Whether you’re replacing your existing roof or installing a roof on a home under construction, it’s important to understand your materials options. While there are several roofing material options on the market, metal roofing and asphalt shingles are the most common choices for a variety of reasons. Not only are both materials relatively simple to maintain, but they’re also available in a wide selection of styles, which lends to their popularity amongst Dallas homeowners.
The main differences between metal roofing and shingles involve design versatility, durability, and cost. To help you decide between these two types of roofing, we’ve created a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type. Here is an in-depth comparison between metal roofing and shingles:
Design Versatility
Though asphalt shingles are often thought of as providing a more traditional aesthetic, manufacturing technology has evolved over the years, and so have shingle design options. Modern asphalt shingles can now be manufactured to mimic the appearance of a variety of roofing materials, including wood shakes, tile, and even slate. They’re also available in an extensive variety of colors, finishes, and shapes.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, often conjures up images of corrugated paneling atop industrial buildings, barns, and sheds — but again, as manufacturing technology has evolved, so has metal roofing design. Today, metal roofing has come a long way from its tin-roof origins and can now be manufactured out of aluminum, zinc, galvanized metals, and even copper.
Metal roofing is also available in a wide range of styles to suit just about any architectural design. It can be made to mimic the appearance of traditional shake, shingle, and slate roofing. From industrial and contemporary architecture to rustic and even Victorian homes, metal roofing can provide a gorgeous complement to a wide variety of exterior designs.
Keep in mind, though, that because you can likely achieve the look you’re after with both metal and asphalt shingle roofing, don’t let appearance alone be your deciding factor! You’ll also need to consider long-term performance — which we’ll cover next — to make the roofing decision that best meets your needs.
Durability
If you’re looking for a supremely durable roofing material, metal takes the cake. In fact, metal roofing is so durable that its average lifespan ranges from 40 to 70 years, and most materials come with manufacturer warranties of 30 to 50 years. In terms of durability, metal stands out from other roofing materials because it is:
- Fire resistant
- Wind resistant up to 140 mph (certain metal roofs can withstand gusts of up to 180 mph)
- Rot resistant
- Mold resistant
- Insect resistant
Despite its impressive durability, however, a metal roof does have a weakness: it’s more prone to denting (depending on the type of metal) than asphalt shingles. If you like the idea of metal but have decided denting is a dealbreaker, don’t worry — you can sidestep this issue. To avoid denting, consider opting for a more durable type of metal such as steel over softer metals like copper and aluminum.
In contrast to metal roofing, shingles tend to have a much shorter lifespan, typically anywhere from 15-30 years on average. They also have a few other durability issues, including:
- A higher potential for developing organic growths, such as fungus, mildew, and algae
- Greater potential for cracking and deterioration due to temperature fluctuations
- Potential for color fading under constant sun exposure
- Being more prone to wind and storm damage (granule loss, cracking, and missing shingles)
But shingles aren’t completely void of durability! There’s a reason they’ve long been the most popular roofing material on the market, and it’s certainly not because they deteriorate at the first hint of inclement weather. In fact, like metal roofing, many types of asphalt shingles feature a Class-A fire-resistance rating. And, unlike metal, modern shingles boast impressive impact resistance.
Cost
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable roofing material, shingles take the cake. Their cost effectiveness is the primary reason behind their long-standing popularity among budget-conscious homeowners, and their easy installation also cuts down on labor costs.
In contrast, metal roofing — depending on the type and quality of the metal — can be up to 10 times more expensive than asphalt shingles. The additional expense stems not only from manufacturing costs but also from the cost of installing the roof. Because metal roof installation requires specialized knowledge, training, and tools, you’ll pay a considerable amount to put a metal roof on your house.
Keep in mind, though, that because metal roofing is so durable, if you opt for a metal roof, it may be the last roof you ever need to install on your home. Essentially, the initial cost to install a metal roof may be substantially higher than that to install a shingled roof, but over time, you’ll recoup that extra cost in longevity.
If you’re in the market for a new roof on your Dallas home, get in touch with our team at Bert Roofing. We specialize in roof installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance, and we’d be happy to advise you on the best roofing materials to meet your unique needs. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call today at 214-321-9341 or contact our team online, and we’ll be in touch promptly.