Having a new roof installed has become a great deal more complicated than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Manufacturers continue to produce attractive and durable roofing materials that differ in terms of cost, appearance, maintenance needs, and longevity. Two of the more popular options are metal roofing panels and asphalt shingles. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs vs. shingles, homeowners will have a clearer picture of what makes sense for their house.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
Upwards of 10 percent of Canadian homes have metal roofs and that figure grows by about 3 percent annually. Made from a variety of solid metals, this roofing material offers unique design options, coatings, and custom colours.
Metal Roof Pros
- Longevity: A well-maintained metal roof can last more than 70 years, making it the last one you’ll need to install.
- Durability: Metal roofs have the strength to withstand fire, high winds, hailstone impacts, and severe weather events.
- Recyclable: When a metal roof times out, the materials can be recycled. This makes them an environmentally sustainable option.
Metal Roof Cons
- Cost: The initial investment of installing a metal roof tends to be higher than shingles.
- Installation: Installing a metal roof involves adding support infrastructure and the prep work tends to be more labour intensive.
- Repairs: When a metal roof is damaged, simple patchwork is not usually an option.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles have dominated the roofing trades for more than 100 years. Modern products offer aesthetically pleasing designs, colour opportunities, and the curbside appeal that helps buoy real estate values.
Asphalt Shingle Pros
- Inexpensive: The materials and the installation require among the least expensive initial costs.
- Repairs: When these shingles tear or crack, they can be repaired quickly and inexpensively.
- Appearance: Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, coming in 3-tab, architectural, and luxury designs.
Asphalt Shingle Cons
- Damage: High winds and severe weather events are more likely to damage asphalt shingles than others in their class.
- Lifecycle: When maintained appropriately, the average asphalt shingle roof lasts approximately 20-25 years.
- Maintenance: Asphalt shingles may require more maintenance to ensure their longevity, including perioding inspections for damage, cleaning, and occasional repairs or replacement of damaged shingles.
Which Roofing Material is Best?
The metal roofs vs. shingles: pros and cons debate does not necessarily lead to a correct answer. As a homeowner, you are tasked with replacing a roof within your budget and with materials that fit your property’s exterior designs and colour scheme. If you are still unsure after weighing issues such as longevity, cost, and sustainability speak with a roofing expert.
Install Your Metal or Asphalt Shingles Roof with Davidoff Roofing
At Davidoff Roofing, we use the highest quality metal and asphalt shingle materials and skilled professionals to perform residential roof installations in Southwestern Ontario. Our products are backed by warranties and provide decades of durability and curb appeal. If you are considering a new roof, contact us today for more information and let’s get the process started.