What’s Better: Metal Roof vs. Shingles?
A roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make for your home, but as a homeowner, you already know that. What you may not know is what type of material to select for a new roof. Longevity, of course, is critical. Either you’ll be in the house for years or you’ll sell it to someone who will be, and so the material becomes a matter of resell value, longevity, and integrity. In this article, we will go over the long-standing debate between metal roof vs shingles.
The Scoop on Shingles
Shingled roofs have been around for quite some time, so much so, they’ve carved themselves into the roofing market as a “traditional” roof. Shingles are layered tiles, typically asphalt and sometimes the newer fiberglass.
Modern innovation has produced energy efficient shingles, even Energy Star certified ones that reflect the sun’s rays. A shingled roof is one of the most popular choices amongst homeowners but has had recent competition from metal roofs. Shingles last about 15-20 years and come with warranties that extend 15-30 years.
The Deal on Metal Roofs
Metal, once used almost exclusively on warehouses, has made its way into residential roofing. Homeowners have discovered its durability, noting that metal roofs last upwards of 40-70 years, outlasting their warranties of 30-50 years.
These roofs are created from various metals: copper, zinc, stainless steel, steel, titanium, and aluminum. Metal roofs are durable and energy-efficient, seemingly able to withstand anything nature throws its way.
Costs
The cost of a roof is measured by square feet. Factors like labor, size and pitch of the roof, installation and removal, cost of materials, and availability of materials are integral to the final determination of the cost.
Shingles are the more cost-effective option compared to metal roof tiles. Installation and removal of shingle roofs are easier for roofing companies to tackle, and you’ll notice that the breakdown of costs reflects this as well.
For metal roofs, you can expect to shell out some cash. Metal roofs typically cost $120-$900 per 100 square feet, but this estimate rides on what type of metal you choose. Galvanized steel is the cheapest, then aluminum, followed by steel, then zinc, and finally, copper caps out as the most expensive.
The average cost spent on a metal roof is $7,800-$14,400. Although the expense makes sense for the material’s sheer cost and when you begin to consider the installation.
Installing a metal roof isn’t an easy task. It takes layering because with some metals, extra materials are required to lessen the noise of rain and hail. Also, metal roofs can’t be installed piece-by-piece like shingles can, and instead require workers to move large pieces at once.
All of these tasks are translated into the installation costs of a metal roof, making them much more expensive than their shingle counterparts.
Appearance & Resell Value
Shingle roofs have an unmatched traditional appearance and it’s why this style of roof has lasted—and retained—its popularity. The trend emphasizes the critical role of aesthetics in a roofing material, perhaps as much as any other quality.
Appearance isn’t vain or even gratuitous for a roof because it directly translates to resell value. Potential home buyers want to purchase a home what will grow in value, integrate well into the surrounding neighborhood, and simply put—be the envy of neighbors, friends, and passersby.
Metal roofs have a difficult time weaving themselves into suburban and urban areas. Manufacturers can talk about durability all day long but a classic, shingled roof touts both appearance and durability against the elements. For homeowners and home buyers, a new shingle roof that looks good and lasts long can seal the deal versus a metal roof that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re deciding between a metal roof or a shingle roof, you’ll hear the argument that shingles aren’t energy efficient. Yes, metal roofs are energy efficient, but shingle roofs are, too. New technology has led to the development of reflective shingles that shield your home from damaging UV light.
Most manufacturers and roofing companies carry reflective shingles and encourage homeowners to select them. Energy costs are kept at bay, and with shingles that are Energy Star certified, they can lower the roof’s temperature up to 50 degrees. It would be untrue to say that shingles aren’t in par with the energy efficient standards our world has begun turning to.
Repairs & Installation
In this category, shingles win over metal. Metal roofs are installed via sheets, making the labor more difficult, as we mentioned previously. Should damages occur, the entire metal sheet would need to be replaced. Installation and repairs become much more expensive with a metal roof.
Alternatively, damages to a shingled roof only requires the individual shingles to be replaced. When roofers install a shingle roof, they often give the homeowner the leftover shingles in case damages do occur. The homeowner then gives their roofer a call and the shingles can be repaired easily.
What’s a Better Roof?
The answer, the majority of the time, is a shingle roof. Appearance and resale value, durability and longevity, ease of installation and repair, and low cost—the advantages are all there, but without any of the sacrifices. Metal roofs last a long time, but you’ll be paying the price upfront, in any needed repairs, and when it comes time to sell your home.
The better deal is at Feldco Roofing. We simply have the best local customer service to help consumers with ongoing roofing services and needs. On top of that, we have great quality asphalt shingles that are made to withstand winds of up to 130 MPH. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote online today.
