Metal Roof vs Shingles

While both materials are ideal for residential and commercial roofing projects, each roofing material has distinct advantages. Since a new roof represents a significant investment, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a metal roof vs shingles.

Shingles provide a traditional appearance to homes and commercial buildings. Advancements in manufacturing have created shingles that appear like tile, slate, and wood shake. With a variety of finishes and styles, there is an option to outfit every type of home. For older homes, weathered asphalt shingles help to maintain the aesthetics of your structure.

The average lifespan of composite asphalt shingles can vary between 15-40 years, depending on numerous factors, including exposure and weather conditions. It’s worth noting that each shingle could pose a vulnerability for leaks and needed repairs.

Damp conditions and pooling water on asphalt shingles create ideal conditions for fungal and algae growth. Weather conditions can cause damage such as leaks, holes, and the efficiency of the roofing system. Faulty roofing contributes to energy loss and unstable heating and cooling in the home.

Asphalt shingles require more replacements and maintenance. According to reports, nearly twenty billion pounds of asphalt shingles get sent to landfills annually. As a petroleum-based product, asphalt shingles require fossil fuel for production.

These vulnerabilities make the argument for choosing steel roofing. Strong, durable, and made from recyclable materials, steel roofing comes with extended warranties that cover your roof for as long as half a decade. In many cases, metal roofing can stand the test of time and be effective for as long as seventy years!

Like all roofing systems, steel roofing is also vulnerable to dents and damages caused by heavy hail storms, fallen tree limbs. Walking on steel roofing improperly may also pose a threat. If you are contemplating a steel roofing system, be sure to discuss these concerns with your installation specialist or the manufacturer. They can provide all the pertinent details you need to make an informed decision on whether a metal roof is ideal for your building.

What About Roofing Costs?

The costs and expenses associated with a new roof installation are likely to be a concern for anyone. Generally, a shingle roof is less expensive when considering upfront costs. The average price of 100 square feet of asphalt shingles varies between one to two hundred dollars.

Steel roofing is more expensive, with costs ranging between $150 to $900 per 100 square feet. The cost for installation adds to the overall expense. Since steel roofing installation is a somewhat specialized job, it is likely to be more expensive than the installation of traditional asphalt roofing, however, the longevity of use greatly outweighs the costs of other roofing types.

The Benefits Of Metal Roofing

When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of installing a metal roof, the most significant ‘pro’ is that you won’t need to replace the roof anytime soon, which makes it a smart investment.

Other advantages of metal roofing are easy maintenance. Furthermore, metal roofing can help you qualify for tax incentives and breaks on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

With high-levels of energy efficiency, steel roof systems help homeowners to stabilize their heating and cooling bills during all seasons of the year. With reflective qualities, metal roof systems direct sun and UV rays away from your home, helping to keep your home interior cooler in the summer. The application of specialized sealants and coatings protect against fading, corrosion, and UV damages.

For homeowners who are contemplating the sale of their home in a relatively short period, a new steel roof adds to the home’s curb appeal. With most new home buyers searching for ‘turnkey’ properties, this is a significant selling point. Modern home buyers don’t want to buy a new home that needs a major repair or improvement on the first day. According to reports, a modern steel roof can raise the resale value of a home by as much as one to six percent.

Jackson, Georgia Metal Roofing Specialists

Want to learn more about how a steel roof system can help you make your home or commercial building more enjoyable and attractive? Call the steel roofing professionals at Pioneer Metals for more information today!

We’re proud to serve Jackson Georgia and communities throughout the Southeast with steel roofing systems that endure the test of time.