Asphalt vs. Metal
You’ve seen metal roofs on commercial buildings and barns, but what about metal roof installation on a home? Why would anyone want metal roofing on their home as opposed to asphalt shingles? What is the better choice for a home in New Orleans or the surrounding area: Metal roofing vs asphalt shingle roofing? What are the Metal roof installation benefits that make metal roof so intriguing for a homeowner?
Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and have a long history of reliability. All of this has made them a popular choice for years. Today, metal roof installation has gained an edge with its durability, long-lifespan, options in Metal roof installation types, and styles, making it the next popular choice in roofing.
Asphalt and metal roof installation are both great options for residential purposes, but is one better for you than the other? What are the disadvantages of a metal roof? Let’s review the facts on these two roofing materials and discover the pros and cons that can help make your decision:
When it comes to architectural style, both are winners.
Asphalt shingle roof installation has that traditional look as well as the ability to be manufactured to look like slate, tile, or wood shakes. They can come with scalloped edges to blend with Victorian architecture, or for a Mediterranean style home, they can come in a terra cotta appearance. The wide range in colors and finishes can give a homeowner many choices.
In the past, metal roofs were only available in the corrugated tin panels that were common on barns and sheds. This standing-seam metal roof installation wasn’t appealing for a residential appearance. Today, meal roof installation comes in aluminum, copper, galvanized, tin, and zinc. Metal roof installation is found on refined structures today, from California contemporaries to the Victorians on the East Coast, and in a wide range of colors and finishes.
When lifespan is everything, metal roof installation wins.
Metal roof installation has a better history of durability against Mother Nature’s havoc, with a warranty between thirty to fifty years and lifespan as long as seventy years. However, a metal roof installation is a target for hailstorms and falling branches, resulting in damage.
Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan due typically to algae and fungus from water pooling water and chronic problem with damp conditions. Asphalt shingles are prone to ice dams that create cracks, and with temperature spikes, the life of an asphalt shingle roof is reduced. The warranties run between fifteen and thirty years, and depending on the climate and environment, they typically need replacing within that time frame.
When upfront cost is everything, asphalt shingles win.
A metal roof will give you a longer lifespan, but it will cost you upfront. A metal roof installation can cost up to $900 per 100sf versus the cost of asphalt shingled roof cost $200 per 100sf.
The cost of metal roof installation is recouped sooner with homeowner insurance discount, and replacement will likely last years into the future. A metal roof installation may earn tax credits because of the energy efficiency they offer.
When Eco-Friendly is the main concern, metal roofing wins.
Most metal roof installation jobs used recycled metal, and when they are replaced, the metal is recycled again. Asphalt roofing has to be replaced more frequently, and with approximately 20 billion pounds of old product deposited in the landfills annually, they aren’t eco-friendly.
When east of installation is the goal, asphalt shingles win.
Professional roofing contractors have the knowledge and specialized tools to install any roofing material. Asphalt shingles take two days maximum for installation, and metal roof installation takes a different set of skills that know how to metal roof installation and specialized tools and take twice as long as asphalt shingle roofing installation.
How do you install metal roofing?
The most recommended way is to have a professional roofing contractor that has experience in metal roof installation. With a professional doing the job, you’ll have a guarantee and warranty so that if there is a problem later with leaking, they are obligated to make it right. However, it is expensive; you may want to save some money and make this a DIY project:
- Measure your roof.
- Choose and purchase the metal for your new roof.
- Tear off the old roof and make any repairs needed to the roof structure.
- Install the metal edging.
- Install Metal Panels or Shingles
- Install Roof Ventilation
- Install Flashing
Is underlayment necessary for metal roof?
Yes, underlayment is needed with a metal roof installation unless you’re installing it over an asphalt shingled roof. The asphalt shingles will act like an underlayment, so installing another isn’t necessary.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles?
You can, but it isn’t recommended. Asphalt shingled roof will contract and expand with the temperature, over time, that can damage the backside of the metal roofing. Roofing contractors will always recommend that the old asphalt shingles be torn off before the new metal roof installation.
Is a metal roof worth it?
If you are planning to live in your home for many years, then yes, a metal roof installation is worth the expense. Because it is more expensive than an asphalt roof, if your plans are short term for the house, then going with the asphalt shingle is the better option. Ready to get started? Call 877-406-7663 today for your roofing installation!
