Whether you are installing a new roof on your existing home or you are building a new home, choosing the right roof is vital. Your roof is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home and, in return, it protects and shields you, your family, and your belongings from the damaging elements.
When you’re choosing a new roof, there are many options available to you. Two of the most popular are traditional asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are universally popular for their affordability, reliability, and ease of maintenance, but metal roofs are close behind for their longevity, durability, and the endless selection of styles and colors.
Every home is different, and there are cases where either kind of roof could be the best pick. So we created this guide for you to help walk you through the pros and cons of each. Hopefully, it will answer your questions and help you decide on a material for your new roof!
Don’t Compromise on Style
When you’re choosing between an asphalt roof and a metal roof, luckily style is not something you’ll have to sacrifice, no matter what choice you make. Shingle roofs are one of the most traditional styles around, but nowadays, they also come in options that can mimic wood shakes, tile, and even slate! Straight edge, rounded edge, or scalloped edge, and in a host of colors and finishes, you’re sure to find something that works for you.
When you picture metal roofs, many people picture the corrugated tin metal roofs of yesteryear. While these are still popular in the agricultural space, they are not a representation of what a metal roof can truly do to elevate your home’s style. Metal roofing is very versatile and comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles. Because metal takes paint so well, you can often even have custom colors mixed for a one-of-a-kind roof.
So the good news is that with either a metal or an asphalt roof, you won’t have to sacrifice your vision for its curb appeal. Instead, you can focus on performance and cost.
Consider Durability
We’ll give you the verdict right off the bat – metal roofs tend to be much more durable and long-lasting than asphalt shingles. They’re basically Mother Nature-proof and their average lifespan is 40-70 years. And they usually have a 30-50 year manufacturer’s warranty to back that up.
Despite their durability, metal roofs do have some downsides. While their strength can protect your home from a falling tree limb better than an asphalt shingle roof, they are typically installed in large panels and if they’re dented, it can be expensive to repair. Asphalt shingles can be replaced just in the damaged areas if needed. But this depends on the type of metal you choose for your home as well. Copper, for instance, will dent much easier than steel.
Asphalt roofs have much shorter lifespans by comparison. The average roof lasts around 15-30 years depending on your environment and how well it is maintained. Pooling water, algae growth, ice dams, temperature spikes, and hail can all cause weathering, damage, and granule loss, which shortens the lifespan of your roof.
Metal Roofs Are More Expensive
Although you’ll get a lot more time and protection from a metal roof, it does come with a cost. Metal roofs can run from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet (the wide range will depend on which type of metal you choose – copper being the most expensive). By comparison, asphalt roofs are around $100 to $200 per 100 square feet. And unfortunately, the installation will also cost you more with a metal roof because the tools and skills required are specialized.
If you will be in your home for the long term, a metal roof may quickly pay itself off because you will never have to replace it. Additionally, many insurance companies offer extra discounts on metal roofs specifically because they are so durable. You’ll also find that you’re saving significantly on energy bills because metal roofs are so energy efficient.
But if you’re only going to be in the home a few years, it may be best to go with an asphalt shingle roof, since there won’t be time for you to recoup your expenses.