Metal Roofing vs. Shingles: What Are the Benefits?

There are many roofing materials on the market. Many residential homeowners choose between metal roofing and asphalt shingles. Your premier Greenville roofing company has put together the pros and cons of metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles roofing materials.

There are many factors you should consider before buying a roofing material. Your choice of roofing material is crucial because it will affect the roof’s lifespan, durability, and performance. Climate conditions are an essential factor to consider when choosing a roofing material. Some roofing materials don’t do well in coastal areas.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material in Greenville

Here is a list of factors you should consider before choosing a roofing material.

• Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is using less energy to perform the same task, reducing energy waste. Roofing materials like metal and shingles can reflect the sun’s heat away from your home. Energy-efficient roofing will help make your home cool and comfortable. This will help reduce the energy bills in your house.
• Cost: Your budget affects the type of roofing material you can buy. Some roofing materials are more expensive than others. Aside from the roofing material cost, you must consider labor costs and contingencies.
• Climate Conditions: Considering your area’s climate conditions is vital before selecting a roofing material. Some roofing materials last longer in certain climate conditions than others. It is always better to talk to a roofing expert in your city to help you choose the best roofing material that can withstand the climate conditions.
• Maintenance: Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of the roof. When choosing a roofing material, consider how you will maintain it. How much will it cost to hire a professional to keep the roof?
• Longevity: Different roofing materials have different lifespans. Materials like metal last longer than other roofing materials. Yes, it is expensive, but when compared to its lifespan, it is worth the upfront investment.
• Resilience: Roofs are susceptible to the elements. Choosing a roofing material that can withstand the weather in your area will save a lot.

Now that we have discussed the essential factor to consider when choosing a roofing material, let’s talk about the benefits of metal roofing vs. asphalt shingle roofing.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Here are some factors that make metal roofing an excellent choice for homeowners.

Longevity: This is the area where metal roofing outshines asphalt shingles. The average lifespan of metal roofing is between 40 and 70 years. It can last longer than that with proper and regular maintenance. If you plan to live in your house for a lifetime, then you would want to consider choosing metal roofing sheets for your roof.

Durability: Metal roofs can withstand wear, pressure, and damage. Metal roofing is fire resistant and can withstand falling objects. Opting for metal roofs is a great choice because they are resistant to rot and mildew.

Eco-friendly: Metal roofings are more eco-friendly than asphalt shingles because they are 100% recyclable materials. You can also recycle them after re-roofing.

Low maintenance: Metal roofings don’t lose granules like asphalt shingles. Their high durability property ensures that there’s a need for minimal maintenance. Minimal maintenance means fewer costs.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are highly reflective. They can reflect the heat from the sun. This helps keep your home cool and comfortable, reducing energy costs.

Aesthetics: Metal roofings come in unique designs and metals such as aluminum, zinc, copper, steel, and tin. They come in different colors, giving you a variety to choose from.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

There are also downsides to choosing metal roofing.

Expensive: The upfront cost of metal roofing is costly. While asphalt shingle costs are $1 to $5 per square foot, metal roofing costs $5 to $14 per square foot.

Damage: Some metal roofing materials are susceptible to corrosion and rust. Heavy hailstorms can cause dents on your roof, which might not be an appealing sight. Metal roofings don’t perform well in coastal areas.

Home Owners Association Restrictions: If the HOA governs your neighborhood, there might be restrictions on whether you can install a metal roof. They might also restrict you to the color and style you can use. It’s crucial to consult them before starting your roofing project.

A small pool of contractors: Only a handful of roofing companies offer metal roofing services. This can make getting the best roofing service in your city challenging. When you can get an experienced metal roof installer, it sometimes takes a long time for them to come to your aid because of a long waiting list.

Hard to Install: Metal roofing is more complex to install than asphalt shingles. This also increases the labor cost since you’ll need an experienced roofer for installation.

Advantages of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle is a popular roofing system in the United States. They have remarkable properties that make them the go-to roofing material for many homeowners in the U.S.

Economical: Asphalt roofs are cheap. They cost $1 to $5 per square foot. Aside from its affordability, you have a wide range of quality shingles.

Easy to Install: Installing asphalt shingles is easier and faster as compared to metal roofing

A large pool of contractors: Shingle roofs are easy to install and popular. This means you can quickly get experienced roofing contractors who can offer your services.

Warranty coverage: Manufacturers and many roofing contractors give high warranty options on coverage asphalt shingles because of their popularity on the market.

Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles

The following are drawbacks to asphalt shingles.

Not environmentally friendly: The materials they used to make asphalt shingles are not recyclable. This puts a lot of risk on the homeowner to find an eco-friendly way to dispose of his damaged asphalt shingle.

Shorter Lifespan: Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years compared to metal roofing, which lasts over 50 years.

Frequent repairs: The materials they used to make asphalt shingles are not the most durable materials. They are vulnerable to the elements. Asphalt shingles also have problems, such as granule loss, buckling, and curling shingles. They are susceptible to mold and mildew growth. This means you will have regular maintenance and repair for asphalt roofing systems.

Hire the Best Roofing Company in Greenville

We’ve talked about the benefits of metal roofs and asphalt shingles. I have good news for you if you are looking for an experienced metal roofing or asphalt shingle roofing company. Lanier Roofing is your premier Greenville residential roofing company that offers the best roofing contractors.

We care for all your roofing needs: roof installation, repairs, replacement, and re-roofing. It doesn’t matter the roofing material you choose. We have the expertise to handle the roofing installation. Contact us today.