The pros and cons of shingle roofing versus metal roofing are some of our most frequently asked questions. The materials are very different, and your decision, if you’re replacing your roof, shouldn’t solely be based on the exterior “look” (although that’s still a factor) – each material can impact the amount you spend or save on utilities, insurance, and warranties too!
If installed properly, your roof should last a very long time, and it should be installed with quality materials by a licensed and insured contractor. If you’re debating between metal or asphalt roofing material, make sure your contractor has experience with installing both.
Roofing Pro Tip: Ask your local roofing contractor for a portfolio of their completed jobs with your desired materials – they should be able to provide a few photos of similar homes that have used those materials before! For example, all the pictures in this blog post are our company’s projects!
Below we’ve outlined the pros and cons of using metal roofing or asphalt shingle roofing material. We’ll start with asphalt shingles since it’s the most popular and common roofing material.
Shingle Roof
Shingle roofing is the most common form of roofing on the market, and it’s been the traditional choice for homes and businesses for the last century. Various benefits range from low installation cost to ease of repair and access to materials. We’ve highlighted four of those benefits below.
More Color Options
Your roof accounts for 25-40% of your home’s visible exterior and plays a prominent role in the ‘curb-side’ appeal of your home. There are a variety of manufacturers for asphalt shingles, each offering a variety of color options.
The roofing experts at Signature Exteriors often use Owens Corning, Certainteed, GAF, or
Metal roofing options are also available in various colors and styles. Still, some require painting the metal with paint designed specifically for the metal panels, which may be an additional cost. Material warranties typically back metal roofing paints.
More Affordable Installation
The price of most roofing materials is calculated by the square (100 square feet) or the bundle (33.3 square feet). Shingle material cost averages $60 – $90 per square, whereas metal material cost often ranges from $100 – $200 per square. Home Advisor put together a comprehensive guide to shingle roofing costs if you’d like to dig a little deeper into these prices.
On top of the material cost, there is also the cost of labor (unless you’re a DIY-er). Depending on your area and local demand, labor costs can average around $200 – $300 per square to install the material onto your home. In contrast, metal roofing labor costs can range from $300 – $500 per square foot.
If these numbers intimidate you, consider hiring a local roofing contractor to perform a storm damage inspection to see if your insurance carrier may be able to help cover some, if not all, of these roofing costs.
Less Expensive Roof Repairs
Along with the ease and affordability of installation, shingles are much cheaper to repair if there is a leak or an installation failure. Most can be removed one at a time near the source of your issue and require fewer materials to repair. On the other hand, metal roofing is more complex to repair because of the full-length panels. The panels are interconnected and more difficult to replace one at a time.
More Warranty Coverage
Shingle roofing often comes with a number of warranty options from both the manufacturer of the shingle and the contractor installing them. Common problems covered by these warranties include material defect, contractor error, and manufacturer error.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is still a common roofing material choice, especially in environments with drastically changing weather patterns. It is a more complex option requiring specific techniques, experienced installers, and more pieces and parts to make it succeed. Still, the benefits lie in its longevity, ability to increase property value, low maintenance, and insurance benefits.
Longevity
The lifespan is the most notable difference between metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing. Metal roofing, on average, has a lifespan of 50 years or more, whereas shingles generally last 20-30 years. Some metal materials are known to last close to 100 years or more.
Property Value Increase
Metal roofing does have an increased one-time cost for installation or replacement. Due to its lifespan and durability, you’ll notice an increase in your property value if you plan to put your home on the market after you have a metal roof installed. Typically, depending on your area, homeowners can expect to see a 1% – 6% increase in the value of their property.
Insurance Benefits
The insurance benefits can vary depending on your area and weather patterns. Still, most homeowners will notice a reduction in their insurance policy costs when installing a metal roof as they are less likely to fail from fire and storm damage (such as wind or hail) due to the material.
Note: Before you install metal roofing or replace your metal roofing, call your insurance carrier to discuss the coverage options. Some carriers do not offer any premium reduction or, in worse-case scenarios, increase the premium as the metal roof itself is worth more and would be more expensive for the carrier to cover in case of damage.
Low Maintenance
The level of upkeep to maintain your metal roof is minimal, especially if you used a certified Charlotte roofing contractor who performs the installation correctly. General maintenance usually only involves removing leaves, branches, and other debris that can build up over time.
Bonus: Metal roofing is also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. There has been such an improvement in metal roofing technology that some sheet manufacturers offer cool roofing, releasing absorbed heat in higher temperatures and retaining heat in cooler temperatures. Metal roofing is highly recyclable, meaning that leftover materials are often recycled for future use. For example, 95% of aluminum roofing materials are made out of already-recycled materials.
Both metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing options can be great for your home, and it’s crucial to weigh in all of the factors of their pros and cons as you decide to repair or replace your roof. If you’re looking for a quote on metal roofing installation or asphalt shingle installation, give your Charlotte local roofing professionals at Signature Exteriors a call.