Constructing a new home or looking to replace your old residential roofing? Deciding what roof style and material you want your roofing to be can be a tricky decision, especially with so many materials and styling options available.
However, the first thing that homeowners have to decide is whether they want a metal roof or a roof with shingles.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Metal roofs are durable and long-lasting, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, and can also enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.
On the flip side, they can be easily dented, cost more, and can be noisy in harsh weather. Shingles, on the other hand, are generally cheap, easy to install, and easy to maintain/repair/replace, but aren’t energy efficient and can be easily damaged by high winds.
Thus, deciding on what roofing option to go with isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Factors such as where you live, what type of roofing style you want, and your budget can all impact the final decision.
So, before you reach for the phone to call up the nearest roofing company, it would be wise to first read through this guide and understand the differences and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
What Are Metal Roofs & Their Types?
Any roofing system that is made up of metal pieces, tiles, or panels is referred to as a metal roof. Metal roofs are an attractive option for homeowners because of their longevity and style options.
Metal roofs can be made to look like shingles, slate, shakes, tile, or vertical panels depending on your preference and your home’s architecture. They can also be made from a variety of material choices including tin, steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc.
But, what type of metal roof is best? Let’s take a look at the options available:
Tin
Tin roofs are extremely durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install, and cheap.
Aluminum
Homeowners that want a metal roof and live by the coast should opt for an aluminum shingles roofing system as aluminum is resistant to saltwater damage and corrosion. It is also lightweight, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive.
Steel
When it comes to steel roofs you have three qualities of steel to choose from; galvanized, galvalume, or weathering. Standard steel shingles are referred to as galvalume panels and are the most inexpensive steel roofing material. Galvanized steel is of higher quality and as such more durable and more expensive. The most expensive variant is premium quality stainless steel.
Copper
No metal roofing is as aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting, or expensive as copper.
The Benefits & Drawbacks Of Metal Roofing
Metal roofs can last for up to 40-70 years, depending on the choice of material, and are thus incredibly durable, especially when compared to most types of shingles.
Metal also has properties that make it highly effective at combating natural elements and extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, excessive snowfall, extreme heat, ice, and rain. Metals aren’t prone to corrosion or rust, are mold resistant, and do not catch fire.
Metal roofing also offers much better insulation as compared to shingles in sweltering summers and harsh winters, making them a lot more energy efficient which can help lower your cooling costs and energy bills.
Metal roofs are made from mainly recycled materials and are thus a much more environmentally friendly option than other types of roofing materials. They are also very easy to maintain.
Some metals such as copper and aluminum also have special attributes. Copper can block sound and expand and contract in extreme temperatures. Aluminum is great at combating saltwater corrosion. Such attributes can be extremely useful depending on where you stay.
However, while metal roofs have plenty of benefits they also have drawbacks.
Metal roofs tend to be two to three times more expensive than shingles, especially common shingles made from asphalt and composite materials.
Metal roofs are more noisy, especially, when it rains which can be both pleasing or annoying. They are also more susceptible to dents and dings which can result in more frequent roof repair.
What Are Shingles & Their Types?
A roofing system made up of overlapping, flat, rectangular pieces of asphalt, composite, and other materials is referred to as shingles.
Shingles can be made from different types of materials and thus, not all shingles are the same.
High-end shingles can cost just as much as metal roofs, if not more. You can find premium shingles made from slate, aluminum, wood, steel, and even solar shingles, which are a lot more durable and aesthetically pleasing. However, the most popular shingles in North America are your basic asphalt, plastic, or composite shingles.
The Benefits & Drawbacks Of Shingles
The benefits of opting for shingles rather than metal include cost, ease of installation, and the fact that they are easy to tear down, replace, or repair if needed.
However, while most types of shingles are a lot more affordable than metal roofing options, they aren’t as durable, with just half the useful life; about 20-30 years.
Asphalt, fiberglass, plastic, and composite shingles are also easily damaged by harsh or extreme weather conditions and are also susceptible to mold and mildew growth. As such, they require regular maintenance and upkeep.
Shingles are also notorious for cracking and breaking in extreme heat or cold and lack the same energy efficiency qualities as metal. They are also a lot less environmentally friendly.
Which Is Best For You? Metal Roofing vs Shingles
In terms of quality and durability, metal roofing is far superior to shingles. Metal roofs can cope with extreme weather and are impervious to mold and moisture damage. They also last much longer than shingles. The downside is they cost a lot more.
So, if you are on a budget, live in an area with fair weather, or don’t plan on staying in your current home for too long, opting for shingles rather than metal roofing would be the better option.
Roofing Companies Near Me – Big Bear Roofing, SC
Before you decide what roof to go with, it is essential you first consult with a roofing contractor or roofing company in your area. This will allow you to get an estimate of costs and an idea of what roofing material or style works best for your geographic region.
For the best roofing services and roofers in the Carolina, look no further than Big Bear Roofing. Whether you are looking for a roofer for roof repair or new roof installation, we’ve got you covered!