Many homeowners face roofing issues, and choosing between Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles is a common dilemma. Before you decide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to enhance your home. Grab a cup of coffee and dive into our detailed guide on Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles. We’ll cover the importance, installation, costs, types, replacement needs, advantages, and lifespan of each option to help you make an informed choice.
What is a Metal Roof?
A metal roof is a roof system made from pieces or tiles of metal. It is famous for its strength, long life span and resistance against severe weather conditions. The commonly utilized metals include steel, aluminum, copper and zinc among others in roofing constructions. Just like slate or wood which are traditional roof materials, either large sheets or individual shingle-like pieces of Metal can also be installed as roofs.
Main Characteristics:
- Durability: A good metal roof should be able to stay strong for about 40-70 years before needing replacement
- Weather Resistance: Offers great protection against wind storms, rains, hail damages even if there are fires
- Energy Efficiency: Reflective properties help cool houses drastically reducing costs related to air conditioning units.
- Low Maintenance: Since it is relatively new compared to other rooftops brands made differently.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
The asphalt shingles are the most commonly preferred roofing materials in North America. They can be found in a number of shapes and colours, relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They are made from an organic mat or fibreglass coated on asphalt covered with ceramic minerals.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Amongst all roofing options, asphalt shingles rank the lowest in terms of price.
- Versatility: Come in multiple colours and patterns to match many architectural designs.
- Ease of Installation: Quick to set up, hence turning out to be popular among DIY projects.
- Good Performance: Offers reasonable protection against climatic conditions yet not so durable compared to metal roofs.
Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles:
The materials that people choose for their roofs most frequently are metal and asphalt shingle roofs. Each has advantages and downsides of its own that should be taken into account. To help you choose wisely for your house, this article will thoroughly compare asphalt shingles vs metal roofs.
Expert Tip:
When you’re thinking about using metal roofing systems apart from asphalt shingles, temperate area should be taken into consideration. This is because metal roofs exhibit greater strength and resistance to weather that makes them appropriate for places experiencing severe weather patterns like heavy winter snows or stormy winds. However, if you reside in mild climate conditions that require low initial costs with appropriate installation methods, asphalt shingles may be a better option. A roofing expert can assist you with the decision-making process taking into account your location as well as other personal factors.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Colours
Metal Roof Colours:
- A wide variety of colours, both bright and subdued basically characterize metal roofs. These may range from vibrant shades of red, blue green rusty yellow among others on one end with black grey or brown being at the other extreme. This is something that makes their colour options wider compared to asphalt shingles since you can either paint or coat them.
Asphalt Shingles Colours:
- On the contrary, asphalt shingles are usually sold in brighter hues with various shades of grey black brown blue green and other colours yet to be discovered. The surface granules gleam with different colours which gives it an elegant touch as well as depth depending on how light hits it.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Types
Types of Metal Roofs:
1. Standing Seam Metal Roofs:
Betwixt an upturned metal plate along its lengths run along posts that catch cool breezes from all directions giving it a modern appearance that is uncluttered with seamlessness.
2. Metal Shingles:
They appear like conventional roofing materials such as wood, slate or asphalt but instead it is made out of metals to make them sturdy.
3. Metal Tiles:
Long-lasting like concrete tiles; these ones lighten your room for less beauty.
Types of Asphalt Shingles:
1. Three-Tab Shingles:
The cheapest & simplest types just one layer thick having a flat surface that is also smooth & plain.
2. Architectural Shingles:
Building materials which are thicker than three-tab ones & remain functional for a long time.
3. Luxury Shingles:
Costly roofing materials looking like slates or expensive woods.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Cost
The cost of a roofing system is a significant factor for many homeowners. Here’s a comparison of the average costs for metal roofs and asphalt shingles.
| Roofing Material | Cost per Square Foot | Cost for 2,000 sq. ft. Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Roof | $7 – $14 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
| Asphalt Shingles (Three-Tab) | $2 – $4 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Asphalt Shingles (Architectural) | $4 – $6 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Asphalt Shingles (Luxury) | $6 – $8 | $12,000 – $16,000 |
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Installation Time
Time for Installing Metal Roofs:
- It may take longer for the installation of metal roofs because they handle large panels and individual shingles that require more skills. Additionally because it is more labour intensive as it requires a specialized skill set.
Time for Installing Asphalt Shingles:
- Compared to the installation of asphalt shingles which normally takes just a couple of days on average houses. This is partly why they are popular for DIY projects and quick repairs.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Installation Cost
Metal Roof Installation Cost:
- Comparatively, metal roof cost is expensive because it needs skilled labour and this is complicated to install. To install a metal roof; it costs an average of $5 to $12 per square foot.
Asphalt Shingles Installation Cost:
- Asphalt shingles are easy and quick to install thus costing less in terms of labour. Furthermore, asphalt shingle installation expenses normally range between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Repairing Cost
Cost of Metal Roof Repairs:
- Although they last longer than other types of roofs, metal ones seldom need any fixes because of their strength; however, once they do require maintenance it comes very pricey. Repairing them might set you back anywhere between $300-$10,00 depending on how bad they were.
Cost of Repairing Asphalt Shingles:
- Asphalt shingles usually get damaged more often needing repairs however they are cheaper comparatively as minor fix cost is about USD 100 – USD 300 only.
Cost to Replace Metal Roof with Shingles
Taking off the metal covering and putting new tiles on entails a lot of work like removing the metallic coating, disposing of the former materials, installing fresh shingles etc.
Average Cost:
- Metal roofing replaced with asphalt shingles usually costs in the range of $7,000-$12,000 for a standard roof whose size is 2000 square feet depending on its complexity and also selected types of shingle materials
Cost to Replace Shingles with Metal Roof
To convert from asphalt shingle roofs to metal ones is usually costly because of labour and material costs involved.
Average Cost:
- Changing from asphalt shingles to a metal roof normally costs between $14,000 and $28,000 for a two-thousand-square-foot house depending on the type of metal roof selected and how much work is needed.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Energy Efficiency
Metal Roof Energy Efficiency:
- Manifold reflective properties of metal roofs make them very energetically efficient by reducing heat absorption thus lowering cooling costs. Metal roofs can reflect up to 70 percent of the energy from the sun; that is why they are an excellent choice for hot climatic regions.
Asphalt Shingles Energy Efficiency:
- In hot climates, asphalt shingles absorb more heat than metal roofs thus leading to greater cooling expenses. However, there are shingles that are made with reflective granules which can somewhat aid in energy efficiency.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Aesthetic Appeal
Metal Roof Aesthetic Appeal:
- The metal roof has a modern look that appeals to people’s sense of style; it often imitates the appearance of wood, slates or tiles. Contemporary houses use this type of roof but it also goes well with traditional homes if selected wisely.
Asphalt Shingles Aesthetic Appeal:
- Asphalt shingles enjoy an upper hand over different materials in that they might be effectively mixed in with various design styles. There is an image matched with each taste, ranging from simple three tab shingle styles through to ultra-luxurious ones made from premium asphalt materials.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Weather Resistance
Weather Resistance of Metal Roofs:
- The metal roofs have a very high ability to withstand the harshest weather conditions including increased wind speeds, excessive rainfall and snow. In addition they do not burn easily thus making them fireproof plus not easily damaged by hail storms or fragments from the outside world.
Weather Resistance of Asphalt Shingles:
- In terms of protecting against adverse weather conditions, asphalt shingles are relatively effective; but they suffer more damage due to extreme winds, hail storms and elevations in temperature when compared with metallic roofs.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Lifespan
Metal Roof Lifespan:
- It is true that metal roofs can last significantly longer than other types of roofs,
sometimes up to forty or seventy years if maintained properly. Indeed, certain types of these materials may serve us for over a century—making them an investment in the long term.
Asphalt Shingles Lifespan:
- Asphalt shingle and other types of roof shingles remains one among many options; their average lifetime ranges from fifteen to thirty years based upon their grade (type). More specifically speaking, they outlive plain three-tab varieties.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Advantages
Metal Roof Advantages:
- Durability: Capable of withstanding severe weather conditions.
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces air conditioning costs by reflecting the sun’s beams.
- Minimal Maintenance: Needs less work to maintain.
- Eco-Friendly: Typically composed of recyclable materials, which can be fully recycled after being thrown away.
Asphalt Shingles Advantages:
- Affordability: Less expensive up front.
- Installation Time: Installing is quicker and simpler.
- Versatility: Wide range of styles and colours.
- Availability: Easily replaceable or repairable and widely available.
Metal Roof and Asphalt Shingles Disadvantages
Metal Roof Disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: More initial investment and installation labour.
- Complex Installation: Specialized skills required for the installation process.
- Noise: During rain or hail they might be noisy, unless soundproofing measures are taken.
- Denting: They can dent sometimes when they are hit hard by something heavy.
Asphalt Shingles Disadvantages:
- Shorter Lifespan: Needs replacement often compared to metal roofs
- Less Durable: It is more vulnerable to weather damages than metallic roofs.
- Heat Absorption Creating Higher Cooling Costs: It absorbs a lot of heat making air-conditioning systems run longer hours.
- Environmental Impacts: Less eco-friendly due to limited recyclability.
Conclusion
The selection of a metal roof or asphalt shingles is determined by many things such as cost considerations, style preferences, climate conditions as well as future plans for the house. For instance Metal roofs are preferred for their unmatched durability, high energy efficiency and long life span; however they come with elevated initial prices. While more accessible in terms of price, easier to install and quite flexible, asphalt shingles require frequent repairs and replacements.
Therefore your unique needs will determine what would work best for you. A metallic roof would suit you if you’re considering long-term savings on maintenance costs; but these designs can be quite expensive upfront. On the other hand, if budgetary constraints force you into cheap options without compromising fancy styles then asphalt shingles might just work for you.
FAQ’s
How long does a metal roof last?
A metal roof typically lasts 40 to 70 years, with some lasting over 100 years with proper maintenance.
How long do shingles last?
Shingles generally last between 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality and type.
What to do if my roof is leaking?
If your roof is leaking, inspect the area to identify the source of the leak, and contact a roofing professional to assess the damage and make necessary repairs.
Where to nail shingles?
Shingles should be nailed about 1 inch above the cutout and 5/8 inch above the shingle’s top edge, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for precise nail placement.
When Is the Best Time to Install Asphalt Shingles?
The best time to install asphalt shingles is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate, typically between 45°F and 85°F, ensuring optimal adhesion and flexibility without the risk of extreme weather.
When Is the Best Time to Install a Metal Roof?
The best time to install a metal roof is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, ensuring safe working conditions and proper installation without the risk of extreme temperatures affecting the materials.
Who Should Consider Installing Asphalt Shingles?
Homeowners looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-install roofing option that offers a variety of styles and colours should consider asphalt shingles.
