Asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular residential roofing material, as they offer a combination of affordability, curb appeal, and weather protection that is hard to match. Metal roofing is also popular among homeowners, as it provides reliable protection for a much longer lifespan than most other materials. If you’re planning to replace the roof on your Northeast home and trying to decide between metal and asphalt shingles, the roofing experts at NEWPRO have put together a guide to help answer some of your questions, so you can make the right choice for your home.
Asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular residential roofing material, as they offer a combination of affordability, curb appeal, and weather protection that is hard to match. Metal roofing is also popular among homeowners, as it provides reliable protection for a much longer lifespan than most other materials. If you’re planning to replace the roof on your Northeast home and trying to decide between metal and asphalt shingles, the roofing experts at NEWPRO have put together a guide to help answer some of your questions, so you can make the right choice for your home.
Which Option Is Right For Your Home?
When selecting the ideal roofing material for your new roof, it’s all about priorities. Asphalt shingle and metal roofs both have pros and cons, so the “right” option for you ultimately comes down to a few factors:
Price
Metal roofing costs more upfront than asphalt shingles, which may eliminate it as an option for homeowners with a tight budget. However, if you have the extra funds or are willing to finance a larger number, a metal roof can be cost-effective over the long term.
And don’t let the lower price make you think that asphalt shingles are somehow an inferior product, as they’re a great option for residential roofs.
Appearance
It’s hard to beat the dimensional appearance of architectural shingles, which use a variety of colors to create a natural look that greatly boosts your home’s curb appeal. They can mimic the look of wood shakes or slate and come in a wide array of shades.
One of the popular cons of metal roofing systems has been the appearance, which in the past has looked plain and industrial. However, metal roof design has made great strides, and you can now choose from a wide array of profiles, styles, and colors when designing your roof.
Longevity
This is the area where metal roofing distinguishes itself from the crowd. When properly maintained, a metal roof has a lifespan of 50 years or more, meaning it would likely be the last roof you ever have to install on your home. Of course, the climate where the home is located plays a factor in the life of a metal roof and how soon you’d need a roof replacement.
Asphalt roofs also offer impressive longevity, but they usually need to be replaced every 20-30 years, depending on the type of shingles and the climate.
Weather Resistance
Asphalt roofs are designed to withstand weather conditions such as heavy rains, ice, snow, and strong winds, but they have their limits. They can be damaged by hail, falling branches, and wind-blown debris, and high winds can sometimes loosen shingles or rip them off completely. Metal roofs offer greater extreme weather protection, as they provide excellent impact resistance and withstand strong winds. Metal roofs are also impervious to fire and aren’t affected by freeze/thaw cycles.
Roof Maintenance Requirements
If your home has an asphalt shingle roof that’s 10+ years old, it’s a good time to start having yearly inspections to look for issues like loose shingles or deteriorated seals, which can lead to leaks. It’s also a good idea to have a metal roof inspected yearly to look for scratches, damaged flashing, loose panels, or any blemishes that might signal underlying damage. Although high-quality metal roofs are low maintenance, they do require a regular check of the metal roofing panels.
Energy Efficiency
A lot of homeowners seem to think that a metal roof will retain more heat than a shingle roof, but the opposite is true. Metal roofs reflect much of the sun’s energy, keeping attic temperatures cooler and making it easier for your HVAC system to do its job. Ultimately, this results in energy savings for you in the form of a lower energy bill. Asphalt roofs tend to absorb more heat, so it’s important to have excellent attic insulation and ventilation to help keep energy costs down.
Eco-Friendliness
Metal roofing is thought to be more eco-friendly for two reasons. First, metal roofs usually contain a larger percentage of recycled materials. Additionally, they last longer than asphalt shingle roofs, so they don’t need to be disposed of in landfills as often.
Making the Right Decision for Your Home
If you plan to be in your home for the long term and can afford a little more, a metal roof might be the right choice for your roofing project. However, if you think you might want to sell your home sometime in the not-too-distant future, an asphalt shingle roof can provide excellent performance and a great resale value for your home. The best type of roof for you depends on your circumstances.
NEWPRO Offers High-Performance Asphalt Shingle & Metal Roofing Options
Now that you’ve read about the various benefits offered by asphalt shingle and metal roofing, NEWPRO is ready to install the ideal roofing system for your Northeast home. We offer metal and asphalt shingle roofing products from top manufacturers, and our factory-trained technicians know how to do the job right the first time.
Contact NEWPRO today to learn more.
