If you are considering a reroof, you might be comparing a few different roofing materials. Two of the most popular materials are metal roofing and shingles.
When comparing metal roofing and asphalt shingles, which material comes out on top?
Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses, so the answer really depends on your priorities. What qualities matter most to you?
Durability
A glance at their warranties makes it pretty clear which type of roofing is more durable. Metal roofs often come with 50-year warranties. The warranties for professionally installed asphalt shingles could be between 25 and 40 years. Metal roofs generally handle high winds, hail, lightening and even hurricanes with ease. Asphalt roofs are more prone to damage; repairs are often necessary after bad storms, high winds, or prolonged humidity.
Heating and Cooling
The type of roof you choose for your home can have a major effect on the climate inside your home. That’s because metal reflects sunlight, reducing passive solar heating and keeping it cooler inside. In contrast, asphalt absorbs sunlight, making a home warmer. How big a difference can a roof make? On average, peak cooling demands are 10-15 percent lower in homes with metal roofs.
Soundproofing
The sound of rain on a tin roof has been immortalized in a number of songs and stories, but it’s not one that everyone wants to live with. Fortunately, a metal roof on a house is quieter than the tin roofs of old, and laying insulation under the roofing can further reduce the intrusion of noise. Asphalt shingle roofing naturally muffles sounds, so it might be a better choice for those concerned about noise.
Fire Resistance
When it comes to fire resistance, you have to look deeper than just metal or asphalt. Copper and steel withstand flames well, but aluminum will eventually melt. Shingles composed of fiberglass and asphalt are fire resistant, but the ones that combine organic material and asphalt are not.
Cost
Cost is another tricky consideration. In terms of the initial outlay, metal roofs are more expensive. A new metal roof for your home often costs two or three times what installing a comparable asphalt shingle roof would. However, roofs should last for decades, and when you look at the maintenance costs incurred over time, the price gap between the two types of materials narrows. A metal roof will generally last longer and require fewer repairs, so it might be the more affordable option in the long run.
Environmental Impact
Which type of roofing is more environmentally friendly? Most metal roofing products are partially made from recycled materials and at the end of its life, recycling it is a cinch. What about asphalt shingles? Some 10 million tons of installation scraps and tear-offs from re-roofing are disposed of in the U.S. each year according to the Northeast Recycling Council. While there is a move to recycle asphalt, it’s still in the early stages.
We hope this information has been helpful in determining which roof is right for you and your home. Our goal is to educate customers about the roofing products as well as the process of selecting those products and the roofing company to install them.
At Mid Florida Roofing, we strive to provide our residential and commercial customers with superior workmanship, competitive pricing and award-winning service. Contact us today at 407-830-8554 if you have any additional questions or you are ready for a free estimate.
