Roofers and homeowners alike always have the same age old debate: a metal roof vs shingles, which is preferred? Here are 5 tips to help you decide.
Is it time to install a new roof? You might want to know the difference between a metal roof and shingles.
Truth be told, both offer their unique benefits. It depends on your budget, the style you’re looking for, your lifestyle, and your specific preferences.
In this post, you’ll discover tips to help you decide which roofing option is best for your home: a metal roof vs. shingles. These include cost, longevity, and dependence on fossil fuel.
Let’s get to it!
A Guide to Metal Roof vs Shingles: How to Choose/h4>
Here is a guide to help you choose between a metal roof or shingles. Both have their benefits.
1. Shingle Roofs Have Evolved with Time
Shingle roofs have always provided a classic look. But today shingles are manufactured to go beyond a traditional style. They come in a variety of designs.
From tile to wood shakes to tile and slate, shingles can match almost any design scheme. Nowadays you can even find shingles with scalloped edges seen on many Victorian-era homes or terracotta tiles for Mediterranean-inspired homes.
Shingles now also come in an array of colors and finishes, from weathered looks to modern styles and multi-colored designs.
2. Think About Cost
Shingle roofs cost less to purchase upfront. But metal roofs will last longer. Metal roofs typically cost from $100 to $900 a square foot.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles cost between $100 and $200 for a 10-foot by 10-foot area. Since installing a metal roof takes more skill, the installation is more expensive.
But you can look at this another way. Insurance companies provide discounts to homeowners with metal roofs. That’s because it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to replace it.
If this is your primary residence, you may even qualify for a tax credit with a To add, metal roofs are much more energy-efficient than shingles, so you could save money on heating and cooling.
3. If You’re Looking for Durability, Go with a Metal Roof
Metal roofs can weather the elements. And they won’t rot from water. Because of this, manufacturers provide thirty- to fifty-year warranties. With lifespans from up to seventy years, your roof can outlast your warranty.
But metal roofs have their vulnerabilities. They can form dents from falling tree branches, severe hail storms and when someone walks on them.
Know that some metals are sturdier than others. Speak to the manufacturer or a roofing contractor to learn the metal’s strength.
4. Know that Shingles Are Affected By the Elements
Shingles have a range of weaknesses that gives them a shorter lifespan than metal. When shingles get damp from the weather and pool water, they can develop algae.
Spikes in temperature can cause cracks and rot that shortens the lifespan of your roof. Shingle roof warranties only last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the climate and geographical region you live in.
5. Get a Metal Roof If You Care About Saving the Environment
Roofs made of metal are more eco-friendly than shingles. Metal is made from recyclable material that’s recycled over and over again. They’re a more sustainable option and more energy efficient.
Because metal roofs possess reflective qualities they can deter heat transmission from entering your home.
On the other hand, 11 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in U.S. landfills every year. In addition, asphalt shingles are produced from petroleum which depends on fossil fuel use.
The Final Word on Metal Roof vs. Shingles
You now have some great tips about a metal roof vs. shingles. From cost to longevity to eco-friendliness, you now have the information to help you make the right choice.
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