Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Side by side comparison

Should I install Metal roofing or Asphalt shingle roofing is one the of most popular inquiries we get at EcoShield Roofing. Although Asphalt shingle roofing is considered to be the most common roofing material, Metal roofing is also becoming increasingly popular. Customers usually want two estimates for their replacement project so that they may compare the possibilities and make a smart decision. Making the ideal choices for your house or business can be difficult, and there are several aspects to consider to create an intelligent decision. Some people believe Metal roofing is too expensive or unattractive, but we will evaluate the actual benefits of metal roofing versus asphalt shingle roofing to help you decide which type of roof is the best for your home.

What is a Metal Roof?

A metal roof is a more expensive roofing material that comes in a variety of forms and designs. Metal roofing can be standing seam, corrugated, or modular panels and can be constructed of tin, aluminum, steel or copper. They are also available in shingles, which is the most recent form that is gaining appeal nowadays. When you think of metal roofing, you might picture the large exposed fastener panels that you see on pole barns and lean-tos.

Metal roof though on the other hand have evolved into one of the most desirable choices for residential homes today. They are long-lasting, fire-resistant, and provide a good return of investment because they can survive for 50 years or more with also less maintenance.

Before we get into the side-by-side comparison, let’s have a look at some of the most popular types of metal roofing:

Types of Metal Roofing

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Long flat metal panels attach together across your roof to form a standing seam. The fasteners are screwed into the frame of your house and are covered underneath. Standing seam roofing is a fantastic choice to consider if you want a long-lasting and energy-efficient roof.

Corrugated Metal Roof

Since Corrugated Metal Roof fasteners are made visible from the outside, it makes this type of roof a little different. The panels have a wave pattern and are also very strong. Corrugated metal roofs often have cheaper work labor than standing seam metal roofs.

What is an Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Asphalt Shingle Roof are made up of three primary components: Felt, asphalt covering containing granules, and metal nailer sheets that hold them together as it dries and ages. While providing exceptional protection against leaks, wind gusts and heavy rainstorms, asphalt shingle roof also gives your home a fashionable appearance. They are simple enough for DIY and they are also easy to maintain and repair.

Asphalt Shingle roof are and have long been the most famous roofing material. They are inexpensive and also long-lasting enough to survive most climates and weather conditions. They do, however, only last 15-20 years and must be renewed more often than the other roofing types.

Now let’s have a look at some of the most famous types of Asphalt shingle roofing:

Types of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Three-Tab shingles are a common and consistent asphalt shingle type. These are the most popular because they are usually the cheapest. Its tiles are obviously thinner and could provide less protection against hail and severe winds. Three-tab shingles typically has shorter period of manufacturer’s warranty. But they are a great option for homeowners who’s working on a tight budget.

Asphalt Architectural Shingle Roof

Another popular roofing material found on the most residential and commercial roofs is asphalt shingles. Architectural shingles are often thought of as a more expensive type of asphalt shingles. Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. They are manufactured by layering two shingle pieces together to add depth and variability to the shingle. This increase in layers also provides more sturdiness and life expectancy, as well as longer manufacturer warranties.

Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofing side by side comparison

Now let’s take a look which one is the perfect fit for your needs.

The Most Durable: Metal roofing

Since it is lighter than the other type of roof but heavier than asphalt shingles, it is less likely to be to be lifted by hail and strong winds. Metal is naturally insulating, fire-resistant, insect-resistant, and can survive some of the most powerful winds and hail that your house may encounter.

Best for Matching Siding Colors: Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Depending on the brand and manufacturer, asphalt shingles can come in more choices of colors. If you want a variety of colors to match you’re your home’s siding, asphalt shingles might be the best option for you.

Adds the Most Value: Metal roofing

A metal roof’s lifespan can immediately increase the value of your home. Even if you install a metal roof and will not sell your property for another 20 years, the remaining 30 years you have left can be a huge selling factor and can help you sell your house for a higher price.

The Most Budget-Friendly: Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Metal roof is one of the most expensive roofing materials, while asphalt shingle roof is one of the most least expensive. Asphalt shingles cost between $100 to $200 each roofing square (10 x 10-foot area), whereas metal cost between $150 to $900 per 100 square feet.

The Best Long-Term Investment: Metal roofing

Metal roofs are more expensive upfront, but they can last four times as long as asphalt shingles. That means for the price of one metal roof, you would have to replace your asphalt shingles four times. A low-maintenance and long-lasting metal roof is exactly what you are paying for.

The Best for DIY Roofers: Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Three-tab asphalt shingles are particularly DIY-friendly and is easy to remove or to replace. A ladder, a nail gun, roofing nails and a chalk and line measurement equipment are all that is required for a DIY roofer to assure straight lines.

The Most Versatile: Metal roofing

Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of installation techniques, including three-tab and architectural and then you will have a standard and premium kind, but what you see is what you get. Metal roofing, on the other hand, comes in a lot of forms of materials and styles, depending on where and how it’s installed. Furthermore, as metal shingles grow more popular, manufacturers can mold metal shingles to look like other roofing materials like wood shakes and slate, giving you more options.

In terms of side-by-side comparison, it appears that asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs are giving us a close fight. It is usually dependent on the individual requirements of the homeowner. Let’s say you have a limited budget and only want to replace your roof to improve visual appeal and then sell your house, that’s when you can choose asphalt shingle roofs. But when you have a larger budget and wish to put money or invest into a long-term home improvement project, then go for a metal roof.

EcoShield Roofing specializes in roof replacements and repair for metal and shingle roofs. We are a roofing business with all the correct credentials and the required local and state licenses to get your job done right.

We also offer roof repair and gutter installation to ensure that your roof continues to work properly for years to come. To get started on your new roof, schedule a free estimate now!