Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: What’s Best for Your House?

When it comes to selecting the right roofing material for your home, the decision can significantly impact both the aesthetics and functionality of your property. In the roofing industry, two materials often stand out due to their popularity and distinct characteristics: metal roofing and asphalt shingles. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks that can influence homeowners’ choices depending on their specific needs, budget, and climate conditions.

To provide a thorough comparison and ensure homeowners make an informed decision, we consulted with roofing experts at AKC Roofing since they have years of experience and deep knowledge of both materials, and offered us insights into the long-term benefits and potential downsides of each roofing type. This article aims to dissect these insights, comparing metal roofing and asphalt shingles across various factors such as durability, cost, maintenance, and energy efficiency. Whether you are building a new home or considering replacing your existing roof, understanding these aspects will help you determine which roofing material is best suited for your house.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing, a durable and versatile option, has gained significant popularity among homeowners for its robust performance and longevity. This type of roofing is available in various materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc, each offering unique benefits to suit different environmental conditions and aesthetic preferences.

Longevity and Durability: One of the standout features of metal roofing is its impressive lifespan. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, significantly outpacing traditional asphalt shingles. This longevity is due to metal’s high resistance to weather-related damage. It can withstand high winds, is impervious to cracking and eroding, and does not suffer from the impact of UV rays as other materials do. Homeowners in areas prone to severe weather like heavy snow, hail, or extreme heat will find metal roofing particularly beneficial.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are highly reflective, which helps them deflect solar radiant heat rather than absorb it. This reflective capability can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%, making metal roofing an eco-friendly option that can help lower energy bills, especially in warmer climates.

Environmental Impact: Environmentally conscious homeowners often prefer metal roofing due to its sustainable qualities. Most metal roofing materials are made from a significant portion of recycled content, and at the end of their life, they are 100% recyclable. This contrasts sharply with asphalt shingles, which are often dumped into landfills.

Installation and Maintenance: While metal roofing offers numerous benefits, it does require specialized installation skills. Its installation is less forgiving than asphalt shingles because mistakes can be more costly to rectify. However, once installed, metal roofs require minimal maintenance, mainly if inspected regularly and kept clear of debris.

Aesthetic Versatility: Metal roofing is not only functional but also flexible in design. It comes in a variety of styles and colors, allowing homeowners to choose options that best fit their home’s architectural style. Whether it’s sleek, standing seam panels for a modern look or metal tiles that mimic traditional clay for a more classic appearance, metal can be a stylish addition to any home.

Pros:

• Longevity: Lasts 40-70 years or more.
• Durability: Resistant to severe weather conditions, does not crack or erode easily.
• Energy Efficiency: Reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs significantly.
• Environmental Friendliness: Mostly made of recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life.
• Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in a variety of styles and colors to match any home architecture.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: Generally more expensive upfront compared to other roofing materials.
• Noise: Can be noisier during rain or hail without proper insulation.
• Installation Requirements: Requires specialized installation expertise; improper installation can lead to issues.
• Expansion and Contraction: Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which must be considered in the installation process.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most common and widely recognized roofing materials used across the United States. It is particularly favored for its cost-effectiveness and straightforward installation process.

Cost-Effectiveness: Asphalt shingles are among the most economical options available on the market. This affordability makes them an attractive choice for many homeowners, especially those working within a tight budget.

Ease of Installation: Unlike metal roofing, asphalt shingles can be installed by a wide range of roofing contractors without the need for specialized skills. This ease of installation can reduce the overall cost of labor.

Versatility: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. This versatility allows homeowners to choose a product that directly complements the exterior of their home, enhancing curb appeal.

Maintenance: While asphalt shingles generally require more maintenance than metal roofing, repairing them is relatively straightforward. Shingles can be easily replaced if damaged, which is a significant advantage for long-term upkeep.

Environmental Impact: Although asphalt shingles are less eco-friendly compared to metal roofing, advancements have been made in recycling shingles, which is helping to reduce their environmental footprint.

Despite its benefits, asphalt shingle roofing does have some drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

• Affordability: Less expensive both in terms of materials and installation.
• Ease of Repair: Damaged shingles can be easily and inexpensively replaced.
• Style Variety: Available in a wide range of colors and styles to suit any home.

Cons:

• Shorter Lifespan: Typically lasts about 15-30 years, much shorter than metal roofing.
• Vulnerability to Weather: More susceptible to damage from wind, rain, and sun.
• Poorer Insulation: Does not provide as much insulation as metal roofing, potentially leading to higher energy costs.
• Environmental Concerns: Although recyclable, not as eco-friendly as metal due to the petroleum content and the energy-intensive manufacturing process.

Conclusion

In comparing metal roofing with asphalt shingles, each material presents distinct advantages and challenges, catering to different homeowner priorities and budget considerations. Metal roofing is recognized for its durability, longevity, and environmental benefits, making it a popular choice for those looking to invest in a long-term roofing solution. On the other hand, asphalt shingles remain a favorite due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and wide variety of aesthetic options.

Current trends indicate a growing homeowner preference for sustainable and durable home improvement solutions. As a result, there’s been a noticeable increase in the adoption of metal roofing in residential areas traditionally dominated by asphalt shingles. This shift is driven by a heightened awareness of metal roofing’s long-term benefits, including its superior resilience to weather conditions and its energy efficiency benefits, which align with the rising energy costs and environmental concerns.

Despite these trends, asphalt shingles continue to hold a significant market share due to their immediate affordability and familiar installation practices. The choice between metal and asphalt shingles ultimately depends on individual needs, budget, and long-term home ownership plans, with both materials offering substantial benefits that can meet a variety of homeowner requirements.