy online contact form.
