Metal roof versus Shingle debate

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Breaking Down the Metal Roof vs. Shingles Debate

Posted by Danny Peterson on Wed, Aug 28, 2013

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When it comes to roof replacement, there are many options available, however the “metal roof vs. shingles” debate is usually one that most homeowners find themselves in the midst of. If you’re wondering where you stand when it comes to this argument, here are a few pros and cons to consider about both options:

Asphalt shingles

When it comes to the metal roof vs. shingles choice, it’s important to have all the facts about both options. Many homeowners enjoy asphalt composition shingles because this type of roof is known for both its lower cost and durability. Add easy installation to the mix, and it’s no wonder that this choice is a popular one. Asphalt composition shingles are available in both organic and fiberglass. The organic type is a mixture of paper, ceramic, and asphalt. The fiberglass variety has a glass fiber mat that is coated with asphalt and waterproofing filler. As a general rule, fiberglass shingles tend to be more fire resistant, but are also more of an investment than other varieties.

Some things to consider about this type of roof include:

• Asphalt shingles come in a number of looks, thus allowing the homeowner to choose the style that works best for their home
• The classic 3-tab shingle last 15-20 years and the architectural shingles now last 30 years up to a lifetime. Many folks are using the architectural shingles.

Investment requirements based on the Cost Vs. Value website - National averages for this options $17,302 to $18,488. Dpending on the type of materials that are used. The angle and pitch of the house also play a role in the final price tag.

Wood shingles

Another contender in the metal roof vs. shingles debate is wood shingles. These are made directly from logs, and actually look even more beautiful when made susceptible to the elements over time. Since precision is key when it comes to creating these shingles, the investment required for this type of roof is generally more significant.

Some pros for wood shingles:

• They are beautiful and but are expected to last between 15-20 years when cared for properly
• They are more pricy to purchase, and installation is generally a more involved and expensive process

Cost for this choice ranges from $30,305 to $33,880 depending on the roof’s angles and pitches, as well as the size of the home. This includes professional installation.
Finally it’s time to take a look at metal roofing options. As you might guess, metal roofing comes from large sheets of metal, including galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, corrugated iron, or blends of a few different types of metal. This option is great when it comes to resisting strong weather like hail, snow, and high winds. A metal roof can be expected to last anywhere from two to five decades. High-end metal roofing that gets regular maintenance has been known to last for a century.
Metal roofing is able to shed snow, making it a good option for cold climates. This type of roof is also able to reflect the sun’s heat naturally, thus promoting energy efficiency. The downfall with this selection is that metal is more expensive than asphalt. Costs vary, but basic interlocking steel shingles run anywhere from $34,507 to $45,625, including installation fees.
When it comes to solving the “metal roof vs. shingles” debate, there’s no right answer. It strictly depends on the type of roofing that the homeowner finds beautiful, what they’re looking to spend, and the type of climate they’re dealing with. The professionals at Integrity Home Pro (www.integrityhomepro.com) can help you figure out which roofing choice is best for your home. Give them a call today for more information.

Photo by: Tom

Tags: roof replacement, replace my roof, Metal Roof vs. Shingles