There are two major types of roofing materials in the United States: metal roofs and asphalt shingles. Think about whether you want a metal or shingle roof replacement when it’s time to replace your old one.
This guide will help you select which roofing material is best for your budget and style choices.
Significant Difference Between Asphalt Shingles and Metal Roofing?
At a low price, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material that comes in various colors and textures. It is made of a fiberglass or matting core with asphalt covering and a ceramic or stone finish. In addition to the standard three-tab asphalt, you also can choose architectural asphalt, laminated asphalt, or laminated asphalt.
Due to its many aesthetic possibilities, metal roofing is also becoming increasingly common. As a result, your roof might take on the appearance of other popular materials, such as wood or slate. Numerous varieties of metal roofing exist, including tin, steel, aluminum, and copper.
However, despite their distinctions, both are excellent investments for your house. Design preferences, local environment, and durability need all play a role in the decision. Before deciding which one to install, measure the pros and cons of each one.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles in Cold Climates
Comfort and energy savings are vital, especially in the winter, if you live in a region with freezing temperatures. Shingles made of asphalt are known to absorb heat from the sun and transfer it to your home’s interior. If your heating system is less taxed as a consequence, you may save money on your utility costs.
Nevertheless, in most situations, a metal roof will be more efficient at warming up your indoor living area than asphalt shingles will be. Metallic materials absorb sunlight readily and convert it to heat, which keeps your home warm in the winter.
Because of its insulation qualities, this roofing material keeps heat from escaping. As well as absorbing heat, metal roofs are impervious to moisture damage.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles Resale Value
It is generally accepted that asphalt roofs are more resale-value-friendly than metal roofs. An asphalt shingle-replacement roof’s ROI in 2020 was 65.9%, whereas a metal roof’s ROI was just 61.2 percent.
As a result, metal roofs may overtake asphalt shingles in the future years, as the ROI for metal roof replacement has grown over the past year, while asphalt shingle roofing has declined.
Your roof’s resale value is determined by the choices of future purchasers, not you. Their energy efficiency, longevity, resilience to weather damage, and unusual appearance may appeal to them.
You may not obtain a better offer if the buyer doesn’t like your roof’s color and design, on the other hand, if it doesn’t match the other houses in your neighborhood.
In addition to being reliable and minimal maintenance, asphalt shingles on your home may appeal to potential buyers. This is due to the additional protection architectural shingles provide against weather damage.
On the other hand, the buyer may pass on your house because it looks like every other house in the area.
Is a Metal Roof More Expensive Than Asphalt Shingles?
Purchase and installation of a metal roof are often more expensive than those of asphalt shingles. However, the sort of roof you install will determine how long it will last. You can buy aluminum metal roofing at a reasonable price.
The upfront cost of metal roofing may also be outweighed by its benefits, according to some experts. Due to the fact that they are more durable than asphalt shingles, they may save you money over time. Over time, a metal roof might be less expensive than shingles.
Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles?
Metal roofs, if built poorly, have a greater risk for leaks than shingles. On the other hand, metal roofs shed snow and ice to avoid moisture buildup, provided an expert contractor correctly installs them. Moisture may not seep into your roof due to the material’s resistance to weather deterioration.
Because of their shorter lifespan, high-quality shingles are more susceptible to losing their integrity than metal roofs. You may observe more significant moisture damage on asphalt shingles than on metal panels as a result of this.
Is It Difficult to Replace Asphalt With Metal?
The work and time required to replace asphalt shingles with metal roofing are more than those required to install asphalt shingles. However, an expert roofing contractor can repair your roof’s metal panels with relative ease without causing too much damage.
As a result, it would be much easier for the roofing professional to install the metal panels on your previous roofing. Consult them about the installation procedure and the potential expense of replacing a roof, if necessary.
What Is the Best Way to Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles?
Before putting a metal roof over your asphalt shingles, the shingle roof and its underlayment need to be in good repair. To attach your metal panels, you might have the contractor run new underlayment over an existing shingle roof, covering the old material and preserving it from moisture damage.
As an alternative, you may put a metal roof atop shingles with purlins, wood pieces that offer extra support for the roofing structure.
The contractor screws down the purlins onto the roof deck and installs the metal on top of them. This approach provides the installer a flat area to put the metal roofing panels instead of the shingles.
Because most metal roofing is light, flexible, and thin, it is typically possible to install these panels on top of your current shingles. For at least two decades, you shouldn’t have to replace your roof’s shingles or underlayment because both should be in good shape.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter if you have metal roofs or shingle roofs; they’re not always superior to shingles.
Your choice of roofing material is determined by your design preferences, your budget, your surroundings, and your long-term goals, among other factors.
R&D Roofing specialists can assist you in navigating all of these variables.
