The roof is one of the most impactful parts of your home, as it affects both the outside and the inside. Not only does it affect the appearance, but it also affects how your home can protect you from the outside elements.

In efforts to improve your home, a roof repair or replacement can cost you, but it also comes with a guaranteed return of investment. This includes an increase in property value if you plan to resell the house.

But when replacing your roof, do you go for metal or traditional shingles? Between a metal roof vs shingles, which is a better deal?

Let’s dive into four crucial questions that can help determine which option suits your home:

1. What Aesthetics Do You Want?

How do you want your home to look? This is the first question to ask when choosing between a metal roof vs shingles.

They each have a different visual vibe when applied as the roofing of choice. Let’s start with metal roofs. At default, metal roofs come in the form of corrugated tin panels called standing-seam metal.

This gives off a look iconic to barns and sheds.

Don’t assume all metal roofs utilize the same material. You’ll find a wide assortment of choices, such as zinc, aluminum, galvanized metals, and even copper. Metal roofs also come in different shapes as well to fit your tastes.

As for asphalt shingles, they also come in different looks and finishes. Aside from the traditional look, they also come in different texture finishes such as tile, wood shakes, or slate.

You can also find some with scalloped edges to give off a Victorian home flair. You can also achieve a terra cotta look befitting a Mediterranean home style.

This becomes a matter of what you want your home to look like as both roofing options offer much on that matter.

2. Which is More Eco-Friendly?

This is when you see distinctions between the two as this boils down to the type of materials used. This also takes into account the manufacturing process between shingles and metal roofs.

Keep in mind that most shingles are petroleum-based products. Due to the replacement frequency for shingles, the old and broken ones end up sitting in landfills.

Compare this to metal roofs. The stark differences in material and process bring this to rise above shingles.

Metal roofs make use of recycled material in its manufacturing. This makes it a bit more sustainable and durable.

On top of that, the reflective properties of metal roofs make them an excellent means to block heat transmission. This gives you added energy efficiency. You can even bring in further reductions to your electricity bill with the use of specialized paint coatings for your metal roofs.

In this case, you can see that the metal roofs rise in being eco-friendly.

3. What Fits the Budget?

Now when it comes to budget, we will look at both the price and the effort required with their installation.

With metal roofs, they have a rather high cost because of the quality of the material. You could spend upwards of $500-$1,000 per 100 square feet. While the price is rather high, it can compensate with its durability (which we will cover later).

When it comes to the installation, metal roofs require professionals. The price also runs higher because of this skill level needed along with the rather complicated process involved.

Asphalt shingles offer a much lower price, often between $300-$700 per 100 square feet. This makes shingles more accessible.

Shingles are also easier to install. This leads to quicker turnaround time. Shingles also offer an easier means for repair because of its ease in retrofitting resizing.

These qualities make shingles the better choice for people on a budget and in need of easier, quicker installation.

4. Which Lasts Longer?

Shingles often last between 15 and 30 years. They come with their own set of weaknesses that goes with the shorter lifespan.

When it comes to pooling water and chronic damp conditions, shingles give way to algae and fungus growth. Meanwhile, ice dams could cause cracks to the shingles. Sudden temperature spikes can reduce the asphalt shingle’s lifespan due to the changes between heat and cold.

Metal roofs come with 30 to 50-year life expectancy. Despite this boost in durability and endurance, metal also comes with its own set of weaknesses.

In particular, extreme hail or falling branches could dent a metal roof. A wrong step on a metal roof could also dent it out of shape. Though steel could be tougher than copper, you need to check with the manufacturer and discuss the vulnerability concerns.

5. Metal Roof vs Shingles: The Verdict

Now that we have laid out these questions and we have clear answers let us look at the verdict at hand for a metal roof vs shingles. Which one should you go for? Metal roofs or shingles?

Aesthetically, both are great choices. It all depends on your taste and the type of appearance you want your home to boast. That said, shingles offer a more traditional look while metal roofs can look sleek and modern.

When it comes to durability and eco-friendly approach, the metal roof stands as the most optimal solution for your home. But if you are looking for something easy to install and easy on the budget, the asphalt shingle comes on top.

When you know it’s time to change the roof, these are the options to consider.

Need Help With Your Roof?

Before settling for new roof material, look into what you need when it comes to performance, durability, and your budget’s reach. Don’t forget to consider metal roof vs shingles in terms of aesthetics since that too can affect whether a property sells or not.

When it comes to roofing services, we have the solutions you need. For consultations and questions, feel free to contact us today. We are happy to serve and help you with all your roofing needs.