Whenever we build a home or corporate building, the material we use shows how much cost, time, and effort we put into it and the way we carry it not only for that immediate time but also for the necessary long-term maintenance. Nowadays we are blessed with a variety of ranges for roofs especially. Metal roofs and metal shingles are still preferred because of their immense features. However when we have to choose between them then the decision becomes challenging. To help you to choose the best metal for your roof the information is given to guide you to select the best one.
Table of Contents
Asphalt Shingles: What Are They?
Metal shingles roofing is a mixture of steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper. It comes in various colors and textures and mimics metals like slate, wood shake, or metal roof. Asphalt shingles are in demand because of their uniform composition and design, and they have become homeowners’ favorite choice because of their aesthetic appeal and affordability. They usually come in sheets, stalks, and rolls. The process of their installation is so simple that they don’t require special skills for any services-related process. As their manufacturing cost is low, they tend to be most economical for the first-time installation or replacement of the existing roof. Here are the features of metal shingles that make it stand out from others.
Recyclable
It is very eco-friendly as it is 100% recyclable and known as a sustainable roofing choice for your roofs.
Energy efficient
Stainless steel metal is energy efficient because of its reflecting property of sunlight that keeps buildings and houses cool and reduces your electricity bill.
Aesthetic Design
stainless steel aesthetic;โs appeal and its design with less maintenance, attract the most people and its flexibility will go well with your style.
Weather Resistance
Stainless steel metal is strongly suggested because of its resistance to staining, weather conditions and corrosion which usually occurs.
Metal Roof: What Are They?
Metal roofing is crafted from materials like steel or aluminum and coated with durable finishes. Designed to mimic traditional roofing materials such as slate, clay, or wood shingles, metal roofs offer numerous advantages, including durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. These qualities make them an excellent choice for homes and businesses in areas, where heavy rain, intense sun, and high humidity can severely impact traditional roofing materials. Metal roofs also enhance energy efficiency by reflecting heat, helping to keep indoor spaces cooler. They are typically available as longitudinal folded flat sheets and are considered one of the more expensive roofing options. This is due to their higher installation and service costs, especially when installed over shingles or in comparison to other materials. Despite this, their exceptional features make them a standout choice for long-term roofing solutions.
Life span
Metals are long-lasting as they have a life span of 40-70 years but sometimes under proper maintenance they usually last 100 years.
Energy Efficiency
Metal has the property of reflective coatings which reduce the cooling cost and they are very resistant to moisture, and algae and they require minimal upkeep.
Lightweight
Metals are very lightweight which means they will have less strain on your homes or corporate buildings.
Fire Resistant
As the metal roof is non-combustible, they are resistant to fire and also protect the structure from external fire.
Key Differences
The factors on behalf of which these two metals can be differentiated are cost, maintenance requirement, and climate or weather conditions.
Cost Analysis
The cost of materials usually drives our decision to choose the roofing metal. Metal roof per square cost is more than that of asphalt shingles as metal roof cost ranges from $4-$30 per square foot and its lump sum cost ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot on the other hand, the cost of metal shingles ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot and its lumpsum amount ranges from $5 to $7 per square foot. The metal roof installation process cost is high but its long-term maintenance cost is low and metal promises durability.
| Factors | Cost of Metal Roof | Cost of Asphalt shingle roof |
| Materials | $4-$30 per square foot | $3.50-$5.50 per square foot |
| Labor | $40-$80 per hour | $40-$80 per hour |
| Life span | 60+ years | 15-30 years |
| Average cost range | $5,660-$16,888 | $6,184-$13,293 |
Performance and Durability
While discussing the performance and durability of both metal roof and metal shingles you will get to know about the strengths and weaknesses of both metals.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Asphalt Shingles
The Advantages of shingles metals are that they are cheap to manufacture, cheap to get, and cheap to install. Metal shingles are the ones with which working becomes easy and it is relatively durable and easily available metal.
Likewise, one of the disadvantages of a metal shingle is it has low retention in snow its color fades if it is kept in direct sunlight, and it contracts with temperature changes which affects its performance and appearance over time.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Metal Roof
Metal roof has a lot of Advantages as it last longer as compared to any other roofing metal. Metal roofs usually require low maintenance but it depends on the slope or angle and whether you opt for metal roofs that mimic shingles or other styles, as well as if the roof is installed by an expert or layperson. Metal reflects most of the sunlight which means it provides cooling effects to homes and corporate buildings.
Likewise, there are some disadvantages of Metal roofs. Metal shingles require higher installation costs as their installation is very challenging and it is a very heavy metal which means it puts a lot of strain on the building.
FAQS
Q: Does a metal roof devalue a house?
Metal roofs do not devalue a house in fact they add value to the house, especially in areas like Miami. It’s like a premium upgrade due to its qualities like durability, long lifespan, and its ability to withstand Miami’s intense weather, which includes hurricanes and storms. Metal roofs can boost your homeโs value but the return on investment in asphalt shingles is less According to Remodeling magazine, metal roof has higher resale value than asphalt shingles but their return on investment is less.
Q: Is a metal roof loud when it rains?
No, a perfectly installed metal roof is not substantially louder than other roofs when it rains. Because of Miami’s climate roofs are usually built with underlayment and insulation additional insulation can be added if desired that help dampen sound, making them similar in sound intensity to asphalt roofs. Homeowners are surprised at how the metal roofs are so quiet during heavy rainstorms.
Q: How much more expensive is a metal roof over an asphalt roof?
A metal roof is 2 to 3 times more expensive as compared to an asphalt roof, especially in areas like Miami. The initial cost of a metal roof is $4-$30 per square foot while the range of asphalt roof has an initial cost is $3.50-$5.50 per square foot. Also, the lifespan of a metal roof is 60+ years while the lifespan of an asphalt roof is 15-30 years.
