Metal Roofing vs Shingles –
Which One is Right for You?
When people think of roofing material, do they think of Metal Roofing? Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles have long been the most common residential roofing system in recent years, metal roofing has started to gain popularity. There are many homes in Anderson, Muncie, Noblesville and Fishers that you’ll find with metal roofs these days. We know, because we have been installing them for many of our customers in East Central Indiana and the surrounding communities!
So which is the better for your home – a metal vs shingles roof? If you ask most roofers, they might automatically suggest asphalt shingles simply because that’s what they have experience with. However, metal roofing has a lot to offer so you shouldn’t automatically dismiss it just because some people can’t install it. Ace Construction, East Central Indiana contractors, can do this skillfully.
If you really want to know which roofing system is right for you, keep reading. We’ve put together a quick guide comparing metal roofing vs shingles. By the time you finish this article you’ll be more informed in the decision making for your home.
Comparison: Metal
vs Shingles Roof
There are several differences to be found between traditional asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Here are just a few of the biggest ones:
Durability: When installed and maintained correctly, East Central Indiana roofs made from asphalt shingles can be pretty tough. In fact, most asphalt roofs carry warranties for up to 20 years or more. While that sounds impressive, metal roofing has the upper hand when it comes to longevity. If you want to know how long a metal roof will last, multiply the lifetime of an asphalt roof by three.
Yep, that’s right – metal roofing will last three times longer than your average asphalt shingle roof. If you stay in the same home for sixty years, you can either have three asphalt shingles roofs installed versus one metal roof. Pretty shocking, huh? But the comparisons are not yet done. Next, we come to…
Cost: If you want a roof that lasts for 60 years, you’re going to have to pay for it. Metal roofing does cost quite a bit more upfront compared to an asphalt shingle roof. To have metal roofing installed on your home, you could be paying anywhere from $4.50 to $9.00 a square foot, depending on the type of metal you choose. Compare that to asphalt shingles, which comes in at $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot of roofing space.
It’s clear that asphalt roofing has the advantage when it comes to metal roof vs shingles price, but when you consider the fact that you’ll need to install three of these roofs during your lifetime, it levels the playing field a bit. Looks like we might need a tie-breaker. For that, we’ll check in on…
Energy Efficiency: This one is a tough one. Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing do very well in the winter, keeping your home warm, just as they should. But when summer time rolls around in East Central Indiana and your family is trying to stay cool, it’s a metal roof you’ll need.
Metal roofing does an excellent job of keeping the sun’s rays at bay. The reflective surface of metal reduces the amount of heat that gets transferred to your home, which can lower your energy bills by a whopping 40% in the summer. Asphalt shingles just can’t compete with that. Asphalt roofs are notorious for allowing heat absorption into the home during warmer months. So when it comes to energy-efficiency and a metal vs shingles roof, metal is the winner.
How to Choose Between Metal Roofing vs Shingles
So which is better a metal roof or shingles? While metal roofing does have a bit of an advantage over asphalt shingles, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you want to have one roof that lasts for a lifetime while reducing your energy costs and you don’t mind paying a large sum up front, then metal roofing sounds like a good fit.
But asphalt shingles have been a popular option for years because they, too, do the job they’re designed for – protecting your home, family and belongings from the elements. Yes, you’ll be spending more money on your air conditioning bill but that might be a sacrifice you’re willing to make.
Whichever option you choose, you will now understand each advantage.
Asphalt and metal roofing are both available in a variety of styles and colors to match the unique character of your home. Both types of roofing will protect your home and look good while doing it.
If you’d like to explore your roofing options in more detail, call the knowledgeable professionals at Ace Construction & Remodeling at 877-644-3030. If it’s more convenient, complete our contact form. We have ample experience working with a variety of roofing materials including metal roofing, asphalt shingles and flat roofing systems. We hope to talk with you soon!
