Which One's Better: Metal Roof or Shingles?

Choosing the right roofing system is vital for the overall health of your building and your occupants. The durability, comfort, design, efficiency, and cost of the materials are the factors you need to look out for to identify the variety of roofing materials you need. Metal roofing and asphalt shingles are the most common choice in the US for roofing systems. These two roofing materials are often compared a lot by users and experts. So before you make that transaction, make sure to do your research or ask for advice from your local roof specialist.

What is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is made with large flat sheets and is folded longitudinally in different types of pattern categories. This roofing material includes corrugated metals and flat seam metal. A metal roof is composed of metal pieces, tiles, or panels. The standard components of a metal roof are zinc, copper, and steel alloys.

What is a Shingle Roof?

Shingles are flat and rectangular-shaped pieces of asphalt, composite, or other roofing material. The installation of shingles is by overlapping each piece from the base of the roof upwards to provide full coverage.

Now that we have discussed both products' primary definitions, let's dive into the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs vs. shingles.

Appearance

The roof plays a vital role in the appearance of your establishment. Both metal roofing and shingles provide an aesthetic style for your facility, but the decision will still matter based on your preference.

Shingles can resemble wood shakes, tiles, and even slate-style through the process of manufacturing. Shingles' unique designs can help in adding depth to your roof. This material is one of the most visually pleasing alternatives because of its variation in color and texture that can suit any style that complements your establishments.

On the other hand, metal roofing contains enough variety to find a color and style that can complement any design. In recent times, manufacturers can also produce metal roofs to imitate other materials if you desire a non-metal appearance.

Durability

The roof serves to protect your entire building and provides safety and comfort for your occupants. So it is no wonder that durability is also a key aspect in scouting for excellent quality roofing material. The material's durability is also essential to reduce the need for monthly repairs and damages, costing you more money. Therefore, choosing a material that can substantially withstand any weather conditions is ideal.

Unfortunately, shingles can be subjected to weathering when there is constant thermal cycling. This instance can lessen the shingles' lifespan. In addition, asphalt is also porous, meaning water can enter, freeze and dry within the cracks, causing its structure to break down. Asphalt shingles often last only about 20-30 years.

In contrast, metal roofing is non-absorptive, which means this roofing material has a very long life span, lasting about 50-70 years. Metal roofing is manufactured and installed with fastening clips or slotted screw holes that provide thermal movement of the metal with temperature changes without breaking down over time. Without a doubt, metal roofing is more durable than asphalt shingles.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the quality and longevity of your roof. Maintenance might be a hassle for you, so you might want to install ladder access for your roof hatches so you can have easy access every time you want to check on your roof's quality after harsh weather conditions or events.

Most maintenance for asphalt shingles involves penetrations through the roof where the use of adhesives, metal flashing, and sealants locates. Those adhesives tend to deteriorate over time, so replacement is a must. Regular maintenance and check-up are necessary for asphalt shingles.

While for metal roofing, if adequately installed, penetrations are flashed with matching metal. Its unique pattern design and component also contribute to the longevity of the material. Although the maintenance costs for an asphalt shingle roof aren't drastic, a metal roof requires less.

Cost

Shingles are more affordable and easier to install. The prices for shingles range from 7,000 to 10,000 dollars. In contrast, metal roofs are more expensive and require specialized knowledge to install. The average cost of metal roofs ranges from 12,000 to 20,000 dollars.

Always remember to choose the ideal roof material that fits your standards and budget. If you enjoy reading blogs about roof installation, be sure to visit Best Roof Hatches, where we also provide quality roof hatches for swift access to your roof necessities. Contact us now at 1-800-431-8651.