Metal Roofs vs. Asphalt Shingles: Key Differences & Benefits

When it comes to roofing, two popular choices stand out: metal and shingles. Each one has its own benefits and challenges, so it’s important to think about factors like cost, durability, maintenance, and personal style when making your choice.

At Yoder Family Roofing, we know that your roof is a big investment, and we are here to help you decide what’s best for your home or business.

Cost Considerations

    Cost is often a major factor when choosing roofing material. Here’s how metal roofs and shingles compare in price:

Shingles:

Shingles are known for being affordable. They usually have the lowest upfront costs, making them a good choice for homeowners on a budget..

Metal:

Metal may cost more upfront than shingles, but their long-term value often makes the investment worth it.

Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and require less maintenance, which can save you money over the years.

Durability & Lifespan

Durability is key when choosing your roofing material since your roof protects you from the elements. Here’s how metal and shingle roofing stacks up in terms of durability:

Metal Roofing:

One major benefit of metal roofs is their long lifespan. With proper maintenance, they can last up to 70 years, far longer than typical shingles.

Metal roofs are also tough against extreme weather, like high winds, heavy rain, and snow. They resist mold, mildew, and insects, which helps them last longer.

Shingles:

Shingles are generally durable, but they don’t last as long as metal roofs. Standard shingles usually last about 15 to 30 years, while higher-end versions might last a little longer.

They are more likely to get damaged during strong storms and could need more repairs or replacements due to their shorter lifespan.

Maintenance Requirements

Both metal and shingle roofs are easy to maintain, but there are a few differences to keep in mind: 

Metal Roofing:

    Metal roofs require little maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run. They do not usually face common issues like mold or insect infestations.

Most debris, like leaves, slide off their smooth surface, so you won’t have to worry about damage from buildup.

While occasional inspections are good, the overall maintenance needs are much lower than shingles. 

Shingles:

    Shingles may wear out over time. They can curl, crack, or lose granules, especially in harsh weather.

Regular inspections and maintenance, like cleaning gutters and fixing leaks are needed to help extend the life of your shingle roof. This extra work can add up over time.

Aesthetic Appeal

Both metal and shingle roofs come in several styles, colors, and finishes, but they have different looks. The right choice depends on your building design and your personal taste: 

Metal Roofing:

Metal roofs are available in many styles, like standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingles, and they can be customized with different finishes. This variety lets homeowners create a unique, modern look that suits their property.

Metal roofs come in lots of colors, from classic grays and blacks to bright reds and blues, making it easy to find the right color for your home.

Shingles:

Shingles come in different types, such as three-tab, architectural, and designer shingles, each offering different textures and appearances.

While they tend to have a more traditional look and a smaller color range, they can still fit a variety of home styles, from modern to cozy cottages.

Shingles have a softer, more natural appearance, making them a great choice for those who prefer a classic or rustic look.

Energy Efficiency

In today’s world, energy efficiency is a key factor for those looking to lower their utility bills and help the environment:

Metal Roofing:

  One major advantage of metal roofs is their energy efficiency. They reflect sunlight, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer, leading to lower energy costs.

Shingles:

Shingles tend to soak up heat instead of reflecting it, which can make your home hotter and increase cooling costs in the summer.

However, some types of shingles are designed to be energy-efficient with special reflective coatings. These “cool” shingles can help keep heat out, but they usually aren’t as energy efficient as metal roofing.

On the bright side, during the winter, shingles can help keep your house warm by absorbing some sunlight.

Environmental Impact

If you are concerned about the environment, it’s important to think about how roofing materials affect it.

Metal Roofing:

Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and you can recycle them again when they wear out.

Choosing metal roofing can help lower your impact on the environment since it is a more sustainable option compared to other materials. Plus, metal roofs tend to last longer, which means fewer replacements and less waste in landfills.

Shingles:

Shingles are made from petroleum-based products, and most of them cannot be recycled. If being eco-friendly is especially important to you, metal roofing is usually the better choice.

Conclusion

When choosing between metal roofing and shingles, it really depends on what your personal needs are: like your budget, how long you want it to last, and what style you like.

Shingles are a cheaper and traditional option, but metal roofs are stronger, more energy-efficient, and need less maintenance. This makes them an excellent choice for home or business owners who want something that lasts a long time and is good for the environment.

At Yoder Family Roofing, we are dedicated to helping you find the right roof for your building and budget. Whether you go with metal or traditional shingles, our expert team is ready to provide professional installation and dependable service.

Our company has a vast service reach of the entire state of Ohio as well as portions of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

If you’re ready to explore your roofing options, contact Yoder Family Roofing here or give us a call at (330) 695-3000 for a free estimate and personalized consultation.

We look forward to helping you make the best choice for your home or business!