Roofing Options Compared

The roof is arguably the most important component of your home. Are you planning to replace your roof, or weighing the options of purchasing a home with an asphalt roof over a metal roof? Read on and learn about the pros and cons of asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing.

Affordability:

When making a decision on roofing material, the number one consideration is often affordability. Asphalt shingles are much less expensive than metal roofing, as they are less costly to purchase and install. The affordability of shingles is the reason that four out of five roofs are asphalt. Just how much less expensive are asphalt shingles? Although metal roofing costs have come down over the years, consumer can still expect to spend around three times as much compared to asphalt shingles.

Durability:

Asphalt shingles are durable and can be expected to last up to 20 years if properly maintained. Proper maintenance includes removing moss, mildew, and algae on a regular basis. However, don’t forget to consider the weather in your area. Shingles can be vulnerable to severe weather conditions such as high-winds, excessive ice, and large hail.

On the other hand, metal roofing can be guaranteed for up to 60 years, and is also far more durable to extreme weather. Contractors say metal roofing is excellent at preventing leaks, offers good wind resistance, and has the added benefit of being fireproof. In fact, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance, home buyers can see up to a 30 percent reduction in premiums for weather-resistant metal roofs from insurance companies.

Desirability:

Although metal roofing used to be reserved for barns and industrial buildings, it has become very trendy and the preferred medium of many architects. There are many different types of metal roofing materials in various colors and textures that can add more character to a home than the standard run-of-the-mill asphalt shingle.

Metal roofs also appeal to the environmentally conscious as they create a market for recycled steel from old cars, dishwashers, or refrigerators and have been proven to save a homeowner up to 25 percent in cooling costs.

If you are planning to be in your home for quite a while and you want to avoid replacing your roof, a metal roof may be worth considering. However, many homeowners just don’t see the need to spend the extra money when weighing the added benefits. When the difference equates to a few thousand dollars, a trip to Hawaii can seem a lot more enticing than a metal roof.