Ready to raise the roof? Not until you pick which roof you want to raise.
Your roof is one of those parts of your home that you don’t pay much attention to unless something goes wrong. Still, it affects your home’s look and longevity far more than you realize.
That’s why it’s so important to choose the right type of roofing material. One of the first choices any homeowner needs to make is deciding between a metal roof vs shingles. Below are the pros and cons you should consider.
Metal Roof vs Shingles: How to Choose
When it comes down to it, choosing between metal and shingles for your roof depends on your specific situation. Here are the basics you need to compare.
Pros of Metal Roofs
in the short term and long term alike, there are some clear benefits of a metal roof.
Long Life
If you’re a fan of the low-maintenance lifestyle, look no further. A typical metal roof can last for 50 years or more. Compare that to an asphalt shingle roof which you can expect to replace about every 15-25 years.
That long life isn’t just easier on your schedule. It also means that in the long run, a metal roof is more cost-effective.
Resilience Against Most Types of Weather
When it comes to weather, metal roofing and shingles each have their weaknesses. Overall, though, metal holds up against more types of weather than shingles do.
In particular, metal roofs are less likely to sustain wind damage. In the winter, they shed snow and ice more easily as well. To top it all off, they’re naturally resistant to algae, mold, and mildew. Shingles don’t measure up in any of these areas.
Fire Resistance
When it comes to fire resistance most metal roofs have Class A ratings because the material is non-combustible.
This is particularly helpful in protecting your home against external fires. For instance, perhaps a tree is on fire and a branch falls on your roof. Maybe a flying ember or spark lands on the roof. In either case, shingles could catch on fire while metal won’t.
Cons of Metal Roofs
As you might expect, metal roofs aren’t without their drawbacks.
High Initial Cost
For many homeowners, the cost is the largest barrier. While they last longer, metal roofs do cost more money to buy and install.
Not only are the materials pricey, but there aren’t as many roofing contractors who can install metal roofing well compared to shingles. Though the roof’s long life offsets that cost over the years, some homeowners still can’t afford the upfront price.
Noise During Certain Weather
As you might expect, rain and hail can be noisy when you have a metal roof. While some homeowners see this as a plus, not everyone does.
Potential for Roadblocks
Some homeowners would love a metal roof, but other factors take the option off the table.
For instance, homeowners’ associations might not allow metal roofs because they want all the homes to look more consistent. Make sure you find out your HOA’s policy before you start the roofing process.
Pros of Shingle Roofs
It’s clear that shingle roofs are still the most popular options, and there are several reasons for this.
Lower Initial Cost
In terms of initial installation, a shingle roof is far less expensive than a metal one.
As we mentioned above, shingle roofs do cost more in the long run because you have to replace them more often. If you’re trying to stay on a budget today, though, a shingle roof might be your best option/
Easier Repairs
While the downside is that shingle roofs get damaged more often than metal ones do, the good news is that they’re also easier to repair. You’ll have more choices when it comes to hiring a roofing repair contractor, too.
With shingles, you can just repair the shingle or two that have broken or fallen off. For a metal roof, though, the sheets are larger so you need to replace a bigger section for the same size of damage.
Well-Suited to Coastal Air
Annapolis may not be quite as Atlantic as some of us would like, but we do have the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy. The problem with that is that the bay puts some salt into the air, and salt and metal don’t get along.
Some areas of the Annapolis metro have more problems with salt than others. If you do, a shingle roof may withstand the local atmosphere better.
Cons of Shingle Roofs
Despite the ways they can be homeowner-friendly, shingle roofs do have plenty of disadvantages as well.
Not So Eco-Friendly
If you want to be as environmentally friendly as possible, shingle roofing can make that difficult. While shingles are recyclable, they’re far harder to recycle so most end up in landfills.
Asphalt shingles are also made from petroleum oil, which has major environmental issues. In addition, shingles tend to absorb heat. That means your air conditioner will have some extra work to do in the summer, increasing your carbon footprint.
Limited Color Selection
If you’re someone who enjoys bright colors or if you have a specific vision in mind for your roof, you might have better luck with metal.
While shingles are more easily accessible than metal roofing, they don’t always have as many color and style options.
Heavy Weight
No matter how strong you think your home’s structure is, it’s important to take your roof’s weight into consideration. Shingles come out on the bottom in that competition.
Because they weigh more, shingles require a more hardy roofing structure to hold them up. If your house doesn’t have what it takes, heavy shingles could lead to far more expensive repairs down the line.
Choosing Your Home’s Roof
Your roof is one of the most important and expensive choices you’ll make for your house. No pressure. The tips above can help you weigh your options and find the perfect choice for your situation.
If you’d prefer a more specific professional opinion on a metal roof vs shingles, call our roofing team to discuss your home’s situation.