People used to make roofs out of coal tar. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that people began to use asphalt shingles.
Fast forward to today and they’re made from a variety of materials from aluminum to steel. Not only that, but asphalt is still as popular as ever.
Thinking of replacing your roof? Not sure whether you should go for asphalt or metal? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over the pros and cons of metal vs asphalt roofs below. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Pros Of Metal Roofing
Lightweight: Metal roofing is extremely lightweight, especially compared with materials such as concrete, clay, and slate. As such, it puts less pressure on the structure and frame of the home.
Durability: Properly installed, metal roofs can last upward of 70 years, depending on the material. Not only that, but it’s resistant to mildew, insects, fire, and rot.
Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofs are considered to be a sustainable option. For one thing, they’re usually made of recycled material. Not only that, but they provide an ideal platform for solar panels and other eco-conscious initiatives.
Energy Efficient: Metal roofs are energy-efficient. Instead of absorbing solar heat, they will reflect it. In other words, they’ll reduce your cooling costs.
Cons of Metal Roofing
Expensive: Metal roofs are expensive. Depending on what you choose, the material can run anywhere from $200 to $900 per “square”, which is almost three times as much as asphalt.
Noisy: Metal roofs tend to be noisy when it’s raining. With that said, you can always minimize the drumming effect by installing structural barriers.
Denting: Metal roofs are designed to withstand extreme weather, but they can still be dented by things like hail or falling branches.
Pros of Asphalt Roofing
Inexpensive: Asphalt shingles are inexpensive. If anything, they’re one of the most affordable options when it comes to roofing materials.
Easy Installation: Asphalt shingles are easy to install. Depending on the size of the job, they can easily be installed within one or two days.
Different Styles: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles. In other words, you can pick one that’s aesthetically pleasing for your home.
Cons of Asphalt Roofing
Cracking: Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause asphalt shingles to expand and contract, which can result in cracks.
Mildew: Mildew can easily grow on asphalt shingles, especially in shaded areas. That’s why it’s so important to inspect and clean your roof regularly.
Vulnerable to High Winds: Asphalt shingles can be damaged by high winds. For example, it can cause them to detach, which will make your roof more vulnerable to leaks.
Deciding Between Metal vs Asphalt Roofs
And there you have it—an overview of metal vs asphalt roofs. As you can see, they both have their own pros and cons!
For more posts like this, check out some of our other pages!
