Are you considering getting your roof remade? The available roofing material options in the market may overwhelm you. The main challenge, however, is choosing between asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing.
Both types of roofing are quite popular and have their own advantages and drawbacks. But, no need to worry because we’ve listed their differences based on the key factors people consider when replacing their roofs.
To start, let’s take a look at what asphalt shingles and metal roofing have to offer.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a dominant choice for residential homes because of how they look and how people are used to them. The Canadian asphalt shingle market is going to touch 1.85 billion dollars in 2027. Now that the market has more options besides asphalt, it’s time to reanalyze whether the advantages of asphalt roofing are still worth it.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
Aesthetic Options
Asphalt roofing fits the idea of how residential buildings are supposed to look and can be used to achieve differently shaped roofs and slopes. Also, there are multiple colour and texture options to choose from to customize your roof according to the design and paint colour of your house.
If we look at it from asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing point of view, metal roofing may make your house stick out like a sore thumb.
Low-Cost
If you’re on a tight budget, asphalt shingles don’t cost much and are easy to install. Quality roof contractors in Vancouver or Richmond can do it easily.
Good For Winters
Asphalt shingles can absorb heat, so they are perfect for the winter season and will allow you to level down the heating in the house, saving you some money on your energy bills.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Poor weather endurance
If you live somewhere that is subjected to a lot of hail storms, chances are your asphalt will crack up way before its advertised lifespan. In addition, asphalt shingles are especially vulnerable to UV rays from the sun. So, if you live somewhere with a scorching climate, your asphalt shingles will wear out from all the sun.
Short Lifespan
Even if you live in a place with weather conditions suitable for an asphalt roof, the material lasts only 15-30 years before it needs major repair or replacement.
Not Eco-friendly
Asphalt shingles are frequently discarded due to their short life span and contribute significantly to waste material. They can’t be recycled and end up sitting in landfills, producing harmful environmental emissions.
Metal Roofing
A metal roof comprises multiple panels locked together at the seams so they can easily expand and contract depending on the weather. Metal roofing makes up 14% of residential markets. Though the roofing material isn’t that popular, it gives tough competition when it comes to asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
Durable
Metal roofs cannot be challenged when it comes to durability. They can bear the most extreme weather. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, the smooth surface allows no snow to accumulate and is the strongest roof. Metal roofs have a wind rating of up to 180 mph, while Hurricane Michael’s wind gusts were recorded to be just over 150 mph.
Eco-friendly
Metal roofing materials are completely recyclable, making them the perfect choice if you prioritize being eco-friendly. Most metal roofs are made up of a good quantity of recycled metal, so if we look at asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing, metal roofs are less likely to be found in landfills.
Energy-Efficient
With asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing, you can count on metal roofs to be the more energy-efficient option. Metal roofs are highly reflective of sunlight which means they’ll keep your home cool in the summer.
Though asphalts roofs keep houses warm in the winter, the same can be achieved with a metal roof if you add layers of insulation.
Lifespan
Metal roofs have a commendable lifespan of 40 to 70 years. The roofs are even coated with anti-rust agents. This means once you have your roof done, you can forget about any maintenance or replacement.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
Tricky to Install
Metal roofing is tricky to install. If you install the panels incorrectly, they will not be as energy efficient as they should be. The best choice would be to hire a reliable roofing contractor for the job, so you don’t lose out on any benefits of a metal roof.
Fastener Degradation
The screws that are used to fasten the metal panels will contract and expand according to the changing weather conditions. Depending on the type of metal they are made of, there is a chance they will degrade over time.
Expensive
Metal roofs may cost double or triple what any other roofing material costs. This is compensated by the fact that their life span is way longer than other materials, including asphalt shingles.
However, you should only consider investing in a metal roof if you plan to live in that particular house for a long time.
What Roof Should You Choose?
The final verdict of this asphalt shingles vs. metal roofing debate really depends on you. If you don’t have the budget for metal roofing, asphalt shingles are a good option. No wonder it’s still the more popular choice.
However, if you live somewhere with extreme weather, a metal roof is more durable as the first line of defence for your home. The investment is worthwhile if you don’t plan on moving out of the house too soon, as it’ll last longer And can help you cut money on your utility bills.
