Metal vs. Shingle Roofing

There always comes a time when a roof needs replacing. Making these changes will improve both the look and value of your home. However, picking between metal and shingle roofing can be a difficult task. Without knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each material, making a decision can be close to impossible.

Reviewing each material's aspects will help you decide which will fit your home and budget more comfortably.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials compared to others. Its different colors, designs, and advantages have become a popular choice for homeowners.

Advantages

• Upfront Cost: The upfront cost of shingle roofing is much less than metal roofing. With shingles, you can also replace individual areas on the roof rather than starting over.
• Easy Installation: Installing a shingle roof requires less specialized knowledge and basic tools. They can be installed within a day or two and, depending on the previous roof, can be installed right over an old layer.
• Traditional Look: When thinking of a house, it is common to think of a place with a shingle roof. If you are trying to go for a more traditional look, shingles are the way. Shingles also come in many colors and styles, so you have a multitude of options to make your home perfect.
• Versatility: Many roofs have strangely shaped alcoves or bends. With shingles, they can form smoothly with these different shapes and areas. No matter how complicated your roof is, shingles will cover it seamlessly without worrying about leaks or gaps.

Disadvantages

• Long-Term Cost: Although the upfront cost is cheaper, it is more likely that shingles will need to be replaced sooner than a metal roof. Shingles are less durable than metal and can be damaged during severe weather and high winds.
• Short Life-Span: Depending on the type of shingle, manufacturer, and quality, shingle roofs will last between 15 to 30 years. This lifespan makes them susceptible to growing mildew, mold, or algae, which can cause the lifespan to deteriorate even faster with the promotion or rot. Considering the amount of sun exposure your roof will receive when picking a material is essential since mildew, mold, and algae will grow in moist, dark locations.
• Not Energy Efficient: Shingle roofing lacks the reflection that metal roofs have. Because of this, they absorb the heat from the sun rather than bounce it off. In the summer, this can significantly increase your cooling bills.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular around the nation. People are attracted to its durability, fresh look, and energy efficiency.

Advantages

• Long Life Span: Metal roofing lasts much longer than shingles, anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Since it is metal, it is resistant to mildew, mold, and the sun, which eats away at asphalt shingles over time.  
• Durability: Metal roofing is typically installed in pre-fabricated metal panels that are interlocked with each other and also fastened to the roof deck. This helps avoid potential damage from high wind gusts. Most metal roofing is also considered impact-resistant and may provide savings through your insurance provider.
• Energy Efficient: Because of metal's properties, it reflects the sun's UV and infrared rays instead of absorbing them. That causes metal to be a lot cooler than shingle roofing, reducing the cooling costs during the hot months.
• Recyclable: In most cases, metal roofs can be completely recycled at the end of their life. Most shingle roofs get torn off and thrown away rather than recycled.

Disadvantages

• Complex Installation: Metal roof installation typically requires specialized contractors. These jobs are also more precise and have less room for errors. However, depending on the weight of the metal, it could also be laid right overtop of the preexisting roof if the damage is not severe.
• Pricing: Generally, metal roofing requires an upfront investment that is 2-3 times that of an asphalt roof replacement. If this is a home that you plan to live in for a long time, this investment likely offsets the cost of multiple asphalt shingled roof replacements.
• Denting: Metal roofing is extremely durable, however, it can dent if there is a severe storm that produces hail or knocks down limbs. If the damage is severe enough, the entire sheet will have to be replaced rather than sections on a shingle roof.

New England Metal Roofing Installation

When comparing the difference between metal roofing and shingle roofing, it can be a difficult decision. However, when you work with Woodland HomeWorks, you can guarantee that your metal roofing installations will change your life.

Our roofing materials come with craftsmanship and manufacturer warranties. So if something is improperly installed or the material is faulty, we will be sure to fix the mistakes. We want our customers to be happy with their products, so we will do everything we can to provide the best services and materials available.

If the cost of metal roofing is holding you back, we provide financing options so you can make the best decision for your home. Don't settle for a shingle roof that will need to be replaced in half the time. In the end, you will spend more on repairs and installations with shingles.

Don't hold back any longer. Decide to redo your roof with Woodland HomeWorks today.