One of the aspects of roofing that can baffle homeowners more than just about anything else is the nature of metal versus shingle roofs. When people think of metal, they tend to picture the old-fashioned corrugated, tin and aluminum or steel roofs still used to this day on a lot of buildings. However, the truth is, steel roofs especially, are very diverse, and many people have seen lots of these roofs without even realizing what they were seeing.
The neat thing about these steel roofs is they, at a glance, can easily look a lot like a high-quality asphalt shingle roof, or a ceramic roof of some sort. So, if the aesthetic properties are this malleable and diverse, what advantages and disadvantages do they actually have when weighed against old-fashioned asphalt shingle?
Today, we’re going to take a look at this.
Warranty Concerns, Initial Costs, and Longevity
Alright, so obviously, on the outset, shingle roofs are cheaper. There are a myriad of grades and styles of this material, some lasting considerably longer and holding up against considerably harsher conditions than others.
A steel or other metal roof is going to be more costly, both for materials and for labor, which makes them seem like a more prohibitive and luxury roof type when comparing these initial costs. But, they’re far more durable, far more environmentally friendly, and have a far better warranty behind them with most contractors.
The real issues with shingle roofs are that at best, you might get between twelve to seventeen years out of higher end shingle before it begins to disintegrate, peel, buckle, curl or crack. It has a shelf life, and eventually, no matter how well you maintain your roof, you will have to replace these shingles. Eventually, the whole roof will need to be redone.
And yet, some contractors offer up to a fifty-year warranty on these shingle roofs. How is that possible, if it’s well documented that shingle of this sort lasts less than half this long? Well, these policies are bunk in most cases, as you’ll find that most such warranties contain clauses for labor or claim fees that amount, in the long run, to the direct cost of replacing and repairing such roofs!
Conversely, metal roofs can last for years and years, and so their warranties have something legitimate backing them.
The Many Advantages of Metal
Metal roofs are, as said before, actually very diverse. They can look like various types of traditional wood shingle, they can look like asphalt shingle, or ceramic, or even new and unique styles only really possible through these materials.
They’re excellent for reflecting sunlight without glare, helping to keep the house cooler in hot weather, while also effectively trapping warmth during the winter, earning them their EnergyStar and CoolRoof rating.
On top of this, they can actually increase the resale value of your home, as many modern renovations are known to do. They can install over existing roofs easily, meaning that costly teardown is minimally necessary in most cases.
To learn more about the many styles and advantages of these metal roofs, fill out our contact form below, or call us today. We’re excited to share this information with you!
