Should I Choose a Metal or Shingle Roof?
When it comes to roofing, most homeowners choose one of two options: the enduring metal roof or the traditional shingle roof. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, meaning that choosing the right one for your home requires careful consideration. In this blog, we will review the pros and cons of metal roofs and shingle roofs, providing you with the valuable insight you need to make this important decision.
We’ll look at various factors, including cost, lifespan, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and noise level to help you understand the costs and benefits of each roofing type. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which option best suits your needs and preferences. Count on Astro UP to help you make a wise investment in your home’s protection and curb appeal.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
What is Metal Roofing?
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles were invented right here in Michigan in 1903. The invention is credited to Henry Reynolds, a roofing contractor from Grand Rapids. In the 120 years since, asphalt shingles have become the most popular roofing material in America.
Asphalt shingles are also called composite shingles. This is because they are not made of pure asphalt, but rather a composite of asphalt, mineral granules, and either fiberglass or cellulose.
What is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing can be made from a wide variety of different metals, including copper, aluminum, steel and tin. It is the second most popular roofing material in the United States, after asphalt shingles.
Metal roofing has a much longer history than asphalt shingles do. It has been used in houses all over the world for centuries. Of course, modern metal roofing is far superior thanks to many decades of technological advances.
Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles became the most popular roofing material on the market thanks to their long list of advantages. The main draw for most homeowners is that asphalt shingles are cheaper to purchase and install. Of course, the cost depends on which type of shingles you opt for. Unsurprisingly, basic shingles will be your cheapest option, while luxury shingles (which are made of thicker material and may feature other benefits, such as enhanced impact resistance) will cost more.
Asphalt shingles are also easy to work with, and any roofers you hire will have plenty of experience handling these materials. Their versatility and simple design means that asphalt shingles can be adapted to cover many different roof shapes and styles.
Additionally, asphalt shingles offer an impressive lifespan. On average, asphalt shingles can be expected to last 20-25 years from installation. Naturally, this depends on a few factors, including exposure to difficult weather conditions. However, keeping up to date on roof maintenance will help extend their lifespan.
Another major advantage of asphalt shingles is their quietness. If you’ve ever been in a house with a metal roof, you know that it can amplify certain noises from outside. Asphalt, on the other hand, tends to dampen sound. Rain, for instance, will be noticeably louder in a house with a metal roof than in one with an asphalt roof.
Nothing is perfect, not even asphalt shingles. Though they are a great option, they do come with some drawbacks. First and foremost, they are more susceptible to weather damage than metal roofs. Extreme weather of any kind (including hurricanes, wildfires, or heavy snow) can shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Because of this, they will likely need more frequent repair and replacement than metal roofing.
CertainTeed Shingles
Astro UP carries CertainTeed shingles, the most trusted and advanced brand of composite shingles on the market. CertainTeed shingles come in a range of colors and styles to suit any homeowner’s tastes. If you’re looking for shingles for your roof, this is the brand to rely on.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is having a moment. In addition to being a smart, practical choice, it’s also currently a chic and trendy option with extra curb appeal. Gone are the days of boring, drab metal roofs. Today’s products come in a huge variety of styles and colors.
Besides looking good, metal roofing has plenty of other advantages. First and foremost, metal roofing offers impressive durability. Metal roofs have an average expected lifespan of 50-75 years, and can last even longer in ideal conditions. Their longevity is second-to-none, making them an excellent option for homeowners who like to plan well into the future.
Like asphalt shingles, metal roofs are impacted by weather conditions. However, metal roofs are more resistant to extreme weather and do ot take on water damage as easily as asphalt shingles. This makes them a particularly smart choice for homes in heavy rain or heavy snow areas.
Speaking of weather, metal roofs can help regulate the temperature in your house. In the summer, these roofs will reflect heat, keeping your home cooler. In the winter, they will help trap heat indoors. Taking advantage of a metal roof’s unique properties may save you money on energy bills in the long term.
Just like asphalt shingles, metal roofing has its cons, too. The number one drawback of metal roofing is its cost. Metal roofing is more expensive upfront to purchase and install. If you’re interested in metal roofing, it might be worth the time to sit down and calculate the initial expense against potential long term savings to see if it is truly the best choice for your home. Additionally, metal roofing is heavier, so it’s important to address any potential load-bearing issues with your home before you decide to invest in a metal roof.
Metal Sales Roofing
Astro UP carries metal roofing products from Metal Sales, a brand recognized industry-wide for its wide selection of durable, versatile and aesthetically appealing products. Trusted by professionals across the board, Metal Sales Roofing products will guarantee that you get the most from your investment.
For Metal Roofing or Asphalt Shingles, Visit Astro UP in Rock, Michigan!
Roofing is a big decision. Your roof needs to protect your home from the elements and look good doing it. We hope this blog gave you some valuable insight into the pros and cons of the two most popular roofing materials and helped you make your decision.
Regardless of whether you select metal roofing or asphalt shingles for your home, be sure that you visit a reputable building supplier when it comes time to purchase your roofing products. Astro UP in Rock, Michigan has been providing the Upper Peninsula’s building supplies for decades. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with any questions or concerns, and we’re proud to offer the finest products on the market.
