Roofing: Metal Vs. Shingle
During construction, owners often think about the interior of a building. How many bedrooms should a new house have? Should it have a large kitchen or a smaller kitchen with an enclosed porch to the side? Should a commercial property have individual offices or more of a bullpen-style, open air concept? How many break rooms should there be? While these are important decisions to make, an often-overlooked area is the roof. (We don't know why. We love roofs, but we are biased!)
Whether you are in the market to upgrade your current property with a roof replacement or have recently acquired a new property, it's important to understand your roofing options.
The first impression of a roof is how it looks. Yet, there is much more to consider. Your roof is your building's first defense system and the type of material used to construct it makes a big difference.
There are various roofing materials that impact the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of your home or commercial property.
The two most common materials for roofs are metals and shingles. Both styles have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider. So, the question becomes: metal roof vs. shingle roof. Which material best fits your needs?
In this article, we'll explore some of the pros and cons of metal and shingle roofs so you can better understand your roofing options.
The main difference between metal and shingle roofs is simple: they are made from different materials. A metal roof is a blanket term for a roof composed of various metals.
Metal roofs are available in:
Tin
Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Zinc
Some of the oldest buildings in the world have metal roofs. Though metal roofing did not become popular in America until the mid-19th century, the concept dates back to the earliest days of civilization. In fact, Paul revere was a silversmith and likely a roofer as well!
PROS OF METAL ROOFING
Low Maintenance
One of the best things about a metal roof is that it's extremely low maintenance. As long as your roof was installed professionally and correctly, all you need to do is clear debris and clean it in order to maintain a pristine look.
Diverse Aesthetic Options
There are a lot of diverse aesthetic options available, both because there are different metals used and because they can be painted.
Metal roofing allows you to have a more traditional look if you'd like, or to get creative and paint half your roof purple if you really want to!
With this style of roofing, you are really in the driver's seat for aesthetics because you have such a high degree of control over shape and size.
Boosts Property Value
Metal roofs rarely have to be replaced over the course of a lifetime, so they positively affect your property value. They have longevity, so buyers don't have to worry about any additional upfront roofing costs. Additionally, some home insurance providers lower premiums for properties with metal roofs.
Environmentally Efficient
Metal roofs are more eco-friendly than their shingle counterpart. Metal roofs are 100% recyclable, made using recycled materials, and capable of reducing overall energy use.
With new energy efficiency options, heat is refracted from your home rather than absorbed. Additionally, solar panels are easier to install on metal roofs.
This can be appealing to a future buyer that cares both about cost and the environment.
Durability
Metal is by far the strongest material you can use to build a roof. It is also the most fire-resistant option on the market. Because of these two great attributes, metal roofs provide a strong barrier against the elements. They are designed to withstand major damage and won't need replacing or repairing after a heavy storm.
Longer Lifespan
Possibly the greatest pro of a metal roof is that is has a significantly longer lifespan than shingles. It is a lightweight material that does not put extra stress on your home's foundation, allowing your roof to last 50-100 years.
CONS OF METAL ROOFING
Limited Trade Professionals
Metal roofing takes a skilled professional to install. It does come at a cost and there are not as many roofers with the experience needed to install as there are for shingle roofers.
Labor Intensive
Since there is a certain level of precision required with installing metal roofs, it is much more labor intensive. It will take more time and need to be done by a professional with metal roofing experience.
Oil Canning
While this is a purely aesthetic problem, it's still worth mentioning. With metal roofs, you'll be able to see waviness in an area that should be flat. While there is not much you can do to combat this, the good news is that it will not affect the overall function of your roof.
Homeowners Associations
Before starting any home project, it is important to check and see if you have a Homeowners Association. If you do, you need to check in with them. Homeowners Associations can have strict rules and regulations for their residents.
You do not want to start a project just to learn the materials you selected are not applicable in your neighborhood. Metal is newer to the residential roofing side of the industry, so some municipalities may ban them.
Insurance Problems
Sometimes, metal roofs will give you insurance benefits. Other times, you may face some problems. Since metal roofs are more expensive, insurances could increase premiums in case of replacement.