What’s the Difference? Metal Roofs vs.
Asphalt Shingles
If you are building a home or are looking to replace your existing roof, you might be wondering what the difference is between a metal roof and an asphalt roof.
Although an asphalt roof is the most common choice for homeowners around the nation, a metal roof is a good option for those living in South Carolina. Due to the tumultuous conditions that hurricane season can bring, having a sturdy roof that can withstand just about anything the weather can throw at it is imperative.
And although a metal roof might be a bigger investment upfront, the additional cost will save you money over the long term. So, how does a metal roof differ from an asphalt roof?
A Metal Roof
Although both roofing materials are outstanding and will last a very long time if installed correctly, there are times when one might be slightly better than the other. A metal roof is made from corrugated tin panels that have a classic and rugged look. And metal roofing material comes in various textures and colors to match whatever style you are looking to create.
Although more expensive to install, a metal roof has a life expectancy of anywhere from forty to seventy years. When you compare that to the average lifespan of a shingle roof, which is somewhere around fifteen to thirty years, a metal roof is a much longer investment.
Eco-Friendly
Metal roofing material can come in tins that can be made from anywhere from 15% to 65% recycled material. But once a metal roof has run its course, the leftover material is always 100% recyclable.
Estimates are that as many as one billion tons of landfill waste are attributed to asphalt shingles every year. So metal roofing is a much more eco-friendly contribution to the environment. It also provides a lot more energy-efficiency. A metal roof saves you energy consumption both during the cold winter days and the brutally hot summer ones.
But it is an Investment
One major difference between a metal roof and a shingle roof is cost. A metal roof can cost upwards of two times that of an asphalt shingle roof. But the investment that you make at the beginning is well worth it for the savings over time in energy costs and longevity. Also, metal roofs are much heavier, depending on the gauge that you get. So make sure that you have the structural integrity to take the extra load that it can put on your home’s foundation. One last difference is the fire resistibility that a metal roof provides. It won’t catch fire due to downed electrical lines or a house fire.
If you are deciding whether an asphalt shingle or metal roof is a better option to replace your roof or for new construction, some differences set the two apart. Which one is better for you? It depends on what your budget is, what type of look you are looking for, and how eco-friendly you want to be. To discuss which roofing material is better for your situation, contact the roofing experts at Pioneer Roofing today. We will walk you through the pros and cons of making your metal roofing or shingle roofing decision.
