Is it time for a new roof for your home? If your roof is showing some serious signs of wear and tear, it’s likely time to replace. When you find yourself in this situation, you may feel like the choices are overwhelming. There are many different options for residential roofing materials today, and it can be difficult to know what may be best for your home.
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for residential roofing due to their affordability, durability and easy maintenance. Metal roofs are the next most popular option on the market and offer a wider variety of attractive options than in the past. Let’s take a closer look at these two residential roofing options and how they compare so you can make the best choice for your home.
Appearance
The aesthetic appearance of your roof is an important consideration when deciding what type of roof is best for your home. Asphalt shingles are slightly more popular among homeowners largely because this type of roofing is what most people are used to seeing on homes. They have been the most common residential roofing type for years and are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing for many people. In years past, metal roofs only came as corrugated panels and had a more agricultural or commercial look to them. For this reason, a home with this type of roof might stand out in an urban or suburban environment, where a vast majority of the surrounding homes use asphalt shingles. However, this style looks very fitting on a home in a more rural area. Metal roofing has also come a long way in recent years, with a much wider variety of options that mimic various aesthetically pleasing styles. Today, both asphalt shingles and metal roofing come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and you may be able to get the look you want from either type of roofing. Although appearance is important, don’t let this be your only deciding factor.Durability
When comparing metal roofing vs. shingle roofing, it’s important to consider the durability of each. While both types of roofing are quite durable in normal conditions, metal roofing is the clear winner in this category. Asphalt shingle roofs generally last around 20-25 years before needing a full roof replacement, and most warranties span approximately this time period. Metal roofs last far longer, often for 50-60 years or more with proper maintenance. Metal roofs are far less susceptible to the damage caused by hail, wind and other severe weather conditions, whereas shingle roofing is more easily damaged from these conditions.
However, metal roofing can be dented by large hail or falling branches in a storm, as well as from walking improperly on the roof. Metal roofing is also more resistant to fire than most shingle roofing styles. Some asphalt shingles may have different fire ratings, but metal roofs are rated the highest and are a good choice for areas prone to wildfires.
Additionally, asphalt shingles are more prone to damage from insects, mold, mildew and algae, especially in areas with more humid or wet weather. Metal roofs do not experience any of these issues. However, if they are installed in wet, coastal areas, metal alloys and a rust-resistant coating are highly recommended, which can be more expensive.
Cost Comparisons
Any homeowner wants to know the costs of any repair or replacement work for their home, and comparing the costs of each option can make a huge difference. When comparing a metal roof vs. asphalt, it’s important to note the long-term cost comparisons vs. the short-term cost comparisons. In the short term, the initial costs for purchasing and installing an asphalt shingle roof are far less than a metal roof. Of course, the costs can vary depending on the size of your home, the type of shingles you choose, and the installation costs, but this option is still likely to be a less expensive choice upfront. The upfront costs for a roof replacement with metal roofing can be as much as three times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof, and for this reason, many homeowners choose asphalt shingles. It is important to weigh the long-term cost comparisons, too. While the initial cost of an asphalt shingle roof is lower than a metal roof, asphalt shingles will need replacement much faster, and this cost should be factored into the total cost comparison. In fact, in the life span of a metal roof, you may have to replace an asphalt roof two or three times. This fact tends to equalize the overall costs over longer periods of time. You may also want to consider additional cost considerations such as insurance discounts for certain types of roofs, or energy savings for each type of roof.Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of your roof may not be something you’ve considered before, but it can make a big difference. It’s important to the environment — as well as your utility bills — to choose energy-efficient options for your home. Both metal roofs and asphalt shingles are available in Energy Star-rated options. That being said, each of these types of roofs will have different energy efficiency performance in different climates and seasons. In the summer and in warm climates, metal roofs can save significantly on energy costs. This is because the more reflective surface of the metal roofing bounces the sunlight away and reduces the heat transfer into the home. Asphalt shingles absorb the heat from the sun and can transfer more heat to the home. This can mean cooling systems need to work harder to keep up and may use extra energy in warm weather. However, for homes in colder climates, asphalt shingles can help heating systems in cooler months.Contact US Roofing Today for a Free Estimate
If your home is in need of a new roof, US Roofing can help. For more than 10 years, our experienced team has provided exceptional roofing services to the Savannah, Georgia area. Whether you want a metal roof, asphalt shingles or something else, we’ve got you covered. And if you’re not sure what type of roof is best for you, we can help with that too. Contact US Roofing today to schedule your free estimate. We will come look at your current roof and give you our best advice and options for repair or replacement.