Asphalt Vs. Metal Roofs: Which Is Best for You?

Asphalt shingles and metal roofs are some of the most popular roof materials for their low cost. However, each has its own pros and cons that may make one better than the other for your needs. If you would like to know more about asphalt vs. metal roofs, keep reading.

Durability

Both asphalt and metal roofs have good durability, but metal roofs tend to be more durable. They better withstand the elements, including:

• Wind
• Hail
• Rain
• UV rays

Most metal roofs usually come with a warranty of 30 to 50 years. Asphalt roof warranties last about 15 to 30 years.

Asphalt shingles are more prone to damage from moisture, and they may develop moss, but they don't experience expansion and contraction like metal roofs. In warmer weather, the metal expands, and in the colder weather, it contracts, which puts a little wear and tear on the roof, especially the fasteners. It may even cause the roof to become loose over time without maintenance.

Maintenance

Regardless of the roofing material, you'll need to keep the roof clean of debris. Debris can damage shingles, scratch metal, hinder water flow, absorb water, and attract pests. In addition, maintain and clean the gutter system to prevent clogged and overflowing gutters.

With asphalt roofs, you'll want to repair any damaged or missing shingles and get rid of moss fast. Make sure to tighten, replace, and repair damaged or loose flashing. If you choose a metal roof, you may need to occasionally repaint it, especially as the color fades from UV exposure or the roof gets scratches. Monitor for signs of rust, dents, and loose fasteners.

Options, Styles, and Colors

If you want an asphalt roof, you may want traditional 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are fast and easy to install because each piece consists of three actual shingles. This leaves the roof looking uniform and flat with straight lines.

Architectural shingles, however, go on one at a time. For this reason, the roofer can overlap them, making them look more dimensional. Roofers can also mimic the look of other roofing materials like slate tiles. Architectural shingles tend to be more durable, particularly against wind as they can withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour.

Metal roofs also have multiple options, including:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Tin
• Zinc
• Steel

Plus, you can choose different shingles or sheets that mimic the look of other roofing materials like slate and clay.

Both asphalt roofs and metal roofs come in a wide variety of colors. Choosing a lighter color will reflect more sunlight away from the home, keeping it naturally cooler. If you get sick of your metal roof color, you can repaint it, but you can't repaint an asphalt roof. You'll need an overlay or total replacement to change the color.

Cost and Lifespan

An asphalt shingle roof typically costs $1 to $4 per square foot, which includes materials and labor. You may pay more for architectural shingles. Depending on where you live, the roof could last about 12 to 20 years. They tend to last longer in cooler climates, and as with any roof, the better you maintain the roof and make necessary repairs, the longer it lasts.

Metal roofs can vary drastically in price, based on the type of metal. Steel and aluminum are less expensive options, costing between $3 and $7.50 a square foot for interlocking steel shingles and $7 to $9 for interlocking aluminum shingles. On the other hand, copper may cost up to $18. Metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt roofs—about 40 to 70 years.



If you would like to know more, contact us at Gerardo's Construction LLC.