Metal roof vs shingle: The Pros and Cons of Each

The Pros and Cons of Each

During construction, owners often think about the interior of a building. How many bedrooms should a new house have? Should it have a large kitchen or a smaller kitchen with an enclosed porch to the side? Should a commercial property have individual offices or more of a bullpen-style, open air concept? How many break rooms should there be? While these are important decisions to make, an often-overlooked area is the roof. (We don’t know why. We love roofs, but we are biased!)

Whether you are in the market to upgrade your current property with a roof replacement or have recently acquired a new property, it’s important to understand your roofing options.

The first impression of a roof is how it looks. Yet, there is much more to consider. Your roof is your building’s first defense system and the type of material used to construct it makes a big difference.

There are various roofing materials that impact the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of your home or commercial property.

The two most common materials for roofs are metals and shingles. Both styles have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider. So, the question becomes: metal roof vs. shingle roof. Which material best fits your needs?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of metal and shingle roofs so you can better understand your roofing options.

The main difference between metal and shingle roofs is simple: they are made from different materials.

A metal roof is a blanket term for a roof composed of various metals.

Metal roofs are available in:

Tin
Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Zinc

Some of the oldest buildings in the world have metal roofs. Though metal roofing did not become popular in America until the mid-19^th century, the concept dates back to the earliest days of civilization. In fact, Paul revere was a silversmith and likely a roofer as well!

Here is a more in depth look at the pros and cons of metal roofing:

Pros of Metal Roofing

Low Maintenance

One of the best things about a metal roof is that it’s extremely low maintenance. As long as your roof was installed professionally and correctly, all you need to do is clear debris and clean it in order to maintain a pristine look.

Diverse Aesthetic Options

There are a lot of diverse aesthetic options available, both because there are different metals used and because they can be painted.

Metal roofing allows you to have a more traditional look if you’d like, or to get creative and paint half your roof purple if you really want to!

With this style of roofing, you are really in the driver’s seat for aesthetics because you have such a high degree of control over shape and size.

Boosts Property Value

Metal roofs rarely have to be replaced over the course of a lifetime, so they positively affect your property value. They have longevity, so buyers don’t have to worry about any additional upfront roofing costs. Additionally, some home insurance providers lower premiums for properties with metal roofs.

Environmentally Efficient

Metal roofs are more eco-friendly than their shingle counterpart.

Metal roofs are:

100% recyclable
Made using recycled materials
Capable of reducing overall energy use

With new energy efficiency options, heat is refracted from your home rather than absorbed. Additionally, solar panels are easier to install on metal roofs.

This can be appealing to a future buyer that cares both about cost and the environment.

Durability

Metal is by far the strongest material you can use to build a roof. It is also the most fire-resistant option on the market. Because of these two great attributes, metal roofs provide a strong barrier against the elements. They are designed to withstand major damage and won’t need replacing or repairing after a heavy storm.

Longer Lifespan

Possibly the greatest pro of a metal roof is that is has a significantly longer lifespan than shingles. It is a lightweight material that does not put extra stress on your home’s foundation, allowing your roof to last 50-100 years.

Cons of Metal Roofing

While there are many advantages of a metal roof, there are some disadvantages to consider as well.

Limited Trade Professionals

Metal roofing takes a skilled professional to install. It does come at a cost and there are not as many roofers with the experience needed to install as there are for shingle roofers.

Labor Intensive

Since there is a certain level of precision required with installing metal roofs, it is much more labor intensive. It will take more time and need to be done by a professional with metal roofing experience.

Oil Canning

While this is a purely aesthetic problem, it’s still worth mentioning. With metal roofs, you’ll be able to see waviness in an area that should be flat. While there is not much you can do to combat this, the good news is that it will not affect the overall function of your roof.

Homeowners Associations

Before starting any home project, it is important to check and see if you have a Homeowners Association. If you do, you need to check in with them. Homeowners Associations can have strict rules and regulations for their residents.

You do not want to start a project just to learn the materials you selected are not applicable in your neighborhood. Metal is newer to the residential roofing side of the industry, so some municipalities may ban them.

Insurance Problems

Sometimes, metal roofs will give you insurance benefits. Other times, you may face some problems. Since metal roofs are more expensive, insurances could increase premiums in case of replacement.

Here is a more in depth look at the pros and cons of shingle roofing:

Pros of Shingle Roofing

An asphalt shingle roof is the more common type of roofing you see in residential areas. It is often seen as the “traditional” type of roof used for most homes. They are constructed using small pieces of asphalt shingles.

Practical

There is a reason why shingle roofs have stuck around for ages: they are practical. If there is a problem, it’s easy to fix. You can walk on a shingled roof, so cleaning and maintaining your roof is easier.

Economical

The main advantage of a shingle roof is the overall short-term costs. The installation is much cheaper than installing a metal roof, due in part to the lower cost of material. When a homeowner or commercial property owner is faced with suddenly needing a roof replacement, it is the more economical option upfront, which can be helpful when needing to make a decision and install a roof quickly.

Easy Install

Shingles are easier to transport than a full metal slab. They also offer an easier, quicker installation process.

More Contractors

Shingle roofing is easier to install than metal roofing. This means that you have more contractor options for your work order. Many contractors have experience with shingles, so you can feel safe in finding a qualified professional quickly.

Higher Warranty Coverage

Because of the popularity of shingles, there are some great warranty coverage on the market. In most cases, both the manufacturer and the contractor will give you warranty options for shingle roofs. In fact, many manufacturers have adopted lifetime warranty coverage policies.

Cons of Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing is popular for the many reasons listed above, but there are some cons to consider.

Less Longevity than Metal

Shingles have a shorter lifecycle than their metal counterpart. Whereas metal roofing options can last 50-100 years, a shingle roof rarely lasts longer than 25 years. Here are the factors that cause shingle roofs to degrade vs. metal: before they hit 25 years, shingle roofs usually need at least some shingles replaced or repaired before a full-out roof replacement. Why? Because shingles damage easily, succumb to flaking, and are breeding grounds for algae, mold, and mildew.

Aesthetic Limitations

Shingle roofs can look neat and sophisticated, but they do not have the array of aesthetic options that metal roofing offers.

It’s very difficult to dye a shingle or find one that’s light in color. The asphalt limits the opportunity for vivid colors on shingle roofs. If you go the painting route, shingles will fade over time and get darker in the sun.

Heat Retention

Instead of refracting sun rays, shingle roofs absorb them because of the color and chemical makeup of the asphalt. This heat is usually transferred indoors, which can cause a spike in utilities if you’re trying to maintain a cool environment. Additionally, asphalt is combustible, which can be detrimental in the case of house fires.

Non-Eco Friendly

Shingles are actually made from an oil-based product, making them difficult to recycle. While it is possible, most people aren’t aware of how to properly dispose of shingles, so they end up in landfills.

Cost of Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof

There are many pros and cons to both metal and shingle roofs. For many consumers, however, the final factor to consider is price.

When thinking about the cost of your roof investment, it’s important to think about both short-term and long-term costs.

For instance, while metal roofs are more money upfront, they last longer and are less likely to need repairs over time, so it costs less over time.

Finding a Professional

During your decision-making process, don’t forget to ask a professional. If you have any questions or would like a second opinion on which roof will better fit your home or business, Advocate Construction is here. A professional roofing contractor will be able to help inspect your home and give you a recommendation on what will work best for you. At Advocate Construction, all of our professionals have the experience and dedication you want and need in a roof replacement contractor. All of the jobs are done with high levels of integrity, transparency, and with longevity in mind.

Metal Roof vs Shingles: We Have the Answers

When it comes to roofing, choosing the right material is critical. Your roof not only protects your home and belongings, but it also affects its overall appearance and energy efficiency. Two popular options for roofing materials are metal roofs and shingles, but each comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Our experts in roof replacements in Raleigh are here to compare the benefits and drawbacks of each material and offer solutions for how Artisan Quality Roofing can help local homeowners make an informed decision when considering different roof types for their homes.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are roofing systems made of metal materials, such as steel, aluminum, or copper. These roofing systems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. While metal roofs offer a number of benefits, they also offer some drawbacks as a material for residential roofing.

Pros of Metal Roofs

Metal roofing offers some significant benefits, such as:

Durability: Metal roofs have a longer lifespan than shingles, often lasting up to 50 years or more. They can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and hail, making them an excellent choice for areas prone to severe weather events.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption and cooling costs during the hot summer months. They can also improve insulation, keeping your home warm during the winter months. Homeowners living in warm climates in particular will enjoy the energy savings and low energy costs associated with metal roofs.
Fire Resistance: Metal roofs tend to have a higher fire resistance rating when compared to other roofing types such as shingles, making them an excellent choice for homes in areas prone to wildfires.
Environmental Friendliness: When considering roofing options that are environmentally friendly, it’s important to note that metal roofs are made of recyclable materials, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Cons of Metal Roofs

Installing a new roof replacement for your home is a significant investment that takes a lot of consideration, from the installation costs, the installation process, maintenance costs, and more. When hiring roofing contractors to replace your existing roof, it’s vital to ensure you are replacing it with a type of roof that will better serve you and your family.

Here are some of the metal roof cons to consider when comparing a metal roof vs shingles:

Cost: Metal roofs can be more expensive than shingles, making them less accessible to most homeowners on a budget in need of roofing solutions.
Noise: During heavy rain or hail, metal roofs can be loud, causing disruption to your daily activities.
Aesthetics: Metal roofs may not suit the style of some homes, and they may not be the most visually appealing option for homeowners who prefer a more traditional look or are looking for a new roof to improve their home’s curb appeal.
Installation: Metal roofs require specialized tools and expertise for installation, making them more difficult and time-consuming than installing shingles for your roofing project.

When comparing a metal roofing system to asphalt shingle roofs, it’s always best to contact roofing professionals with specialized knowledge of roof installation practices so that you can ensure the proper installation of your new roof.

Shingle Roofs

The most popular shingle materials used in roofing are asphalt shingles, which are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Other materials used for shingles include wood, metal, slate, and tile.

An asphalt shingle roof is one of the most common types of roofing systems used in residential and commercial buildings. Asphalt roof shingles are made of overlapping flat or curved rectangular roofing tiles or shingles that are laid in rows to cover the roof’s surface.

Pros of Shingle Roofs

Architectural shingles make for good roofing materials for a number of reasons. Here are some of the many benefits of choosing shingle roofing materials vs metal roofing systems:

Affordability: Shingles are generally less expensive than metal roofs, making them a budget-friendly option.
Aesthetics: Shingles come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to match your roof to your home’s style and improve your property’s curb appeal.
Easy Installation: Shingles can be installed by a wide range of contractors, making them a more accessible option for homeowners who want to save money by doing the installation themselves or finding a local roofing contractor with specialized knowledge in asphalt shingle installation.
Sound Absorption: Shingles are quieter than metal roofs during rain and hail, reducing noise pollution.

Cons of Shingle Roofs

Despite their many benefits, asphalt shingle roofing systems also have some drawbacks:

Shorter Lifespan: Shingles typically last between 15-30 years, making the lifespan of shingle roofs lesser than metal roofs.
Maintenance: Shingles require more frequent roof maintenance and roof repairs, which can be costly over time.
Energy Inefficiency: Shingles absorb sunlight, increasing cooling costs during the summer months.
Fire Resistance: Shingles have a lower fire resistance rating than metal roofs, making them less suitable for homes in areas prone to wildfires.

If you are unsure if your home would most benefit from an architectural shingle roof or a metal roof, a local roofing contractor with experience installing roofs in the Raleigh area can help guide you toward the best roofing material for your home.

Shingle Roof vs Metal Roof: Which is Best for Your Home?

Shingle roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a durable, affordable, and visually appealing roofing option. Artisan Quality Roofing provides high-quality shingle materials and installation services, making our roofing company a reliable and trusted choice for homeowners in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Our roofing contractors offer a wide range of options for roofing solutions that focus on energy efficiency, affordability, and maintenance and repair services. If you’re considering a new shingle roof for your home, contact Artisan Quality Roofing today for a consultation and estimate.

Why Choose a Shingle Roof Installation from Artisan Quality Roofing

Artisan Quality Roofing specializes in shingle roofing, providing high-quality materials and installation services. Let’s explore the many reasons Artisan Quality Roofing is your source of Raleigh-area roofing solutions.

Expertise and Experience

Artisan Quality Roofing has been in the roofing business for over 20 years, providing exceptional shingle roofing services to homeowners in the Raleigh-Durham area. We have a team of highly skilled professionals with extensive knowledge of roofing materials and installation techniques. Our expertise and experience allow us to provide quality workmanship and outstanding customer service, ensuring that every customer is satisfied with the finished product.

Wide Range of Options

Artisan Quality Roofing offers a wide range of shingle options to match any home’s style and budget. We have a variety of shingle types, including asphalt, fiberglass, and cedar, in various colors and textures. Our shingles are durable and long-lasting and come with manufacturer warranties, ensuring that homeowners receive the best value for their investment.

Energy Efficiency

Shingle roofs can also improve a home’s energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing cooling costs during the summer months. Artisan Quality Roofing offers shingles with advanced cooling technologies that help reduce heat absorption and keep homes cooler, even on hot summer days. Our shingles are also made with eco-friendly materials, reducing the environmental impact of your home.

Affordability

Shingle roofs are generally more affordable than other roofing materials like metal roofing, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners. Artisan Quality Roofing offers competitive pricing and financing options to make shingle roofing accessible to more homeowners. We also provide a detailed estimate of the project’s cost upfront, ensuring transparency and no hidden fees.

Maintenance and Repair Services

Artisan Quality Roofing not only installs shingle roofs but also provides maintenance and repair services. Our team of professionals can inspect your roof and identify any issues, offering prompt and effective repair solutions. Regular maintenance and repair services can help prolong the lifespan of your shingle roof and save you money in the long run.

Contact Artisan Quality Roofing in Raleigh for Roof Replacement and Repairs

When choosing a roofing material, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. While metal roofs have a longer lifespan and are more energy-efficient, they may not be the most affordable or visually appealing option. Shingles, on the other hand, are more affordable and come in a variety of styles, but they require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s best for you and your home.

To get assistance in choosing the best roofing material for your home, contact our experienced roofing contractors at Artisan Quality Roofing by calling us at 919-906-3791 or filling out the contact form below.

Metal vs soft tiles

Service life

Producer claims are one thing. But how are things in practice? The data of studies carried out in the West are as follows: the service life of soft tiles when used in a temperate climate zone is 12–17 years. In regions whose climate is characterized by high daily temperatures and sharp daily temperature fluctuations, tiles become unusable much earlier: chips and cracks appear. For a metal roof, this figure is 2-3 times higher.

Eco friendly

The times when environmental problems did not seem significant are long gone. Every reasonable person, if he does not care about the environment on a global scale, then at least worries about the health of his family members.
The basis of bituminous tiles is oil refining products. Remember how uncomfortable it becomes in the city in the hot summer, when the asphalt softens and begins to saturate the air with volatile hydrocarbons. I want to immediately run out of town to … Breathe in the oil products emitted by bituminous tiles?! Even fences for summer cottages from corrugated board are assembled with their own hands in order to rid themselves of harmful chemistry. And here the roof is an element that is in closer contact with the residents.

Undoubtedly, science does not stand still, and manufacturers are actively working to improve the properties of materials. But even the highest quality soft tile is not disposed of after the end of its service life, but settles in our landfills. Unlike metal, which is almost completely recyclable and reusable.

Economic component

A good metal tile and a soft roof are approximately in the same price range. And according to some indicators, bituminous tiles even win: the material is characterized by a minimum amount of waste during installation.

Now let’s calculate the cost of the roof as a whole, excluding the cost of insulating materials, gutters, ventilation and other elements. In the case of metal coatings, this is a crate with a sufficiently large pitch and fasteners.

A flexible roof, in addition to the installation of a conventional batten, will require the installation of a continuous batten of expensive boards, plywood or OSB boards. In addition, for roofs with slope angles of 12–18 °, it will be necessary to equip a continuous lining layer, and coat the places where the sheets overlap with bituminous mastic for sealing. By the way, with a roof slope of less than 12 °, the installation of soft tiles is not recommended at all.

The assessment of economic feasibility in the future also speaks in favor of the metal. The return on investment in a metal roof can reach 90%, while soft roofing is half as much. A metal roof significantly increases the estimated selling price of a home, even after many years of use.

Contribution to tranquility

You may not have known this, but many insurance companies give discounts to customers whose country houses are protected by a metal roof. The fact is that the probability of damage to a metal structure by a hurricane wind, hail, forest fire is extremely small in comparison with other materials. But insurers are people who find it harder than others to part with their funds . ..

The choice of roofing is a personal matter. For some, durability is more important, and someone will choose a material due to which the noise of summer rain is not heard. But the stake on roofs, facades and fences from a professional sheet is the price of reliability and safety.

Metal tile or soft roof: find out which is better

Metal tile and soft roof (this is how bitumen tiles are called) are recognized as equivalent in the roofing materials market in many technical parameters. They are distinguished by attractive appearance, long service life, reliability. For this reason, many customers are lost: what material to choose? We offer to understand together their characteristics, features, advantages and disadvantages!

General description of roofing materials

Before comparing the coatings presented in the article, it is important to understand what they are: how they look, what components they are made of.

Metal tile

It is clear from the name that we are talking about metal. Metal tiles are profiled sheets with transverse and longitudinal corrugation. Outwardly, similar material in shape and pattern resembles a classic ceramic tile. Indeed, if you look at a metal roof from afar, it is not easy to understand that the surface is made of profiled modules. The metal tile is characterized by a complex structure: the material consists of a large number of layers:

galvanized steel sheet 0.4 to 0.7 mm thick;
passivation layer;
soil;
resin coating etc.

Plastisol, pural, polyester or other materials similar in their protective properties are used as the front polymer layer.

Soft roofing or shingles

Shingles are called bituminous, which are narrow strips with diamond-shaped, petal or rectangular cutouts. In the process of laying the material on the roof, craftsmen create a coating with a unique pattern. The flexible tile is based on fiberglass, which is covered on both sides with oxidized or modified bitumen. From the front side, a granulate in the form of stone chips is applied to the material, which provides the coating with additional strength. The bottom layer of the soft roof is covered with a special polymer-bitumen composition, with the help of which the tapes are securely glued to each other.

Cost difference: which material is cheaper?

When comparing the difference between a soft roof and a metal tile, it is important to pay attention to the cost of these materials. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in the store the prices for metal tiles and flexible roofing are approximately at the same level. But there are certain nuances that significantly affect the final cost of the roof. For example, if the roof has a complex configuration, the installation of metal material will be complicated by the formation of a large amount of waste as a result of cutting sheets. The arrangement of a soft roof, in turn, requires the installation of a continuous crate, the purchase of a specialized roofing carpet. Having calculated the additional costs, any person will understand that “bitumen” will cost an average of 30-40% more. Please note that we are talking about comparing materials of the same class. On the market, you can find both cheap flexible tiles of the Economy class and super-expensive metal tiles of the Premium level.

Comparative analysis of materials: pros and cons

If you want to conduct a more detailed “debriefing”, we suggest that you evaluate the real advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Advantages of soft roofing

Relatively light weight. It ranges from 8 kg/sq.m to 25 kg/sq.m, depending on the thickness of products laid on the surface.
Guaranteed absolute waterproofing for roofs of various configurations. Installation of complex roofs using this material is simplified at times. This is one of the significant advantages of a soft roof over a metal tile.
The amount of waste is not more than 5%.
Obtaining a surface capable of absorbing the sound of rain, wind or hail.
Face roughness to reduce the risk of snow and ice snowballing in winter.
No deformation due to temperature changes.
Long service life: up to 60 years or more.

If we talk about the minuses of soft roofing, here the high cost of installing a “roofing pie” comes to the fore. Although this material is still cheaper than natural ceramic tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal tiles

The material is light in weight. For comparison: natural “roofing ceramics” creates a load on the walls and foundation of the house at 40-50 kg / sq.m. A metal tile weighs an average of 3.5 to 6 kg / sq.m.

• Good hardness and coating strength.
• Maintainability of finished roof.
• High speed and ease of installation, which is reflected in the cost of services of the roofing team.
• Metal tiles can be installed in winter.
• The material has many design solutions. The user himself chooses the color of the roof, the shape of the profiles.
• Long service life: It is not uncommon for premium metal roof manufacturers to offer a 50-year warranty on products.

When buying it should be borne in mind that, unlike soft roofing, metal tiles are a “noisy” material. It will be noisy in the attic during rain if you do not take care of installing soundproofing plates in the “roofing pie” structure. Also, the craftsmen note an increase in the amount of waste and an increase in the complexity of installing the roof, if it has a complex structure.

What to choose?

It is up to the client to install a metal tile or a soft roof. Metal roofing is preferably used on simple structures. Experts recommend buying a soft roof if the roof itself has a lot of bevels and kinks. There are no restrictions in terms of design for any of these coatings. They are available with different profile configurations, numerous cutting options. There are many color choices. There is always the possibility of selecting products for the surrounding landscape, taking into account the specifics of the architecture of the building.