Whether you’re building a new home or putting a new roof on an existing property, the materials you choose will have an impact on how it looks and feels. It will even affect how it costs – not just the cost of construction, but the long-term maintenance and energy expenses. Metal roofs generally cost more during the initial construction (even a lot more in some cases), but they don’t usually require as much maintenance. Shingle roofs are the most common type of roofing material. Not only do they cost less to install, but they’re also more economical.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Shingles will usually come in sheets, stacks, or rolls. They will also have a more consistent design and composition, which consists of a granular upper surface and a smooth layer of asphalt placed over a fiberglass base. They’re usually nailed onto a wooden frame, where they’re layered and stacked upward from the lowest point of a sloped roof.
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Because the materials used in shingle roofs aren’t expensive and the cost of making them is low, shingles are often considered to be the most economical option for roof installation and replacement. Because they don’t require any special skills, they’re easier to install.
What are Metal Roofs?
Metal roofs come in large flat sheet and are folded in a few different pattern categories (such as corrugated and flat seam). Flat seam metal roofs can be more expensive to manufacture and install, but their interlocking seam designs are considered to be some of the best on the market. They have seams that interlock, with fasteners that keep the metal surface attached to the roof deck. This is what makes these roofs so strong and durable (all while requiring very little maintenance).
Corrugated metal roofs use similar materials, but they’re at least a decade behind in design. They can be made out of corrugated steel, aluminum, or other types of composite metals (which can be purchased from a number of lumber retailers throughout the country). They’re folded in a pattern of repeated spacing, and they’re usually attached to the roof deck with nails or screws that have been fitted with rubber washers (which act like “gaskets” at the attachment points).
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
One big advantage of metal roofs is that they can last longer than many other roofing types, but they have other advantages as well. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- Low maintenance requirements.
- Popularity for a contemporary design.
- Possible energy savings.
Despite their advantages, metal roofs do have their drawbacks. Some of them can include, but may not be limited to:
- Higher installation cost.
- More complicated installation process.
Their heavier weight can also cause complications with regard to your home’s load-bearing capacity.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles have a number of advantages. Some of them can include, but may not be limited to:
- Cheaper to make, purchase, and install.
- High availability.
- Comparably constructed and priced.
- Easier to work with.
- Relatively durable.
While asphalt shingles are economical because of their many advantages, they do have some drawbacks. Not only are they more susceptible to damage in extreme weather conditions, but they also offer very little in terms of energy savings.
Which Roofing Type is Best?
The type of roofing material that works best for you will depend on a number of factors, which can include the following:
- Cost.
- Maintenance requirements.
- Lifespan.
- Climate.
- Environment.
Some people believe that metal roofs are cheaper compared to other options, but they’re one of the most expensive types of roofing on the market. Some people also believe that they last longer, but there isn’t a single metal roofing company that offers a lifetime warranty. While caring for a metal roof is less of a hassle than asphalt shingles, it will often depend on the slope or angle of the roof and whether the installation was performed by a competent roofer.
Asphalt shingles are cheaper, but they usually require more maintenance than a metal roof. Shingles can slip off or disintegrate. If they experience enough wear from the elements, they can even fall off. If you don’t have the budget for a metal roof or are looking for a set of asphalt shingles with a higher degree of durability, the “bullet proof” shingled roofs from Bayfront Roofing are not only more durable than other types of asphalt shingles, but also come with a lifetime warranty.
If you love the way a metal roof looks, Bayfront Roofing would be happy to install it for you. But, if you would like to explore other options, be sure to reach out to us.
