The roof of a house is one of the most important elements of a home. It protects the home from the elements, enhances the look of the house, and increases its overall value. Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for ensuring that your roof lasts long and serves you well. In this blog, we will be comparing two of the most popular roofing materials- asphalt shingles and metal roofing- to help you determine which one is right for your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. They are made from a fiberglass mat that is coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. They are durable, affordable, and come in a wide range of colors and styles.

Advantages of Asphalt Shingles

Affordable: Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available, making them an attractive option for homeowners who are on a budget.

Easy to Install: Asphalt shingles are easy to install, which can result in lower installation costs.

Wide Range of Colors and Styles: Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose the look that best suits their home.

Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles

Limited Lifespan: The lifespan of asphalt shingles is limited, usually lasting between 15-20 years.

Susceptible to Damage: Asphalt shingles are susceptible to damage from severe weather conditions, such as strong winds and hail.

Not Energy Efficient: Asphalt shingles do not provide the same level of insulation as metal roofing, which can result in higher energy bills.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is made from a variety of metals, including aluminum, steel, and copper. Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability, energy efficiency, and attractive appearance.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Durable: Metal roofing is extremely durable and can last for 50 years or more.

Energy Efficient: Metal roofing is energy efficient, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Attractive: Metal roofing comes in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose the look that best suits their home.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Expensive: Metal roofing is one of the more expensive roofing materials, which can be a drawback for homeowners who are on a budget.

Noisy: Metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rain or hail storms, which can be a nuisance for some homeowners.

Requires Professional Installation: Metal roofing requires professional installation, which can result in higher installation costs.

Comparison of Asphalt and Metal Roofing

Cost: Asphalt shingles are more affordable than metal roofing, making them a good option for homeowners who are on a budget.

Durability: Metal roofing is much more durable than asphalt shingles, with a lifespan of 50 years or more.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing is more energy efficient than asphalt shingles, helping to reduce energy bills.

Aesthetics: Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose the look that best suits their home.

Maintenance: Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing require minimal maintenance, although metal roofing may require occasional cleaning.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Asphalt and Metal Roofing

When choosing between asphalt shingles and metal roofing, there are several factors to consider, including:

Climate: The climate in your area can play a role in which roofing material is right for your home. For example, metal roofing may be a better option in areas with heavy rainfall or snow, as it is more durable and resistant to the elements.

Home Style: The style of your home can also play a role in which roofing material you choose. For example, a metal roof may not be the best option for a traditional-style home, while an asphalt shingle roof may not be the best option for a modern-style home.

Budget: As mentioned, both asphalt shingles and metal roofing have pros and cons in terms of cost, so it is important to consider your budget when choosing a roofing material.

Lifestyle: If you prefer a quieter home, you may want to consider asphalt shingles, as metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rain or hail storms.

Future Plans: It is also essential to consider your future plans for your home. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, a metal roof may add more value to your home, while an asphalt shingle roof may not.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right roofing material for your home is important for ensuring that your roof lasts long and serves you well. Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing have their pros and cons, so it is important to consider your budget, climate, home style, lifestyle, and future plans when choosing a roofing material. We hope this blog has helped you determine which roofing material is right for your home. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Econo Roofing. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you choose the right roofing material for your home.