Metal roof vs roofing shingles

If you are living in a place prone to harsh winters, whether it be snow or ice, it is probably a good idea to invest in a roofing material that will withstand these conditions. Metal and asphalt shingles are two commonly used roofing materials in this case. While each type has its benefits, one is better suited for your needs than the other, depending on your geographical location and budget. This post will cover the key differences between asphalt and metal shingles, so you can decide which meets your roofing needs!

While comparing metal roofs and roofing shingles, it’s important to consult with roofing professionals who can provide recommendations and services tailored to your specific needs. Steadfast Roofing, for instance, is an expert in various types of roofing materials and can help you make the best choice for your home. By collaborating with experienced teams, you can ensure that your property gets the most suitable roofing solution without feeling overwhelmed by promotional content.

To explore more about the comparison between metal roofs and roofing shingles, you can navigate here. By clicking on the link provided. Tyler Roofing LLC offers valuable insights and expert guidance to help you make an informed decision about the best roofing option for your home. Their expertise in the roofing industry ensures that you’ll find comprehensive information that can assist you in choosing the most suitable roofing material for your needs. Whether you’re considering the durability of metal roofs or the classic appeal of roofing shingles, Tyler Roofing LLC has the knowledge and resources to guide you through this important decision-making process.

What are asphalt shingles?

Asphalt roofing shingles come from recycled rubber tires, often mixed with petroleum by-products like butane and propane. They work well when snow accumulation is infrequent or easily cleared during winter. This type of shingle is lightweight and affordable because they are less expensive to produce than metal roofs. While asphalt shingles are more sensitive to temperature changes and can wear away over time, they are a good choice for homeowners with budgets.

What is metal roofing?

Metal roofing is a type of roof that primarily consists of a metal surface, usually overlaid by asphalt or sheet metal. They are common in commercial and residential buildings, typically installed over concrete or rigid-based surfaces.

There are three main types of metal roofs:

Galvanized steel roofs

These are one layer thick with an 18-gauge galvanized zinc coating. This coating is applied as sheets over copper-coated aluminum to create rustproofing; they have excellent corrosion resistance and can be used on both sides (aluminum aluminum) or the same side (aluminum aluzinc).

Aluminum roofs

These are also referred to as “slat roofs.” They are similar to galvanized steel but have a flat ceramic or black plastic coating instead of a zinc coating. That is not an anti-corrosive and is intended only for decorative use, it can be painted over the aluminum in the same way that paint would be applied to the primary roof.

Steel sheets such as Corrugated Metal Sheet (CMS) or rollform roofing material

Some manufacturers of metal roof systems offer more than one type, in which case overlap exists between the various types. For example, some residential system manufacturers offer aluminum and steel products.

Metall roof vs roofing shingles

Installation

Metal roof installations are quite simple and can be done. Metal roofs normally come in pre-formed sheets, which are easy to cut with an electric saw, fit together, heat in an oven, and then apply while there is still enough time before they need to be sealed. An experienced roofer can complete the entire installation process in under 2 hours. In contrast, if you are installing the Technonicol roofing shingles you will need a standard shingle installation process that consists of a professional removing the old asphalt shingles, installing new ones, and then sealing the area off and applying a protective coat over the shingles. Asphalt requires a certain level of expertise to install, requiring more time than metal roofs.

Longevity

Asphalt roofing shingles are generally estimated to last 20-25 years. While there can be certain instances where the asphalt shingle roof may last longer, there is nothing that ensures a certain life span. In contrast, metal roofs can last up to 50-100 years or more, depending on the materials’ quality. If people had one thing in common with metal roofs, it would have to be longevity.

Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingles are made with materials that are permeable and low in moisture content, making it easy for water vapor in the atmosphere to seep through, giving them their name “permeable.” That allows water vapor to enter the roofing system, causing rust and condensation to form. This moisture can cause premature aging and degradation of the shingles. In contrast, metal roofing is made with materials fired at high temperatures, making it a thermoplastic material that prevents water vapor from entering the roofing material. The thermoplastic material also allows for a thermal barrier preventing condensation from forming and any rust that may occur. Because it is a laminarly applied material, no air gap between the layers of metal would allow water vapor to seep in and cause degradation.

Wind Resistance

Metal Roofs are strong against wind and hail, whereas Shingles are not. When comparing wind resistance between metal roofs and shingle roofs, most people would think that shingle roofs would be stronger since they give more when you walk on them with your feet and feel softer when you run your hand across them. However, this is not necessarily the case. They are rated at different strengths. Metal roofs are rated for wind resistance and can withstand speeds up to 2 miles per hour. In contrast, asphalt shingle roofs are rated according to their ability to withstand storm velocity winds of up to 100 mph, allowing them to hold up better under high winds. Being a lightweight material, metal roofs have less give when compared to shingles which makes them stronger.

Color options

With metal roofs, there are multiple color options available which tend to be on the more expensive side, there are also different styles of metal roofs that affect price, such as smooth roll-formed, corrugated, and standing seam panels. Asphalt shingles are made with a single material and come in 4 basic color options. There are no custom or unusual styles of asphalt shingles since they are primarily made to be aesthetically pleasing with architectural designs that incorporate the individual shingle color.

Fire Resistance

Metal Roofing is fire resistant as most metal roofs are made with a protective coating that helps prevent the metal from being burned by flames or sparks. In case of an accident where an object washes away part of a metal roof, it can be repaired easily. That is because roofing material is a single-loaded material that is easy to install and fix. In contrast, asphalt shingles can easily catch fire and burn in extreme conditions making them difficult to repair.

Fire resistance is one of the chief advantages that metal roofs have over shingle roofs. The reason for this lies in the design of both types of roofs. Asphalt roofing shingles are made up of thin pieces of wood or other artificial materials that may catch fire and burn easily under extreme weather conditions. If there happens to be a fire on an asphalt roof, it could spread quickly since there are so several small pieces where a fire could thrive. In comparison, the metal roof has all the same benefits as an asphalt roof in terms of being lightweight. However, it is not made up of hundreds of separate pieces that can catch fire individually. Instead, the metal roofing is one piece, and in case something catches fire on a metal roof, there is less risk of it spreading because there are no small pieces where fires can start and spread.

Maintenance

Asphalt roofing shingles need regular maintenance to keep them from failing before their lifespan. The basic maintenance for asphalt shingles is to replace any damaged and missing shingles, check for any nails that may be coming out of the roof, and clean the gutters regularly so that water does not get trapped in the gutter. As metal roofs do not deteriorate due to weathering, there is no need for regular maintenance.

An asphalt shingle roof, also known as an asphalt composition roof, is typically composed of fiberglass or asphalt and sometimes tar. Metal Roofing, in contrast, is made primarily with metal or alloys. Different types of metals are used in the construction process, and these roofs are designed to provide superior protection against fire and extreme weather events such as hail storms, windstorms, and snow. Metal Roofing has been proven to offer a range of benefits over other types of roofs, including increased energy efficiency, durability, and life span. It usually costs more than an asphalt shingle roof but can be broken down mechanically to renew itself instead of needing replacement over time.

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