Whether you need a roof replacement for your home or must
repair an existing one, there are many materials from which you can choose. Two
common roof types are shingled and metal. Should you be considering either of
these roof types, it is important to go over the pros and cons of each to
determine which is better and will last longer.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and are made from differing
materials, such as steel, zinc, tin, aluminum and copper. These roofs can be
designed to look like there are shingles, vertical panels, tile or slate.
Pros of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs offer the following benefits:
- Metal roofs last a long time, as they last between
40-70 years. - They are durable because they can withstand up
to 140 miles per hour of wind, and they are resistant to corroding. - Periodic maintenance is not required; however, it
is beneficial to have the roof inspected from time to time to ensure it remains
in good condition. - Metal roofs will not catch fire if they are
struck by lightening or impacted by wildfires. - They are energy efficient, as they can reduce
cooling costs by up to 25%. - Metal roofs can be recycled, which will help
reduce waste in landfills.
Cons of Metal Roofs
Despite the numerous advantages metal roofs offer, there are
some drawbacks. These are:
- The cost is two to three times more than other
roofs. - Metal roofs are noisy when it is raining heavily
or when there is a hailstorm present. - The fasteners will wear out as they expand and
contract, and some fasteners will deteriorate faster than others, as it depends
on the materials used. - If repairs are made to the roof or additions are
made to the home, there may be inconsistencies in color or appearance because
it may be difficult to find the exact metal used years later.
Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs are the most popular roofing type on the
market. Home builders highly favor shingle roofs because they last long, are
affordable, can be styled in different ways and are easy to install.
Pros of Shingle Roofs
Compared to all other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are
simplest to install. Asphalt shingles are also the most economical because they
are affordable and do not require as much labor to install. Depending on how
thick the shingles are, they can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years. Finally, asphalt
shingles can be customized to fit any look or feel because there are a myriad
of color and style options available.
Cons of Shingle Roofs
Though shingle roofs are the most popular type of roof used
when building homes, they do have drawbacks. Asphalt shingles need to be
inspected and repaired frequently, and this can be expensive. Roofs constructed
from these materials are also not as energy efficient, as they have a low
insulation value. Finally, asphalt shingles are not the most environmentally
friendly option because they are crafted from petroleum and fiber glass.
As can be seen in this comparison, metal roofs do last much
longer than shingle roofs. The type of roof you choose will depend on your
preferences and your budget.