If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ve likely come across these two popular types: asphalt shingles and metal. Which one is the better option for you? Below, we weigh the pros and cons of the two types of roofs to give you a great starting point in your search.
Lifespan
Winner: Metal
Metal is the clear winner here. The typical lifespan for a metal roof is around 50 years. Some metals, like zinc and copper, can last 100 years or more! Typical asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, only last 12–25 years at most.
Durability
Winner: Metal
Steel roofs can last for many decades without showing signs of wear. They’re also highly resistant to extreme weather, including hail (which can easily bruise and crack asphalt), wind-driven rain, snow, and ice. They can withstand winds up to 120 mph due to the interlocking pattern of the panels. Shingles will more easily blow off of a roof, leaving spots vulnerable to moisture penetration.
Initial Cost
Winner: Shingle
The cost of a shingle roof can be much less up front than a metal roof. Long term, however, a metal roof pulls ahead and could save you a lot of money. You could end up having to replace your shingle roof three times over the lifespan of a single metal roof. Metal is also more durable (requiring fewer repairs) and lower maintenance.
Fire Resistance
Winner: Metal
If you live in a dry region that’s prone to wildfires, you’d be better off with a metal roof. Metal is noncombustible, unlike asphalt.
Maintenance
Winner: Metal
If your metal roof is installed properly, it should require virtually no maintenance. Simply check your roof and gutters for debris a couple times a year. Asphalt roofs require regular seasonal inspections, repairs, maintenance, and shingle replacement.
Repair Cost
Winner: Shingle
Shingles are easier to repair than metal panels. A roofer can replace a single shingle or fix an area with relative ease. Fixing a problem spot or replacing a panel in a metal roof is more difficult due to the way it’s installed and how the panels are connected.
Design Options
Winner: Both
You will have a large variety of color, style, and design options for both metal and shingle roofs.
Ease of Installment
Winner: Shingle
Because a shingle roof requires less skill and labor to install than a metal roof, roofing contractors can typically install them more quickly. You might also have an easier time finding the right contractor to install a shingle roof, since metal roof installation is more complicated and requires special skills.
Weight
Winner: Metal
Shingles are heavier than metal, which can place more stress on your building’s structure. Metal is lightweight, so it can help preserve your building’s integrity over time.
Hedrick Construction installs both shingle and metal roofs. If you’re interested in metal, we recommend considering stone-coated steel. If you’re leaning more towards shingles, consider the more durable architectural shingles, which can last much longer than traditional shingles. Check out these great articles to learn more about each type of roof:
- The Pros and Cons of Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
- How Architectural Shingles Can Help Your Bottom Line
Visit our roofing services page to learn more about your options so you can select what’s best for your home or business.
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