Differences between metal vs shingle roofing.

---

 

Guide to Metal vs Shingle Roofing

Here is a complete guide to Metal vs Shingle Roofing, fist we discuss metal roofing as becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to upgrade their exteriors. However, before installing metal roofing, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing and shingle roofing.

Here are some things to consider when deciding between metal vs shingle roofing.

1 Cost of metal vs shingle roofing

The cost of installing a metal roof is typically higher than installing a traditional asphalt shingle roof. But, depending on the type of metal used, the price difference may vary significantly. For instance, aluminum costs around $0.50 per square foot, whereas copper costs approximately $1.00 per square foot.

2 Durability

 

While metal roofs last longer than asphalt shingles, they aren’t immune to damage. They can become dented or damaged over time due to hail storms or high winds. Asphalt shingles, however, are much more durable. They won’t dent or crack like metal roofs, but they can also become worn out over time.

3 Maintenance

Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs require regular maintenance. Because they consist of different metals, it is necessary to clean them differently. Aluminum requires a unique solution, while copper needs to clean with steel wool. Both materials require periodic washing to remove dirt and debris.

4 Warranty

 

Most metal roof manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 20 years to lifetime warranties. These warranties cover replacement parts and labor costs related to repairs. On the other hand, asphalt shingle manufacturers usually only provide warranties covering defects in manufacturing.

5 Installation Time

Installing a metal roof takes considerably longer than installing an asphalt shingle roof. Depending on the size of the project, installation times range from 2 weeks to 3 months.

6 Noise Level

Metal roofs tend to make noise during windy conditions. While this doesn’t pose a significant issue for residential properties, it does present a challenge for commercial buildings.

7 Ease of Cleanup

 

Because metal roofs are heavier than asphalt shingles and require specialized tools, cleanup after a storm is more manageable, however, removing snow and ice from a metal roof is tricky.

8  Energy Efficiency

 

Choosing what type of roof you put on your home or building is an important decision

because you want to protect, what matters most to you for years to come.

 

Shingle roofing and metal roofing discuss the differences in terms of cost,

longevity, options, and more.

 

Here we are comparing metal roofing and shingle roofing

We’ve got ten categories to look at from durability to ease of maintenance.

We’ll go down the list, talk about the differences and pick a winner for each one.

 

I will give you six questions to ask yourself before deciding on shingle versus metal for your roof.

1st we check, durability.

obviously, I can do rip shingles easily, and I definitely can’t do that with a metal panel.

So how does that translate to a roof?

Well, if you get a metal roofing system that is Class 4 UL 2218 rated,

you have the insurance of a proven and tested system that’s extremely durable.

longevity.

Your environment will dictate how long any roofing system can and will last.

Asphalt shingles are said to last around 20 years, but that number can drop a ton in harsher weather conditions.

Metal roofing is engineered to last 50-plus years in the right environment and on average, a metal roof will last two to three times longer than an asphalt shingle roof.

Metal takes this one.

How about weight?

It’s a common misconception that metal roofs are extremely heavy but they actually weigh about 50 percent less than an asphalt shingle system.

The average 24 gauge standing seam metal roof weighs roughly between 1.3 and 1.5 pounds per square foot.

Green benefits.

100% of the metal panels on a roof are recyclable. Because shingles are asphalt-based,

it makes it hard to fully recycle a shingle. a percentage of the material used to make metal panels are already recycled material, sometimes, up to 90 percent.

Shingles also absorb and retain more heat than cool metal roofing panels,

especially ones with highly reflective pigments, leading to energy savings in the long run for homes with metal roofing.

Cost-effectiveness.

Shingles are significantly less expensive than metal roofing when it comes to upfront costs, especially standing seam metal roofing. On the other hand, because a metal roof can outlast a shingle roof, the long-term cost is less because you don’t have as many roof replacements in a given time period.

Ease of installation.

 

Shingles require less time, skill, and labor for installation and replacement. Easy, shingles. Installer availability.

Shingles win this category because there are more installers available due to the easier installation requirements.

Severe weather performance.

More and more metal roofs are being installed in areas with frequent extreme weather events, the reason being metal roofs are tested and proven to be able to withstand strong winds, driving rain, ice, hail, high heat, and heavy snow. Metal wins this one.

Color options.

If you’re looking for a variety of colors to choose from for your roof, including bright colors, vivid colors, earth tones, and even special effects colors, metal can’t be beaten.

maintenance.

This category can vary based on your roof’s environment but for both roof types, you’re gonna want to remove any debris from your roof.

For metal roofing, that generally means checking your roof once or twice a year or after heavy storms and removing that debris.

For asphalt shingles, you may need to replace a grouping of shingles that got damaged by hail, wind, or that debris,

which could potentially happen more often than a metal roof due to the metal’s superior durability.

Metal wins the last one.

Is available in a helpful comparison guide?

CONCLUSION

So shingle and metal roofing both have their pros and cons, as you can see, and either might be right for you depending on your situation.

How do you find out?

HERE ARE 6 QUESTIONS of the first questions you should ask yourself

before choosing shingle versus metal for your roof.

1, how much money am I comfortable spending on a roof?

2 how important to me is using recycled or recyclable materials?

3 do I live in an environment that could face severe weather events?

4, how much searching for roofing contractors am I willing to do?

5, do I want a bright, vibrant color or more of a gray tone?

6 does my HOA restrict different roofing types?

These questions should give you a good starting point on which roofing type you should choose.

If you’re not willing to spend as much money upfront, maybe shingles are the best option.

If you live in an extreme weather environment, maybe metal roofing is the best option for you.

 

                                                  METAL      SHINGLES            WHY?

durability                                    yes

LONGEVITY                                 yes                         

LIGHTWEIGHT                                               yes

Ease of installation.                                       yes

weather performance.                yes

maintenance.                              yes

Cost-effectiveness.                                        yes