Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs – Which is Better?
Whether you’re building your dream house or replacing an existing roof structure, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of modern-day roofing materials like asphalt shingles and metal.
Consider the differences between asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, appearance, and energy efficiency so that you can make an informed decision about this long-term investment.
Metal shingles vs. asphalt roof – which is right for you?
As a leading provider of residential roofing in North Carolina, we’ve created a practical guide to help you understand the advantages and drawbacks of metal roofing and asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofing: Advantages
Zinc, aluminum, steel, and copper are the four types of metal used for residential roofing. Metal is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, comes in a variety of designs, and has many options for finishes.
Consider some of these key benefits of residential metal roofing in North Carolina:
- Durability: Metal roofs can withstand harsh weather conditions and have a lifespan of 40-80+ years
- Appearance: There are formats, designs, and finishes of metal roofs to suit almost every style. Metal roofs can be manufactured to mimic the look of asphalt shingles or real wood.
- Energy efficiency: Metal roofs reflect UV rays and heat away from your building. These insulating qualities keep you cooler in the summer and warm during fall and winter.
- Low maintenance: Metals roofs are resistant to the elements and require very little maintenance.
- Better resale value: Praised for their longevity and energy efficiency, metal roofs can actually increase home resale values.
- Lower insurance premiums: Insurance companies tend to favor metal roofing systems because they are less likely to be damaged by fires, hail, or hurricane-force winds.
Cons of Metal Roofing
- Upfront Cost: If your budget is tight, be warned that installing a metal roof comes with a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles. While the investment is more significant, homeowners will not have to deal with costly replacements and may even qualify for tax credits.
- More difficult to repair: Metal roofing can get dented and is more difficult to repair than asphalt shingles because of how the panels are connected.
Asphalt Shingles: Pros and Cons
It’s estimated that some 70 percent of U.S. homes are built with asphalt shingle roofing. This traditional material is a top-selling product for a good reason, but it also has its pros and cons.
- Appearance: asphalt shingles are available in a number of colors and textures and are now made to look like wood shakes, slate, and tile– giving homeowners a nice array of options.
- Low upfront costs: asphalt shingles are less expensive than metal roofing, and they are also much cheaper to install.
- Easier to repair: asphalt shingle roofing is easier to install and repair than metal roofing
- Heat absorption: This is great in colder weather but a disadvantage when the temperatures rise.
- Less durable: when comparing roofing shingles vs. metal for durability, the latter wins. Traditional asphalt will last up to 20 years, while GAF asphalt roofing is covered by a 50-year limited lifetime warranty.
- Vulnerable to weather damage: asphalt shingles are more easily damaged by hail, wind, rain, and snow.
- Will not impact resale value: conventional asphalt shingles will not increase a home’s resale value
As you can see, both roofing materials have benefits and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision between an asphalt roof vs. metal will come down to your budget, aesthetic preferences, and durability requirements.
Contact Us at Premiere Roofing & Gutters
If you’re local to Hickory, Boone, or anywhere in Catawba County, don’t hesitate to contact Premiere Roofing & Gutters for your North Carolina residential roofing needs. Fill out the contact form or give us a call for a free roof estimate.
