Asphalt shingles are a classic choice for homeowners, but what’s recently gaining popularity is metal roofs, which offer a modern twist to residential spaces. As trends change, homeowners have the option of staying with the familiar or venturing into something new and fresh. Both metal and asphalt roofing offer unique advantages, so it is essential to consider both their practical and aesthetic features. Let’s explore these two materials to figure out what’s best for your roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is best known for its durability and versatility, often made using steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc.
Steel is durable and cost-effective, while aluminum is corrosion resistant and lightweight, making them both practical choices. Copper and zinc are known for their bronze finish and are typically picked for their aesthetics.
Aesthetics aren’t limited to the specific metal type. Metal roofs can offer finishes that will enhance your home’s curb appeal. There’s a wide range of styles, finishes and colours available, making it easy to customize.
Installation
We install metal roofing by laying down pre-formed panels or sheets, designed to precisely fit your home. It’s not a beginner-friendly material for D.I.Y roofing projects. While we always recommend the reliability of a professional for roofing installations, metal roofing is especially complex. A roofer’s expertise ensures that your new roof will be installed correctly.
Live in Waterloo Region? Let an experienced roofing contractor install your metal roofing by requesting a free estimate and roofing inspection!
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles hold their ground as the classic choice among roofing materials, coming with multiple colour options. They come in three primary types: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury.
3-tab shingles are the most budget-friendly, and in our experience, the most common type we install. Architectural shingles enhance durability and weather resistance with a more multi-dimensional appearance. Luxury shingles are higher cost but mimic the appearance of different materials like wood or stone while maintaining durability.
Installation
Asphalt shingles are installed starting with a protective underlayment that we overlap with rows of shingles. With our roofing experience, we can install asphalt shingles quickly and efficiently. Working with a professional ensures the shingles are installed correctly
Live in Waterloo Region? Let an experienced roofing contractor install asphalt shingles by requesting a free estimate and roofing inspection!
A Feature-by-Feature Breakdown: Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles
Cost Comparison
- Metal Roof: Higher initial investment, but can offer long-term cost savings through their longevity and energy efficiency.
- Asphalt Shingles: Low initial investment, but will usually need to be replaced sooner than metal roofing, adding to the cost over time.
Lifespan
- Metal Roof: Offer impressive longevity with lifespans often ranging from 40 to 70 years when properly installed and maintained.
- Asphalt Shingles: Typically have a shorter lifespan, lasting between 15 and 30 years depending on quality and type.
Installation
- Metal Roof: Installation is more complex and requires a professional for the best results.
- Asphalt Shingles: Usually a faster and more straightforward process.
Maintenance
- Metal Roof: Occasional inspections and cleaning are typically all that’s needed to keep a metal roof in good condition.
- Asphalt Shingles: Maintenance can be more demanding, with regular checks for curling, missing shingles, or storm damage being necessary.