The roof is not only the first line of defense against weather and other harsh conditions, but also is an integral feature in determining the overall look and feel of your home. This is why many people struggle over choosing a metal roof vs. shingles. Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? Which will last longer? Today, we’ll be going over questions like these, helping you decide whether metal or shingle roofing is your best choice.
Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?
Metal roofing is the second most popular material behind asphalt shingles. Metal is generally more expensive than shingles. However, depending on the factors surrounding your roof installation and roofing project in general (such as material prices and labor costs), sometimes metal is cheaper. Those are special cases, so it’s more likely that metal will have a higher cost upfront.
A metal roof can last almost twice as long as asphalt shingles. If it’s about twice the price initially, in the long run, it’s comparable to the cost of shingles. Plus, there might be some tax credits you can get from owning a metal roof.
Why choose a metal roof over shingles?
Many homeowners opt to install metal roofing due to its durability, resistance to fire and wind damage, energy efficiency, long life span, eco-friendly production process, and shock resistance.
Why choose shingles over a metal roof?
Shingle roofs are generally cheaper to construct than metal roofs. Shingles are lighter than metal, thus easier to carry and install. They’re much easier to handle when it comes to minor DIY repairs. Asphalt shingles are tried and true, and the choice of the majority of homeowners across the country.
Metal Roof Vs. Shingles – Pros and Cons
Metal Pros:
- Metal is resistant to fire and is a strong deterrent against wind damage.
- It’s known to be more environmentally friendly than shingles, since it’s usually recycled and recyclable.
- It’s catching up to shingles in customization. Metal roofs don’t have to resemble a barn – with new styles that come in different colors and mimic different materials like slate and shingles, you can easily adjust the appearance of your roof.
- Metal roofs come with warranties that are so long, you won’t need to worry about a possible replacement for many decades. On average, they can last 30-50 years. It’s even possible that a metal roof could last up to 70 years.
- Although metal is more expensive upfront, it lasts much longer, so it’ll end up costing a similar amount to shingles in the long run. It can even be cheaper if you qualify for tax credits associated with having a metal roof. They’re also more efficient when it comes to temperature control, so they may help you save money on your energy bills as well.
- Snow melts much easier on a metal roof, and they’re much less likely to form ice dams.
Metal Cons:
- Despite their long lifespan, metal roofs can dent and damage from some extreme situations like fallen branches or heavy hailstorms. Some metals are stronger than others, so do some research on the type of metal that will suit your needs, as far as strength goes.
- Metal roofs are harder to install. The process will be longer, more expensive, and need to be more precise than shingles. You can curb this if your roof is still healthy by getting a light metal layer installed on top.
- Metal is heavier than asphalt shingles, which means that metal roofs require more support from an underlayment or plywood to keep them securely in place.
Shingle Pros:
- Between a metal roof vs. shingles, asphalt shingles are the cheaper option. They cost much less initially.
- Shingles are also lighter than metal, which means that they do not require heavy materials to keep it securely in place. These materials could be plywood or an underlayment.
- Shingles are a breeze to repair and install. Plenty of companies specialize in them, so it’s easier and cheaper to get a professional and high-quality installation on your home.
- Shingles can come in a wide variety of styles. If you’re very focused on having an aesthetically pleasing home in addition to function, this roofing style is highly customizable. Shingles can look like wood, slate, and many other materials. They can also be cut into beautiful shapes and come in a wide variety of colors.
Shingle Cons:
- Shingles are more susceptible to moisture and water damage. They are more prone to things like ice damming and moss growth, which can cause leaks throughout your home. This is why their warranties are around half that of a metal roof: 15-30 years, based on your location.
- Asphalt shingles require more frequent replacements, and they don’t recycle. They are less sustainable, since you add more trash to landfills every time you get a roof replacement.
So, what’s the best type of roof for me?
In the battle of a metal roof vs. shingles, which one will you choose? If you like the idea of a material that is durable, energy efficient, long-lasting and an environmentally-conscious choice for your home’s exterior, metal is probably your best bet. However, if you want something cheaper, lighter, and easier to install and repair, shingles are the way to go.
