Shingle or Metal Roof?
This is one of the first thoughts that many homeowners have when considering their new roof. So, let’s review some facts and research, to learn the differences between the two, and arm yourself with knowledge to make the right choice! The goal of this guide is to assist your navigation of the shallow comparisons made by other contractors or the heavily technical manufacturer layouts and spec sheets. Additionally we will disprove the misinformation and marketing tactics aimed to lead you toward products that are expensive and not chosen in your best interest. Smart for those trying to sell you. However, many of these products focus on the most money going into the salesperson?s pocket. Not what is best for your home. The Roof Repair Guys strives to help you pick the right roof for your needs, regardless of the price. Roof Repair Guys separates the facts and fiction when comparing shingle roofs to metal roofs.
However we, at Roof Repair Guys, made this simple guide outlining 5 key differences between metal roofing and the more common, shingle. We will examine the two choices and evaluate the positive and negative characteristics of each in regards to:
1. Cost
However, we are here to focus on and learn about shingle vs metal roofing. So let’s dive into what goes into the cost. The first thing everyone hears, is that metal roofing is more expensive than shingle. This is true if you are only considering installation costs. As seen in most cost analysis sites, metal is usually a higher starting price point than shingle. Although, some tiers of shingle are on par with low-mid grade metals. The prices depend more on your personal needs, rather than a fixed hi vs low materials cost. So the myth that metal roofing is more expensive, is actually more unique to your own needs than you might think. Another reason to do your research, but then have a professional walk you through all the details.
When installing the metal roofing system, one must custom cut, bend, lay and interlock metals perfectly to achieve “water-tight” seals thus, a more durable and longer living roof than shingle. This translates to a small raise in price for metal installation. It takes more time and requires more technical ability, plain and simple. Although, if done with the right company/contractor, it translates to a much cleaner and refined final product. Not to assume that there are not master level shingle installation crews as well, Roof Repair Guys holds several master certifications, for example. But, for metal, it is a requirement.
However, just because metal roofing crews can increase installation costs compared to shingle, doesn’t that mean the overall value of a shingle roof is better? Actually, the true price of long-term value favors metal roofing. Why? Although your install costs are higher with metal roofs, your final product is much more durable and offers better longevity and warranties across the board. This is where the other 4 key elements of metal vs shingle roofing come into play. After reviewing metal roofing’s unique characteristics you will see that the “Metal Roofs are More Expensive” myth is proven false in several ways.
2. Material | Appearance
When comparing the average cost of metal and shingle materials, metal is slightly more expensive. We do know that they have a comparable spectrum of price points, but metal ranges higher. The high cost of copper metal, for example, tips the scales in shingles favor. Ccopper is a premium metal option. This expensive material increases metal roofs average cost, however very few clients choose copper. The slight increase in average costs comes with some added benefits over traditional shingle. Even when comparing similar priced options. Some of these benefits, far outweigh original increase in cost, with long term value. In this section, we will focus on the potential customization of your “look”. We will then get more into the longevity value of metal vs shingle below. But for now, let’s dive into appearance and style.
Explore how materials effect style appearance.
Both shingle and metal have a wide range of color options to match your home or business. Metal roofs have more available options than shingles. With metal’s colors usually being applied as additional coatings and paint treatments, metal allows you to custom pick any color imaginable. In fact, long term contractors, like Roof Repair Guys, have connections with several manufacturers to custom treat your metal roof perfectly to your expectations.
However, shingle has expanded upon their basic color line to include more options as well. But, these are almost always based off of grey variations rather than a pure color choice. The thing is, shingle color weaves into your product by using different materials during the manufacturing process. So one cannot simply mix a new pigment when trying to get that perfect shingle color. On top of that, your other materials will effect the look of that coloration because the background colors varies. For metal, the coating covers the entire core, and is a separate layer. This allows companies to test paints and colors, without stopping their manufacturing process or adjusting for different materials.
But color is not the only thing to consider when diving into the “look” of your material. Both shingle and metal have a variety of styles to choose from to give your home that unique aesthetic. With metal roofing, you first have a range of initial metals to start as your foundation. A copper roof is far different from an aluminum one, but they both have their options. Something to discuss with your roof contractor.
For additional styling, metal offers standing seam, exposed fastener, or even metal roofing that simulates shingle, shake, tile and slate. We saw emerging trends in our article on the history of metal roofs. As technology grows, we see a range of traditional to modern looks, all with the added benefits of metal. On top of those finish styles, many metal roofing systems also have particular ways in which the metal is bent, connected, and installed. With all of these details working together, one can get a unique look for their home that no other system can match. And remember, a local roofer can help to uncover and choose the roof that’s right for you.
However, traditional shingles also have a few styles to choose from as well, including some newer developments. The most common shingle adheres asphalt to both sides of a fiberglass mat. A granular mineral coating is applied across the top that utilizes different minerals that achieve different colors. Organic tiles are also in circulation, although, they are heavily discontinued due to their short lifespan. However, recent concerns about energy saving lead manufactures to develop more energy efficient tiles. These newer shingles apply reflective materials to increase the protection level on your roof. Although, metal still comes out on top, with an overall better energy rating.
In addition to the actual physical material makeup, there are a few styles in the field today. There’s the classic 3-tab style, architectural shingle, tile shingle, wood, shake, slate and even solar (although this is more of a composite between traditional and metal). These additional options give shingle purchasers their own range of options, based on their unique needs. Because color is manufactured into these shingles, colors are more limited by brand. But note, asphalt shingles are the leader in roofing. With popularity lasting 70 years, they open the door to new developments.
In the end, the look you want for your home is open to metal or shingle, as long as you make the right choices. And thit is why we educate, rather than sell. It’s about getting the right roof for your home, not the most expensive. So share your thoughts with your roofing contractor and get real answers to which roof is better for you, shingle vs. metal.
3. Installation | DIY
We have already talked a bit about installation costs up above, but how exactly does installation differ between shingle and metal?
Learn about proper craftsmanship procedure and common roofing mistakes.
For shingle, installation is far less technical to install. There are more teams willing to do the work, with competition lowering the prices. In addition, there are more available resources for those who are looking to work on their own roof, the DIY (do it yourself) crew. The popularity of shingle roofing, also means more supply networks. Again lowering the barrier to install shingle on your home. Shingle installation is done by layering shingles from the bottom of your roof, up. And along the way, your roofer is attaching nails through the shingle into your prepared roof. Additional custom elements and techniques are then utilized to get around challenge areas and normal roof features. So just like the ancient humans layered leaves, we layer shingles. Think of shingles as a far better leaf roof.
All of these factors translate to shingle roofing being cheaper. But what it also means, as the saying goes, is that there is a race to the bottom in the shingle industry. With roofers cutting corners and doing anything to get the sale and maximize their profits. You are playing a dangerous game with the protection of your home or business, if you are just trying to get a roof on the cheap. All the more reason to educate yourself on the matter.
So why does metal roofing cost more when it comes to the installation? Metal roofing requires master level craftsman, plain and simple. Anyone can climb up on your roof and start putting nails through shingles haphazardly. But, only highly experienced craftsman can cut and bend metal to perfectly interlock and protect your home. More specifically, metal roof installtion is laying out large sheets of metal onto a support frame. These large sheets are overlapped and connect in a variety of different styles, offering greater protection. Many times, these metals require custom cuts and bends to properly form over your home. On top of that, they are modified in a way that does not destroy the protective nature of the metal itself. This leads to a higher quality installation, but also a higher cost.
However, with The Roof Repair Guys, every craftsman working on your metal roof is highly experienced and is supervised by an experienced manager. That means every bit of your roof gets that little bit of extra attention to be just right. What many underselling companies don’t understand is that your metal roof must be put on 100% right in order for you to get the added benefits. For example, one team can simply make a “good” cut, then install it into place. It looks fine, and seems to last, but 20 years later something happens and the roof fails.
An inexperienced contractor forgot to treat the cut or account for thermal shifts with cheaply designed roof screws. This then exposes the poorly cut metal, which can lead to leaks and rust. These things are carefully looked at and should never happen on a metal roof with an experience crew like The Roof Repair Guys. A metal roofing contractor has to do the job right, or it can be a total failure. We see the most errors made by other contractors during that vital installation.
However, unlike the race to the bottom for shingles, metal roofers race to the top, all competing to be the best installation crew. There is far less underselling, because metal roofers work hard for their certifications and are not happy to provide subpar work. At least, this is true for respectable metal and shingle roofers. On top of that, most metal roofing contractors have been working in the field for decades, growing with the industry. The Roof Repair Guys, for example, has been in business for over 20 years, just check out our stellar rating on the BBB. These lifelong roofers will not compromise their own morals just to get a few bucks. It is their name and livelihood on the line.
So, you get a few buddies together to install your new shingle “roof”, possibly lasting a couple decades, if your skilled enough. But, if you want it to last 50+ years, you may want to consider what a professional roofer can do, with shingle or metal.
But then, why do we say metal roofing is a better value if it costs more to install?
4. Longevity and Durability
Let’s break down a few core strengths of both shingle and metal in terms of longevity and durability.
Quality is the biggest factor you want to think about when you are looking for a new roof. Will it do what it is supposed to do and protect you? And, will it do it for the life of its existence? So, metal vs shingle. Well, to answer that, simply realize that it is totally common for a homeowner to recoup 95% of the cost of their metal roof, over its lifetime. On the other hand, a shingle roof may need to be replaced 2-3 times over the same amount of time, reducing that value heavily. And this is considering that both are being applied by highly skilled crews.
So one metal roof for every 3 shingle, is the average. One simply, cannot argue with the impressive durability, and value, one gets with metal roofing. So, they both can do what they need to do. It’s just that metal does it so much longer. And those savings benefit the home owner, first.
But, in terms of protection for the life of the product, many roofing contractors miss a key aspect. The strength and durability of metal, doesn’t waver due to time. It’s as strong on day one as it is year 50. This is in direct contrast to shingle, that reduces in protection over time. Even if you managed to maintain and keep your shingle roof for as long as a metal, chance are that your protection levels would still be dropping based on time alone. Metal is stronger and lasts longer, when examining material alone. This longevity value is important to note.
Manufactures also know about metals longevity, and they commonly offer far greater warranties because of it. So, not only are you getting more protection with the roof itself, but you are also getting more support from your installation team. The foundation, metal or asphalt, plays a pivotal role in how long your roof will last. But the team you choose will keep it running strong for its lifetime. Another reason to choose the right company, like The Roof Repair Guys, for your metal or shingle roof installation.
Bonus: Extreme Weather Resistances
Fire
Some other factors to consider when looking at durability is metals very high fire resistance. Typically earning a class A fire rating with noncombustible materials, providing maximum resistance. Imagine a stray ember blows onto your roof from a nearby campfire. It is far less likely to catch a metal roof on fire, compared to a shingle.
Extreme weather
Metal is also highly rated for all types of regular to extreme weather conditions. Wind, rain, snow, hail, cold, and heat are all handled better by metal roofing. And because of metals increased durability, there is less need to maintain and adjust the metal over time. So when thinking metal vs shingle, metal has mostly better ratings against all weather. Metal also last 3 times as long with a warranty to match. Metal also maintains its durability for the life of the roof, unlike shingles gradual deterioration. As you can see there are a multitude of metal characteristics that increase its lifespan and durability.
For shingle there are a few durability strengths as well, although not as many. First, if you are placing your new roof over an open frame (usually for barns and agricultural needs), shingle has a better cold rating. The asphalt holds the heat better.
However, if you consider that a metal roofing system is usually placed on top of an existing system, the added layers of air actually insulate better. In addition, it is far easier to walk on a shingle roof. Or rather, walking on metal roofing takes a little instruction and is more prone to scuffs and bends. Not to mention a wet metal roof is far slipperier. Repair and installation crews are far easier to find for shingle, and cheaper as well. Good thing, considering shingle usually required more maintenance and repair. And finally, while metal offers longer warranties, shingle can offer more coverage depending on the company. Wider shorter coverage may be in your best interest. So be sure to check what your roofer offers, and make sure it is the strongest in the industry.
5. ECO-Friendly
And finally, we examine how your roof impacts the the environment. First, both shingle and metal roofing have cool roofing technologies. After thousands of years in development, it makes sense that both industries would create newer materials to balance the energy needs of the times. Both shingle and metal have treatments that decrease the energy use of your home, greatly reducing your heating in winter and air conditioning in the summer.
Next, lets look at how recyclable metal and shingle are. Unfortunately, shingle can be difficult to recycle, as it is not as readily available. However it can be used to rebuild roads and other asphalt related jobs. Shingles are made with an oil based material, created using typical non-renewable resources. This causes a fair amount of pollution, burning up our worlds vital materials. Metal on the other hand, is highly recyclable. The roof itself can often be made up of up to 95% recycled material, like some aluminum options. Each and every little piece is easily recycled and reused, saving the environment. Even the protective layers used by premium metal roofing companies can be up to 100% recycled. Metal recycling and usability is simply, far more prevalent in our society than asphalt.
Last but not least on the eco-friendly list, is the eco-feature installation. Solar, hydro, and electrical roofing systems are all becoming a more common residential feature. Because a shingle roof is usually installed directly into your house structure, additional potential leak points occur for any features. And considering shingle usually has more of these leak point to begin with, you should take note of this deficiency.
You will need to heavily modify your shingle roof in order to install solar panels or other roofing energy systems. These same systems are installed on metal roofing with limited modification. In addition, the metal features roofing structure will not intrude upon your actual home, just the roofing frame. So the potential for leaks when comparing metal vs shingle, again sides with metal. See how quickly the installation cost savings dry up with a shingle roof? Even without considering longevity, metal roofs will start saving you money.
Summary:
In the end we see a very wide range of options, possibilities, and comparisons between metal and shingle. We have saw the higher entry cost of metal, balance out with long term durability. Then we explored the cheaper installation of shingle, waver in value as maintenance and replacement eats the initial gains. In addition, We saw how both have developed far better energy systems, even if metal does come out ahead. And we dove into the 2 main contributing factors that leads to the varied costs between shingle and metal roofing, the materials and the crew.
In the end, your roof is unique, and your situation is as well. If you are debating shingle vs metal roofs, this article should have you well on your way to analyzing the pros and cons of each. But if you really want to know how each factor can apply directly to your home, then contact Roof Repair Guys for a free consult and estimate today. It?s about getting the right home for your needs and leaving everyone with a final product that they can be proud of.
