When evaluating roofing materials for a residential or commercial building, metal and asphalt are two of the most popular shingle options, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Here is an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison to help determine which material is right for your roofing needs. We'll evaluate durability, longevity, cost, sustainability, weather resistance, and factors like aesthetics & architectural styles so you can best decide on the optimal long-term investment for your property and how to find historic metal roof shingles.
While metal and asphalt shingles share some similarities, their core differences across crucial criteria like durability, longevity, maintenance demands, environmental friendliness, appearance, and pricing can be quite major. We'll analyze these key factors closely throughout the full piece.
Specifically, metal shingles are extremely durable but come at a higher initial price point. Their longevity also far exceeds the average life expectancy for various grades of asphalt shingles. However, asphalt remains a more budget-friendly option, available in a wide variety of styles, and relatively straightforward for contractors to install. Evaluating the tradeoffs around these differences forms the crux around determining which material is right for your building based on budget, functionality, aesthetics and length of desired use.
The warranties provided by the manufacturer give solid insight into predicted lifespan and durability differences as well. Premium-grade metal roofing shingles often come with 50-year warranties or even lifetime material coverage. Compare this to modest-grade asphalt shingles which typically max out at just 20-30 years of warranty protection. These numbers help set reasonable expectations around how long each material should ideally last before requiring replacement.
Choosing a low-maintenance roof means fewer unexpected headaches down the line. In this arena, metal shingle roofs excel, needing little more than occasional inspection and cleaning to keep performing year after year. Asphalt shingles require far more hands-on sealant repairs, granule maintenance, and vigilant debris removal to prevent avoidable deterioration over the years. Consider the level of roof upkeep you are capable of committing to when reviewing the options.
For property owners where affordability is key, asphalt remains the value leader for upfront installation pricing. Complete asphalt roofing costs range from $80-250 per 100 square feet. On the other end, metal shingles pricing starts at $200 per square but can exceed $1000 for premium architectural grades and custom work. This means metal often costs 2-4X times that of asphalt just for initial purchasing and contractor labor.
Industry analysis shows buildings with metal roofing consistently earn higher property appraisal value and resale value compared to identical structures featuring asphalt shingles instead. This boost in value largely stems from buyer perception around metalʼs durability and improved curb appeal. For owners prioritizing maximizing future resale amount or ROI on their property investment, this benefit carries significant weight during the decision process.
Core Asphalt Shingle Features:
Core Architectural Metal Shingle Benefits:
The average asphalt shingle roof installed properly can survive around 15-20 years before needing full replacement. However, this varies greatly based on climate, storm frequency, debris clearing practices, roof angles, and most crucially the grade of shingle chosen. High-end 25-35 year architectural shingles last noticeably longer than basic 3 tabs. They better withstand damage with increased material bulk. Promoting runoff and preventing piled debris accelerates wear so staying vigilant with care is key.
Thanks to continual advances in protective finishes and resilient construction, premium metal roofing boasts a practical lifespan exceeding 70 years even in harsher climates. More affordable steel and aluminum options still deliver 50+ years of reliable performance before needing replacement. This incredible longevity offsets metal's higher initial installation costs over decades of ownership. Climate and environmental factors prove less damaging compared to other materials. Fire, pests, and excess weight put far less strain on sturdy metals as well.
When deciding between asphalt or metal shingles, start by analyzing your long-term ownership plans, budget flexibility, and capability/willingness to handle maintenance tasks. Asphalt works well for cost-conscious owners planning to sell in under 20 years. The lower upfront cost aids short-term returns. Metal roofing better suits owners focused on maximizing longevity to over 50+ years and keeping lifetime costs affordable. Property goals dictate which direction makes sense before aesthetics or styles come into play.
For historically registered properties, special consideration must be given to architectural accuracy when replacing roofing materials. Seeking out specialists familiar with obtaining historically accurate metal shingles proves essential for preservation legitimacy. This custom work won't come cheap due to sourcing original machines and materials but historical tax credits/property gains often offset things for eligible restorations. Always consult an expert first before attempting historic building roof replacements.
For further guidance navigating metal roofing solutions or installation needs, contact industry veterans Heather & Little. Our team focuses on architectural design along with premium metal roofing materials & applications for homes or businesses. You can reach us directly online to review project specifics like measurements, stylistic goals, and budget. With years of hands-on expertise, we excel at both product suggestions and flawless execution doing the work right the first time. Reach out today to review your custom metal roofing and historic metal roof shingles needs in more depth.
And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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