Featured Image Caption: Which is Better a Metal Roof or Shingles?
Jump to read...
One of the biggest elements of property value is the roof. If you are lucky, a roof may only have to be replaced once or twice during your ownership of the house, but it depends on the roof quality or house age. If the roof isn’t replaced, you could experience leaks and other weather-based damage. If it’s time to replace your home’s roof, then you’ve likely discovered that you have many options. Metal and shingles tend to be the two most popular materials used on home roofs. Both of them are relatively cheap and sturdy compared to other, more commercial materials. Knowing the benefits of each can help you to better decide which one to have installed on your home. Here are a few ways to choose between metal and shingle roof.
Lifespan
The first thing to consider is the lifespan of the roof in question. When it comes to evaluating the lifespan of a new roof, there is a bit of a difference between shingle and metal roofs. Shingle roofs typically last about 15 to 30 years, depending on what specific type you purchase. There are some higher-end shingles that are said to last 50 years, however, the expense can be extravagant. On the other hand, metal roofs naturally last 40 to 50 years. Therefore, when it comes to lifespan, metal roofing is the clear winner between the two materials. However, if you do not intend to stay in the same house for long, shingles may be preferable.
Cost
A quick look at the comparison between metal and shingle roofing will reveal that shingles are cheaper upfront. You can expect to pay about $100 to $150 per square when purchasing shingles. (A square in the roofing world is described as a 10 by 10-foot section). Metal will cost you anywhere between $300 to $700 per square. The metal material costs more and the labor to install it costs more because of its specialized installation process.
Eco-Friendliness
When it comes to being eco-friendly, metal is the clear winner for multiple reasons. First, metal for roofing material can be made out of recycled materials. When it’s time to have your metal roof replaced, the old metal can be recycled into new products. However, shingles are not recyclable. They simply end up in the landfill. This means that if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, metal may fit your needs better. During their use, metal roofs work to reflect sunlight and lower cooling bills. Unfortunately, shingles don’t have this eco-friendly quality.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to installing a roof, shingles are usually easier than metal. Shingles don’t take highly specialized contractors to install, and they can be installed usually in a day. Metal roofing installation takes more skilled professionals and a longer time to install. This is because there’s an extensive system for creating an attachment system for the metal roofing.
When it comes to getting a new roof for your home, you have lots of options. Metal and shingles are going to be the two most popular. Metal lasts longer and is more eco-friendly, but can be more expensive and difficult to install. Shingles are easier and cheaper to install, but can be worse environmentally. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of which one is going to be the best to purchase for your home needs.
By Brooke Chaplan
who is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home and residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends looking into roofing in your area.
Member since October, 2019
View all the articles of Brooke Chaplan.
Afton Jackson
I appreciate you stating that metal roofs are the best choice when it comes to eco-friendliness. My entire family has always done what we can to be helpful to the environment, and I want to keep doing this in everything I get as a homeowner. Once I find a roofing company in the area, I’ll definitely get them to install a metal roof for me right away.