If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be considering asphalt shingle roofing vs. metal roofing. Considerations for each roofing material include costs, style, durability, and longevity.
At the Roofing Center, we offer top-of-the-line roofing materials, including asphalt shingles and metal roofing, to our Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho customers. In this guide, we’ll discuss considerations when deciding between these two roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
In the US, asphalt shingles have long been a popular roofing material, accounting for more than 70% of all sloped, residential roofs. This roofing material is made from fiberglass, asphalt, rock granules, and sealant.
If you’re considering this roofing material, it’s important to note the pros and cons. The pros include:
- affordability
- low profile
- lightweight
- fire-resistant
- high availability
- numerous color and style options.
- blends in with many HOA neighborhoods
Additionally, since asphalt shingles aren’t a specialty or niche roofing material, it’s easy to find reputable roofers who are experienced in asphalt shingle installation.
However, asphalt shingles can come with a few cons that you should take into consideration when weighing them against metal roofing. The cons are as follows:
- they only last 15-30 years, which is not nearly as long as properly installed high-quality metal roofs
- can require more maintenance than metal roofs
- can be more prone to water damage and more vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles
- can be affected by mold and mildew growth
Overall, asphalt shingles are a great, economical choice, reflected in the vast popularity of this roofing material across the US. If availability, a classic appearance, and affordability are your primary factors, asphalt shingles can be a great option for you. At the Roofing Center, we are proud to work with Owens Corning and Malarkey as our asphalt shingle manufacturers.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has long been a favored roofing material for rural homeowners and many agricultural and industrial applications. Many types of metal roofing exist and can provide a sleek, cozy country, or edgy industrial look to your building.
The following are pros of installing a metal roof:
- long life span- often over 50 years
- lightweight, and typically ⅓ the weight of asphalt shingles
- durable
- easy to maintain and install
- provides a lovely, sleek appearance
- reflects UV rays and keeps energy costs down
- easily sheds water and snow
- resistant to mold and mildew growth
- high-quality metal roofs are fire, hail, and high-wind resistant
- sustainable
As you can see, the benefits of installing a metal roof are numerous. They’re truly a fantastic option, and we’re seeing the popularity of modern metal roofing materials, like stone-coated steel, skyrocketing in the last decade.
However, there can also be some downsides to installing a metal roof, and they are as follows:
- more expensive than asphalt shingles
- can be loud in rainy weather if sound-buffering materials are not installed
- large panels can be more difficult to repair or replace than individual shingles
If durability, appearance, longevity, and energy efficiency are your main considerations when choosing a new roofing material, a metal roof may be the perfect fit for you. At the Roofing Center, we only work with top-of-the-line manufacturers to provide high-quality metal roofs to our customers.
Contact the Pros at the Roofing Center for Your Asphalt Shingle Roofing vs Metal Roofing Considerations
At the Roofing Center, we understand that choosing the roofing material for your home or business is a critical decision, and our dedicated, expert team of roofing professionals is here to help. If you’re considering asphalt shingle roofing vs. metal roofing for your new roof installation, contact us today and find out how we assist you!
