Is Metal Roof Better Than Asphalt Shingles?

Is Metal Roof Better Than Asphalt Shingles? When planning to install a new roof on your home or business, one decision to make is which roofing material is best for you. While different options are available, metal and asphalt shingles top the list of the most popular options suitable for various purposes.

Asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing, are best known for their reliability, low maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness.

Metal roofing, also a popular roofing material, is another great option to consider for its variety of styles, durability, and long lifespan. However, there has been a rivalry between these two roofing materials, making homeowners and business owners ask, “is a metal roof better than asphalt shingles?

There is no one-cap-fit-all answer to this question, as each material has its pros and cons. Your choice between a metal roof and asphalt shingles will depend on what features you cherish most in your desired roofing material.

Here is how each material performs in common features to look out for in a roofing material:

Both materials get it right when it comes to the available finish options. While shingles are commonly known for their enticing look, they now come with different aesthetic options, some taking the look of wood shakes, tile, or slate. Regardless of the style you want for your residential or commercial building, shingles have an option for you.

For example, you might want to go for asphalt shingles with a terra cotta look for your Mediterranean home, while scalloped-edge shingles might be a perfect choice for Victorian homes.

While metal roofs are traditionally made of corrugated tin panels, they’re now available in zinc, aluminum, and copper, which provide different options to befit each home or business style. Hence, appearance shouldn’t be a deciding factor when deciding if a metal roof is better than asphalt shingles.

Durability: Metal Roofs

One aspect where metal roofs beat shingles is durability. Metal roofs can withstand whatever weather conditions it’s exposed to, lasting for up to 70 years. However, this doesn’t mean metal roofs don’t have their weakness regarding durability. Metal roofs are vulnerable to falling branches and extreme hail.

Also, walking on them improperly decreases their lifespan. It’s also important to note that durability in metal roofs varies from one type to another. For example, steel can withstand harsh weather conditions than copper.

Shingles are more prone to damage from harsh conditions because of their low tendency to withstand the impacts of chronically damp conditions and pooling water, a potential cause of fungus and algae growth. Shingles are also sensitive to changes in temperature between day and night, reducing the material’s lifespan.

Though region, climate, and environment influence the warranty that comes with shingle roofs, the material comes with warranties between 15 to 30 years.

Price: Asphalt Shingles

Price is one factor to consider to answer the question, “is a metal roof better than asphalt shingles.”
Metal roofs cost more than asphalt shingles upfront. This means you spend less installing shingles than installing a metal roof.

While installing a metal roof can cost between $120 to $900 per 100 square feet, a budget between $100 and $200 is enough to cover the same structure with asphalt shingles.

However, it’s wise to note that a metal roof will serve you longer than asphalt shingles. Hence, it’s wise to weigh the two factors against each other to know if a metal roof is better than asphalt shingles.

Eco-Friendliness: Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are widely known for their eco-friendliness. The materials are recyclable, making them a more sustainable choice than their counterpart asphalt shingles. Also, since metal roofs are highly reflective, they are more energy-efficient than asphalt shingles.

This means a metal roof is better than asphalt shingles when it comes to which material is more efficient at blocking heat transmission to the home’s interior

Ease of Installation: Asphalt Shingles

Installing asphalt shingles requires the service of a low-skilled roofing contractor. Hence, it’s easier to source for a roofer around you for asphalt shingles. This also means that the tools needed to install asphalt shingles are basic, resulting in low workmanship costs.

On the other hand, installing a metal roof requires the service of a high-skilled contractor, and the job takes more time to complete. However, lightweight metal products are available to install over an existing roof in good condition. This simplifies the cost of a new installation.

The same also applies to repairing. Repairing asphalt shingles is easier than repairing metal roofs. Though it’s not advised that you work on your roof, it’s easier to work with your asphalt shingles, as you can cut the shingles and refit them.

This is what you’ll find hard to do with your metal roof. Note that repairing minor damage yourself reduces the costs of inviting a roofer for the repair.

Conclusion on Is Metal Roof Better Than Asphalt Shingles

There is no single answer to which material is better between a metal roof or asphalt shingles. Your choice will depend on your most cherished features in a roofing material.

If durability and eco-friendliness are what you’re looking for in your roofing material, a metal roof will be a great choice for you, while you want to consider asphalt shingles if you want you’re on a low budget and want a roof you can install within two days.