We're going to take a closer look at metal vs. shingle roofing, giving you a helpful guide that can help you make the right choice for your home. As you read, you'll learn:
● The pros and cons of metalroofing
● The pros and cons of shingle roofing
● Considerations for choosing the best type of roof for your home
Even if you've only begun to think about replacing your roof, you're likely well aware that a new roof is a major investment. So, it's understandable that many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the prospect of managing a roof replacement project, especially when selecting the type of roof that suits their needs.
There are many options to consider for roofing materials, which is both an advantage and a serious challenge. Although you have a wide range of possibilities available, narrowing it down to just one can be extremely difficult. But there's good news: there's not necessarily a single "best" roof type.Instead, each style presents its own pros and cons. This means that once you have a better understanding of the options out there, you can make a confident and informed decision.
AtKline Exteriors, we take great pride in serving our customers with integrity.That's why we make it a priority to provide you with honest, factual information that will help you choose roofing that matches your wants, needs, budget, and style. We're going to be comparing the two most widely-used roofing options: shingles and metal roofs. By the time you're done reading, you'll know which is the better option for your home.
Metal Roofing
When you're comparing metal and shingle roofing, metal is easily the more complex option. The installation process requires extensive training, experience, and highly specific techniques, as well as far more pieces and parts for successful completion.
But even so, metal roofs are among the most common types chosen by homeowners today. Offering a multitude of benefits, metal roofing can be a solid choice for many homes.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
● Lightweight: Metal is a lightweight, easy-to-handle material. Not only does this make installation less labor-intensive, but it also minimizes any unnecessary stress on your home's structure. As a result, you reduce the risk of frame damage and protect the overall integrity of the house.
● Longevity: On average, metal roofs last a minimum of 50 years before showing any signs of degradation. Some metals, like zinc and copper, can maintain their quality for 100 years or more.
● Lower cost in the long term: Initially, metal roofing does come with a higher cost. But when you calculate the long-term cost, factoring in its typical lifespan, a metal roof generally ends up being far less expensive.
Here's another way to think of it: say your metal roof lasts about 60 years, which is about average for this roofing type. Within that same 60-year time frame, you would have replaced an asphalt shingle roof about three times (this type has a lifespan of 15-20 years). Add it all up, and the metal roof is a better buy.
● Resistant to fire: Most metal roofing materials are non-combustible and Class A fire-rated. This means that metal roofs are the most fire-resistant type, a major plus for homeowners living in areas prone to wildfires.
● High-performance weather endurance: What's the most weather-resistant roofing material? Metal easily takes that title. When correctly installed, metal roofing can withstand snow, hail, ice, strong winds, driving rain, and extreme heat and cold.
● Low maintenance: Caring for a metal roof is usually as simple as removing debris and cleaning the gutters twice a year (and after storms). Otherwise, upkeep is minimal.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
● Higher initial investment: Metal roofing is indeed more expensive upfront. The higher cost is due to the expense of materials, labor, and equipment. But as we mentioned previously, it often ends up being a better value in the long term.
● Correct installation is necessary: We wouldn't necessarily say that the need for proper installation is a disadvantage of metal roofing. Rather, the challenge is finding qualified, experienced metal roof installers that can complete the task - it's a skill set that's simply not as common (that is, unless you choose Kline Exteriors).
● HOA or municipality objections: Depending on your community, your Homeowners Association or a similar governing board may not allow metal roofing. This may be because a metal roof doesn't align with the general aesthetic of the community or because of potential issues with light glare.
Shingle Roofing
No matter where you look, spotting a shingle roof is as easy as opening your eyes. Shingles are a tried-and-true, traditional roofing material that has been around for generations. A lower upfront cost, easier installation, and hassle-free access to materials are among the benefits of shingle roofs that make them so popular.
Advantages of Shingle Roofing
● Lower up-front cost: As we discussed earlier, shingle roofs cost less initially. On average, you can expect to pay about half of what you would for a metal roof. Obviously, this appeals to many homeowners and is one of the biggest reasons people choose shingles. It's important to remember that, despite the affordable investment initially, shingle roofs can end up costing more due to their shorter lifespan.
● Easy installation, replacement, and repair: Shingles require far less time and labor, including when they're installed, replaced, and repaired. A large majority of shingle styles can be individually removed, replaced, and repaired. So, if there is an issue, it's usually not too expensive to fix.
● Warranty coverage: Manufacturer warranties cover many of the potential problems with shingle roofing, including defective materials, algae growth, or manufacturer error. Your contractor may also provide a warranty for the installation.
Disadvantages of Shingle Roofing
● Shorter lifespan: Plan to replace your shingle roof within 10-20 years, with 25 years being the absolute longest you can expect it to last. If you're prepared to tackle this project once every decade or two, then this might not be a major drawback in your eyes.
● Damages more easily: Extreme weather conditions can damage shingle roofing, with shingles being more vulnerable to damage from wind, snow, and hail. For this reason, many homeowners are moving towards numerous layers of architectural shingles for extra protection.
● Fewer color options: While metal roofing comes in an incredibly diverse spectrum of shades, shingles are usually limited to dark, neutral colors. Because asphalt and granite are used to make shingles, it is extremely difficult to create vibrant or lighter shades.
Kline Exteriors: Your Trusted Provider for Roof Replacement in Dundee, OH
For more than a quarter of a century, Kline Exteriors has provided exceptional-quality exterior renovations to Ohio homeowners. We strive to deliver the very best in customer service, premium products, and outstanding craftsmanship for every project, big or small. Our team understands that being trusted with a family's home is both an honor and an obligation to exceed their every expectation.
Exterior home renovations such as roof replacement can enhance curb appeal, boost comfort and safety, and even add to the value of your home. But first, you'll need to find an experienced team with the skill and dedication to do the job right.
For more information about what makes Kline Exteriors one of the leading home exterior renovators in Ohio, or for a free quote for your roof replacement, contact us today.