Roofs are more than just the main barrier between you and the elements. They are also crucial to the structural integrity of your home, as they help distribute the weight of the building across the walls and the foundation. Plus, they help regulate indoor temperatures to keep your home energy efficient. Finally, they contribute to your home’s curb appeal, and a well maintained roof is a boon to your home’s value.
Metal and shingles are by far the most common roofing materials. Metal roofing is usually made from copper, aluminum, steel or tin. Shingles are made from a composite of asphalt, granulated minerals, and either fiberglass or cellulose.
It depends on what you need! When deciding between shingles and metal roofing, consider your budget, your tastes, and your environment.
If you’re on a tighter budget, asphalt shingles are usually cheaper to purchase and install. Asphalt shingle roofs are also quiet. Houses with metal roofs can amplify certain sounds, such as raindrops, while asphalt roofs dampen that noise. However, they do need more frequent maintenance and repairs than metal roofing. They are more susceptible to damage from high winds, heavy snow, wildfires and other extreme weather events.
Metal roofs are more durable than shingle roofs in the face of extreme weather. They require very little maintenance, because they’re very hard to damage. You’ll need to clean your metal roof occasionally, but that’s about it. Metal roofs also help regulate your home’s temperature. They reflect heat to keep your home cooler in the summer. In the winter, they help trap heat indoors so your family stays cozy. The downside to metal roofs is that they cost more up-front.
Beyond budget, then, it really comes down to your tastes. We recommended visiting our store to see our products for yourself. You’ll be surprised at just how many customization options you have.
Metal lasts longer than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are more expensive to purchase and install, but they have an expected lifespan of 50-75 years. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are expected to last 20-25 years from installation.
You can learn even more about roofing materials in our blog!
Yes, winter weather can damage a roof. This is especially true if your roof is aging, or if your current roofing materials are not high quality. High winds can tear away shingles, precipitation can lead to water damage, and heavy snow and ice can even cause portions of weak roofs to collapse. Thankfully, you can protect your home with quality roofing supplies from industry-leading brands at Astro UP in Rock, Michigan.
Roofing can be done in the winter, but it requires more care and planning on the contractor’s part in order to keep both the building materials and the roofers safe. So, it may take longer than having your roofing done in the summer. But contractors will be happy to help, especially if you have a true roofing emergency. Just call around and see which local roofer is best equipped to give you a hand.
Yes, minor to moderate roof damage can usually be repaired. Roofing repair companies can help you take care of missing shingles, minor leaks, minor tree or weather damage, damaged flashing and other common issues. But in the case of severe structural and/or widespread damage, you may need a roof replacement–especially if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Here are some signs that indicate it may be time for a roof replacement:
Keep track of how old your roof is. Metal roofs may last 50-75 years before needing a replacement. If your shingle roof is nearing the 20-25 year range, it’s probably time for a replacement, even if it looks alright from the outside. Not all signs of damage are immediately obvious.
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