If you are thinking about a new roof, you might be wondering about the different types of materials that will work for your home. There are so many options on the market, such as metal or asphalt shingles. It can be challenging to find the right material for your home. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of these roofing materials.
The Advantages of Metal Roofing
There are many advantages to a metal roof. For starters, it is a very lightweight material and can be easily transported and handled on your roof. In addition to that, the metal materials don’t add weight or put unnecessary strain on your structure. As a result of that, metal can preserve the integrity of the home and reduce any frame damage.
Metal roofs also have a longer lifetime than asphalt shingles. You can expect these materials to last for about 50 years. While metal roofs are more expensive at the start of the project, you can save money over the lifetime of your home. You will have to replace an asphalt shingle roof three times before you need to replace a metal roof.
You can count on a metal roof to be fire-resistant. These materials are Class A fire-rated, and that makes it more resistant to catching fire. If you live in an area with wildfires, your roof is less likely to burn than those homes with shingle roofs. Metal roofs are also durable in extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, and hail.
There are some environmental benefits of metal roofs too. Metal is a highly recyclable product, and many of the leftover pieces can be recycled for other uses. Some of the metal sheets are even made with recycled materials. In addition to that, metal is more energy-efficient than other products. These roofs are now designed with cool roofing materials. That means those products can absorb heat in warm weather and retain heat during colder months. They also feature Energy Star-rated finishes and colors for your home. In addition to that, you can also use energy-saving components with your roof, including solar panels.
You can increase your property value with a metal roof. These roofs have a high one-time cost, but they last longer than other materials. You can also easily resell your home if your roof is in good condition, and it will not need to be replaced by the new homeowners. With a metal roof, you will have to worry about any roof-related issues with your home.
If your roof is correctly installed, then you will not need much maintenance with it. The manufacturer should provide a maintenance guide on how to care for your new roof. Like any type of roofing material, you always have to watch out for branches, leaves, and debris that can get stuck in the gutters and on the surface of the roof.
These roofs can also be retrofitted over older structures. In many ways, those measures are one way to save money on your new roof. By installing a metal roof over an existing structure, you can eliminate tear-off costs and waste from your old roof.
If you are looking at more ways to save, a metal roof might be a smart choice. These roofs can lower your insurance premiums because they are less likely to get damaged from fire or other types of weather elements.
Finally, you can find metal roofs in a wide range of sizes and shapes. These roofs are the first choice for those who want a high-performance roofing system. You can find a variety of metal looks that will mimic other tile or shingle roofs.
Metal Roof Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages to metal roofs as well. Metal roofs are known for their higher one-time cost to the homeowner. When you choose this style of roof, the labor costs and equipment can also add to your project budget. On top of that, it can be hard to find a qualified contractor to install a metal roof. When you decide on a metal roof, you will need to find a highly-skilled contractor to install the roof on your home.
Metal roofs are very labor-intensive. These roofs need to be precisely installed, and the material is less forgiving than other roofs. There is no room for errors, and that is why an experienced contractor should install the roof.
One of the biggest problems with metal roofs is the issue of oil canning. This problem can appear as a waviness in the flat area of the metal wall panels or roof. Oil canning does not affect the performance of the roof, but it can make it look less appealing to the homeowner. Even with professional installation, you might not be able to avoid oil canning on your roof.
In some municipalities, you could run into issues with your metal roof. There are some HOAs that might think these roofs are not suited for a residential neighborhood. Some cities also have problems with the glare from the metal. Before you install a metal roof on your home, you want to make sure it is legal in your town or city.
You now know a little about metal roofs. Let’s look at the benefits and disadvantages of asphalt shingles.
The Benefits of Asphalt Roofing
You can find shingle roofs in every neighborhood, and they are certainly more common than a metal roof. When people think about roofing materials, they tend to gravitate towards these traditional materials. Over the last century, many businesses and homes have used asphalt for their roofing needs.
One of the benefits of asphalt shingles is the cost of the product. When compared with metal, these shingles are cheaper than metal roofs, and that can be appealing to many homeowners. Shingles are also easier to replace and install. They require less time and labor to install them on your roof. You can open up the package and immediately nail them to the deck. When you install a metal roof, the material needs screws to connect the panels. As a result of that, metal roofs need more time, labor, and skill than other types of materials.
When an asphalt shingle roof needs repair, it is less expensive than other materials. You can usually remove one shingle at a time, and they require fewer materials to fix an issue. A metal roof will need the panels reconnected, and that can make it difficult to replace just one sheet.
For those who want to install a metal roof, you might have a difficult time finding an experienced contractor. With an asphalt roof, you will not have that problem. These shingles are easy to install, and you can find plenty of installers for your home. On top of that, shingles are easy to find at local retailers and distributors. You usually will only have to order shingles if you want a particular color.
If you live in the coastal regions, you might not want to install a metal roof on your home. Many manufacturers will not offer a warranty on the product due to issues with corrosion. With a shingle, you will not face those issues. These shingles offer a wide range of guarantees from the contractor and manufacturer. Your roof is usually protected from material defects, manufacturer errors, algae growth, or contractor errors.
Disadvantages to Choosing Shingle Roofing
Along with the advantages, there are some disadvantages to an asphalt roof. These materials have a shorter life cycle than other materials. For many asphalt roofs, they can last a maximum of 25 years. It is very common to replace several asphalt shingles on your roof over several years. These roofs are cheaper as a one-time cost, but you will have to pay more over the lifetime of the roof. Before you add them to your home, you need to estimate these replacement costs.
Asphalt roofs are very intrusive to install on your roof’s structure. These shingles are attached to the roof with nails that will go through directly into the roof deck. With this process, the shingles will create holes in the roof, and it could compromise the structure of the roof.
If you have looked at an asphalt roof, you know there are not many choices for colors. Most of the shingles are very dark and dull. There are not many choices for light-colored or vivid paints since the base material is asphalt. The granules in asphalt are used for UV protection and fire resistance. You cannot find many lighter color granules due to the dark nature of the asphalt.
Asphalt shingles are heavier than other types of materials. Over the years, the weight of the shingles have been reduced, but asphalt remains heavier than metal panels. With that additional weight, there can be more stress to the structure of the building.
While these shingles are Class A fire-related materials, they do contain asphalt. This material is combustible since it is made from a form of petroleum. It is the granules in the asphalt that increases its fire-resistance on the surface. However, if the fire reaches the asphalt’s inner coating, then it is more likely to catch on fire.
You might not think about it, but asphalt shingles can be recycled. However, 11 million tons of these shingles will end up in a landfill. Many roofing installers are not aware that these materials can be recycled, and they will just throw them into the trash.
Asphalt shingles are also prone to more damage than metal roofing panels. They can be destroyed in extreme weather conditions like hail, snow, and wind. If you have a shingle with improperly applied adhesive, then the shingles can even be ripped off one at a time. Many people are choosing architectural shingles since they will provide an additional layer of protection to your roof.
Due to its darker colors, asphalt shingles will hold in the heat from the sun. If you use solar energy, then you can transfer this heat from the roof into your home. However, if you don’t have any resources for solar energy, your cooling system could work overtime to lower those indoor temperatures. In turn, your home’s energy bills will start to increase.
Asphalt shingles can get damaged faster if they are exposed to high heat over a long period of time. If these shingles are damaged, you might even notice flaking granules. When these granules flake off, the coating can get stuck in pipes, gutters, and other places to create a blockage in your home.
Asphalt shingles are also prone to developing algae, mold, and mildew on the surface. You might notice some homes have a green coating on the roof. When you see that, it is mold on the asphalt shingles. Mold and algae growth are some of the most common problems with these roofs. If your roof has excess moisture with limited sunshine, your roof could develop these issues.
Finally, asphalt shingle pricing can vary depending on the cost per barrel of crude oil. The main ingredient of asphalt shingles is the by-product of oil known as petroleum. In addition to that, these products are generally not manufactured from non-renewable resources. If you are looking for an eco-friendly product, then you might not want to choose asphalt for your roof.
As you can tell, there are many advantages and disadvantages of metal and asphalt roofs. You need to choose a product based on your personal preferences and the needs of your home. Your roof will not only protect your home, but it can keep you and your loved ones safe. For those reasons, you need to select the right products for your house. RGB Construction is here to help you choose between metal, asphalt, or other types of materials. We will work with you to find the right roof that will meet your needs and budget.
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