Metal Roof vs Shingles: Which Is Best for Your Home?

When it's time for a roof replacement, choosing the best roofing material for your budget, your home's protection, and your aesthetic are all important. While the overwhelming majority of homeowners choose asphalt shingles, a growing number are making the switch to metal roofing. To help you decide the best option, our roofing contractor based out of Bergen County, New Jersey is comparing a metal roof vs shingles and which one is best for your home.

Understanding Metal Roofs

While the original metal roofs were made from tin panels in a raised seam pattern, that calls to mind barns or sheds, today's metal roofing is much more modern and attractive. While the standing seam metal roof is still common, especially in farmhouse-style homes, there are also metal shingles available that take on the look of asphalt shingles, slate, and wood shakes.

Materials Used for a Metal Roof

Metal roofing systems can be made from the following materials:

Aluminum is lightweight, durable, and resists corrosion, but it is one of the more expensive materials.
Steel is the most common material used in metal roofing panels or shingles as it's less expensive, highly durable, and resistant to damage.
Copper offers a more attractive appearance but its expense makes it ideal for decorative metal panels rather than an entire roof.
Zinc is similar to copper in that it's durable and resistant to corrosion, instead of developing an attractive patina that is better for accents or decoration.

Types of Metal Roofing

There are three types of metal roofing systems:

Standing seam systems have no exposed fasteners, so they're more resistant to moisture and leaks.
Exposed fastener metal roofs are less complicated to install and any repairs are less difficult as the screws and fasteners are easier to access. This is the most affordable option.
Metal roof shingles are more expensive than metal panels but they offer a more traditional, attractive appearance that can take on the look of asphalt shingles, clay tile, or slate.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Now, let's consider the benefits and upsides to having a metal roof installed on your home.

Longevity

Metal roofs last a minimum of 30 years though it's more common for them to last 50 years or even up to 70 years when well maintained. This is significantly longer than asphalt shingles with a life expectancy of around 20 years.

Less Maintenance

Metal roofing is durable and the likelihood of punctures, wind damage, moisture leaks, and other common pitfalls of asphalt shingles are not nearly as likely.

Eco-Friendly

Steel roofs are made from up to 95 percent recycled materials and when it reaches the end of its lifespan, the panels can be recycled again for further use rather than ending up in a landfill.

Customizable

Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of colors thanks to specialty paint systems that can hold up to extreme weather and wear, plus you can choose the type of shingle you want if you choose metal tiles or shingles over panels.

Energy Efficient

Metal roofs tend to be more energy efficient as they reflect the sun's rays in the summer and don't allow for thermal transfer, and in the winter, less heat is likely to escape through the roof. Metal roofing can decrease your energy bills by up to 40 percent.

Installation Over Existing Roof

Often, your roofing contractor can install metal roofing over the existing shingles if they are in good condition and there is no damage to the existing system. Since a metal roof is easier to install than some other roof types, it saves time and reduces waste.

Challenges of a Metal Roof

While metal roofing offers a variety of benefits, there are some challenges to consider.

Cost

The greatest concern is the cost of metal roof installation. The roofing materials and labor costs are both going to be higher than the price of a shingle roof.

Challenging Installation

Metal roofs are more difficult to install, and most roofing contractors are not capable of taking on this project. If you choose to install solar panels over your metal roof, it will take specialized installation techniques and hardware to securely mount, which can add to the installation cost.

Understanding Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are made from pressed fiberglass or cellulose, then covered in a thick layer of asphalt and finished with a layer of ceramic granules to ensure the highest level of moisture resistance. This is the most common roofing material and is seen on a majority of homes.

To install this roof type, there is a layer of wooden decking over the rafters of the home. Then a water-resistant underlayment is applied, and then the shingles are nailed down in a staggered, layered pattern, ending in a row of ridge cap shingles to offer optimal water and wind resistance.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

The three main types of asphalt shingles are:

Three-tab shingles lay flat against the roof and have three tabs placed on the lower edge so the shingles fit together closely.
Architectural shingle roofs have a more three-dimensional appearance to mimic the look of shakes or tile.
Luxury or designer shingles offer the greatest curb appeal as they are designed to look like slate tiles.

Benefits of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Let's look at why more homeowners choose asphalt shingles over metal.

Cost

The number one reason people choose shingles is the cost. Asphalt shingles, even more expensive architectural shingles, are going to be much less expensive than metal.

Ease of Installation

Shingle roof replacement can often be completed in just a few days with a team of qualified roofers.

Durable

Asphalt shingles last around 20 years on average when they are properly installed.

Ease of Repair

If the wind does catch a shingle or a puncture occurs from a falling branch, replacing shingles is much easier than trying to complete a metal roof repair.

Challenges of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Now that you know the benefits of asphalt shingles, let's look at some of their downsides.

Shorter Lifespan

While a shingle roof is durable for its cost, they do have a significantly shorter lifespan than metal. Often, steel roofing will last for the course of two or three asphalt roof replacements.

Lack of Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingles absorb and retain heat in the summer which makes your energy costs go up in the summer. However, in the winter, you may not see energy savings, either as heat may escape, especially if there is any damage or leaks in the decking or shingles.

Lack of Eco-friendliness

Recycling asphalt shingle is impossible, so when the old roof is torn off, the materials end up in a landfill.

More Maintenance and Repairs

Severe weather events such as heavy snow or high winds, falling branches, and even animals can cause damage to shingles, leading to higher repair and maintenance costs.

Should You Choose a Metal Roof Or an Asphalt Shingle Roofing Option?

If you're choosing a metal roof vs shingles, it's important to know that both types have benefits and challenges. Consider these factors when choosing which option is best for you:

Your budget
What kind of look do you want your home to have?
What is your highest priority for your roofing system?

Also, regardless of the option you choose, it's important to choose an experienced, licensed roofing contractor who you can trust to do the job right.

Schedule a Free estimate for Residential Roofing Replacement Today

If you are in need of a new roof and you're not sure when deciding between a metal roof or asphalt shingles, schedule a free estimate and learn more about your options. Call us today at (201) 773-0633 or fill out the contact form below to get started.

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