Metal vs. Asphalt Roof: What Are the Differences?

Your roof is a big part of your home’s protection and architectural design. It’s also a big investment. The average cost to replace a roof is between $5,600-$11,700, according to HomeAdvisor.

Picking the best roof material and design for your house can be tough. Metal and asphalt are two of the most popular roofing materials, but how will you know which type is a better fit?

Luckily, we have all the pros and cons of metal vs. asphalt roofs right here at your fingertips. Read on to learn more!

Metal Roof Guide

A metal roof is typically made from long metal sheets or panels, instead of small shingles. This roof type used to be limited to a distinctive corrugated tin “farmhouse” look.

With modern architecture, a metal roof now has many different designs and materials that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. It can even mimic the look of wood or clay.

Metal Roof Basics

There are many flexible installation modes for metal roofs, such as standing seam (stronger) or exposed fastener (easier and cheaper). Additionally, a metal roof can be made from:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Tin
• Zinc

Steal and aluminum are very popular for residential roofs. Steel has additional options, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, and galvalume steel. These steel types use special coatings to enhance your roof’s toughness.

Metal Roof Benefits

A metal roof offers numerous homeowner benefits:

• Lightweight
• Long lifespan (average +50 years or more)
• Energy efficient
• High wind-resistance
• Fire resistant
• Resists pest infestation (mold, bugs, etc.)
• Recyclable

Metal roofs can also come with longer warranties. Standing seam metal roofs have the additional perk of being very compatible with solar panel installation.

Asphalt Roof Guide

Asphalt roof shingles are the most common and enduring roof types today. They come in a variety of designs and styles, from simple strip shingles to high-quality luxury shingles. Similar to metal roofs, they can also mimic the look of other material types like slate and wood.

Asphalt Roof Basics

An asphalt roof uses hundreds of individual shingles to create the outer roof layer. These shingles are made up of cellulose or glass fibers in the middle.

The outer layers are asphalt and granules. These materials protect your roof by absorbing debris impacts and resisting weather elements like rain, snow, and hail.

Asphalt Roof Benefits

Asphalt roofs are so popular because they offer a great deal of protection for a comparatively cheaper price. With proper maintenance and upkeep, even a basic asphalt roof can last 20-30 years. This comes at a fraction of the cost compared to other roof types like slate, clay, or concrete.

Metal vs. Asphalt Roof

A metal roof offers more long-term benefits. It will last longer and is more resistant to weather and pests. It’s also more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than asphalt.

An asphalt roof, however, is much less expensive in the short term. It’s also more resistant to impact damage, such as hail or falling debris.

The best roof type ultimately comes down to your individual preferences, wants, and needs. A roofing professional can help you go over your roof and find out which type fits your home and budget the most. Learn more at https://bealingroofing.com/contracting-a-roofing-company/.

Keeping You Covered for Rainy Days

Both metal and asphalt offer certain pros and cons. A metal vs. asphalt roof depends on what type fits your home and budget the best.

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