Roofing isn’t just the first and last line of defense against whatever nature decides to throw at us, but it also plays a crucial role in your home’s appearance and overall appeal. If it’s time to make the difficult decision on what roof replacement will look like, how much it will cost, and what your options are, should you stay put with the familiar, cheap shingles or move towards a chic modern option, metal? Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the ubiquitous king of suburban roofing, and the popularity of metal has seen it creep out of industrial and country houses and right into the city suburbs!
While these two options might seem comparable from the get-go, they are quite different when viewed from a financial angle due to the cost of materials, the life expectancy of both options, any maintenance work that needs doing, and the impact they might have on the environment.
The Affordable Standard: Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: A Financial Outlook.
A Lower Price of Admission. So why are they so dominant in the market? Affordability, pure and simple. Asphalt shingles come with a lower initial price point for the best roofing materials and for their installation compared to the metal alternative, and due to roofing comparisons, they are often the go-to for anyone working on a tighter budget. As with most decisions, when planning to move within the next decade or so, the initial price point of asphalt shingles will come out as cheaper and less of a risk.
The catch? Lifespan and The Weather Woes. The biggest downside to the more budget-friendly of the two options, of course, is the fact that they are far less durable and more prone to weather damage. While architectural shingles have an average life expectancy of 15-25 years, you’d be lucky to get half that from a metal roof, which can offer 50-70 years and sometimes more.
As the name may suggest, the majority of this is down to petroleum-based components that create them. Because the components aren’t weather-resistant, your asphalt shingles could crack, curl, and become blistered. They could also begin to delaminate and even shed in stronger weather.
The durable Option:
Metal Roofing- a Financial Overview. The gift of longevity- 50+ years. Perhaps the main selling point for any metal roofing choice, and perhaps the key factor for anyone who wants to go long lasting roof for this product, is its amazing durability. Most standing seam metal roofs are manufactured with the intention of serving 50 to 70 years… and sometimes much longer. Besides avoiding termites or wood rot issues, metal roofs are fire-resistant and are capable of standing against winds of up to 140 miles per hour, making them an incredibly weather-resistant option. The downside?
Initial Cost and a Tedious Process
However, all this long- term gain will cost you. The average upfront cost of standing seam metal roofing can be 2-3 times the cost of asphalt shingles. This is down to its complex fabrication process, requirement for thermal expansion specialized flashings, and its relatively difficult installation process, which requires specialized professionals.
Long-Term Vs Short-Term Costs of Metal Roofing and Asphalt Roofing:
Long Term Gains.
When looking from a bird’s-eye view (and long term), the economics of a metal roof begin to stack up. One metal roof will outperform two or even three sets of asphalt shingles, allowing you to avoid repeat expenses throughout the years. Not only will you see reduced cost as time progresses, but it’s also believed to have significant energy efficiency benefits, allowing it to reflect the solar heat away, helping your home to stay cooler in summer and thus reducing cooling costs by up to 25%.
So what is the deciding factor?
The answer lies with the longevity of your ownership of the property. If you are planning on moving in the next 10-15 years, then an asphalt roof probably makes the most economical sense, as you wouldn’t benefit from the lifespan of metal, and there would be less investment to worry about upon resale of your home. However, if you plan on living in the home for the long haul, investing in a high-quality standing seam metal roof can pay for itself over its lifespan due to fewer replacements, repairs, and overall impact on the energy of your home.
The Most Frustrating Obstacle: Doubled or Tripled Reroofing Labor Costs.
If you are planning to spend many years in the property and you choose the affordable option in an asphalt roof because it seems the economical choice, you will probably see a considerable impact from inflation and labor rate increases. Double or triple the cost in roofing repairs and labor each time you will need to replace a roof will surely negate the upfront cost savings you have achieved.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to opt for an asphalt or metal roof really comes down to your long-term vision and short-term budget for your home. An asphalt roof may well give you initial cost savings and a lower price, but if you are in for the long haul, then a standing seam metal roof is sure to give you greater peace of mind, a better quality product that withstands everything nature throws your way, and significant financial benefits throughout the lifespan of the home.
FAQs
Are metal roofs noisier than asphalt shingles when it rains?
No. When installed over solid wood sheathing and high-quality underlayment, a metal roof is just as quiet as an asphalt shingle roof, as the attic insulation dampens the sound of raindrops.
Can I install a new metal roof directly over my old asphalt shingles?
Yes, in many jurisdictions. Installing metal over a single layer of shingles saves on tear-off and disposal fees, though a local building inspector must first verify that your roof framing can handle the weight.
Do metal roofs increase the risk of my home being struck by lightning?
No. While metal conducts electricity, it does not attract it. If your home is struck, a metal roof is actually safer than shingles because it is completely non-combustible and will not catch fire.
How does hail impact metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles?
Severe hail can bruise or crack the fiberglass mat of asphalt shingles, causing them to leak. While extremely large hail may dent a metal roof, it rarely compromises the structural seal of the metal panels.
Will a metal roof make my home hotter during the summer?
Quite the opposite. Metal roofs have high solar reflectance, meaning they bounce solar radiation back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it into your attic as dark asphalt shingles do.