An old roof can seriously impact your home’s resale value and curb appeal. It can also cost you money by requiring frequent repairs or causing expensive water damage. The best thing you can do in this case is to start exploring your options for a new roof. Two of the most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Let’s compare these two options to help you make the most informed decision.
Affordability
Affordability matters to many homeowners planning a roof replacement. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, then asphalt shingles are a better option than metal roofing. Metal roofs generally have a higher upfront cost, so this is something worth considering when coming up with a roof replacement budget.
Durability and Longevity
One of the biggest pros of choosing a metal roof over asphalt shingles is that metal roofs are more durable and, therefore, tend to last longer. You can expect your metal roof to last 40 years. In contrast, according to Roof Advisor, it’s recommended to replace asphalt shingles every 15 to 30 years. Metal roofs come out on top in this category because of their ability to better withstand the elements.
Ease of Installation
One of the reasons that drive the cost of metal roofing up is the fact that it requires more qualified metal roofing contractors. Metal roofing requires particular tools and experience, so there may be a limited pool of contractors to choose from.
Versatility
The main types of metal roofs are corrugated metal roofs or standing seam metal roofs. On the other hand, you can choose from three-tab asphalt shingles and architectural shingles, depending on your preferred design. When it comes to aesthetics, you generally find that asphalt roofs have more color and design options, though it’s still possible to find metal roofing options in a variety of styles, designs, and colors.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing tends to be more energy-efficient because it has higher reflectivity. That means it can keep your home cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays and emitting the heat it absorbs back into the atmosphere. While a metal roof does a good job of keeping your home energy efficient, a new asphalt roof can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system by eliminating air leaks.
This information should be able to help you determine whether to install asphalt shingles or a metal roof. If you have any questions about the best roof for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.