What type of roof do insurance companies charge 25% more to cover?
Wood roofs.
Why? Because they’re much more likely to catch fire than shingle or metal roofs.
If you’re getting ready to install a new roof on your home, you might be wondering which material would work best for you. Should you dare to be different with a stylish metal roof? Or are you looking for the familiar appeal shingles have to offer?
To help you out we’ve created this short but complete guide, all about the differences between shingles vs metal roofs. So take a look! By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll finally have a better idea which material’s right for you.
Benefits of Shingle Roofs
When it comes to weighing the pros and cons of shingles vs metal roofs, it’s helpful to understand what shingles are. Shingles are a roofing material made out of asphalt, and they’re popular for their low price points and easy installation. You can use organic shingles or fiberglass asphalt shingles on your home.
Organic shingles are completely waterproof, while also being great for the environment. Organic shingles are made out of a variety of materials including waste paper, cellulose, and wood fiber.
Next, the organic shingles are covered in asphalt using an adhesive layer of ceramic granules, along with a salt embedded top. Unfortunately, organic shingles are more prone to catching fire since they have higher oil-based content than fiberglass asphalt shingles.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
Since fiberglass shingles are more fire-resistant, they’re the preferred choice for many homeowners. The inorganic material includes things like glass fibers, and they only require a small layer of asphalt coating to be waterproof.
There are also granules made of minerals on asphalt shingles, and these granules protect your roof from damaging ultraviolet rays. Here are some of the additional benefits you’ll enjoy with a fiberglass asphalt roofing material:
- Solar reflecting
- Wind resistant
- Algae resistant
- Durable
- Easy maintenance
- Hail protection
- Lots of variety of shapes and colors
Did you know that asphalt fiberglass shingles come in all sorts of different colors? You can customize the look of your home by choosing between colors like yellow, green, blue, and red.
Shingles also come in different patterns to help enhance your curb appeal! The best part is that most big named roofers have experience installing and repairing the different shingle styles, and colors.
Disadvantages of Shingle Roofs
Now, let’s look at the downside of using asphalt shingles for your roof. For starters, shingles have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials. If you go with a shingle roof, you can expect to have to install a new roof within 15 to 30 years. The more harsh the weather is where you live, the more likely it becomes that you’ll have to replace your roof sooner than later.
Next, shingles that sit in shady spots are likely to have problems with mold and mildew. So, if you have a large tree covering your home, you’ll likely need to repair the shingles that sit under the shade of the trees more often than the shingles sitting in the sun. However, the shingles in the sun will also need a little TLC since intense heat can also cause shingle damage.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Moving on in our debate of metal roof vs shingles, let’s look at the pros of owning a metal roof. For starters, metal roofs have longer lifespans than shingles, and they can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years! Metal roofs also come in all sorts of designs and styles to help you get the perfect look for your home.
Next, while shingle roofs are susceptible to fire damage, metal roofs aren’t. Another benefit is that metal roofs are lightweight, which makes them more structurally sound. You’ll also be able to rest assured knowing that your roofing material is environmentally friendly.
Metal roofs use a lot of recycled content, and when they’re ready to be replaced you can recycle your entire roof! Whereas shingles create tons of waste for the planet every year during reroofing and shingle repairs.
Metal Roof vs Shingles Energy
If you’ve ever been inside a home with a metal roof, you may have noticed the air felt nice and cool, even if the ac wasn’t cranked down. One of the best parts of having a metal roof is that they’re more energy-efficient. The metal material makes it easy to keep your home nice and cool.
Different Types of Metal Roofs
Did you know that there’s more than 1 type of metal roofing material? Here’s a shortlist of all the different metals you can choose from:
- Tin
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
- Seam standing metal
The most inexpensive material is tin roofing, and it’s also very easy to shape to the pitch of your home. Finally, copper and zinc metal materials are on the more expensive side. However both copper and zinc metal roofs can last for over 50 years!
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
Finally, let’s look at the downside of owning a metal roof. Even with the best metal materials, metal roofs can look out of place if you’re entire neighborhood has shingle roofs. Next, when it comes to metal roof vs shingles cost, metal roofs can cost a lot more than shingles do for installation and maintenance.
As far as installations go, your metal roof will likely require some type of underlayment, such as plywood framing. If you try to do the installation yourself, you’ll also be more likely to cut yourself since the metal material can pierce your gloves. Last but not least, if your metal roof isn’t perfectly installed, you’ll miss out on its energy-efficient benefits.
Deciding Between Shingles vs Metal Roofs
Carefully weighing the pros and cons of shingles vs metal roofs is the best way to decide what the right choice is for your home. If you’re looking for a more traditional roof then shingles would work great.
However, if you love the idea of having a roof that lasts for over 50 years, metal roofs are for you. Go ahead and stand outside today and try to envision what each type of roofing would look like. For more tips like the ones in this article, explore the rest of this site.
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