Asphalt Shingle or Metal Roof?
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding what type of roof is right for you. Here are a few factors to consider when trying to make this decision for yourself.
The cost difference:
There are many things that will influence the cost of a roof, outside of the material that you choose, including: the location, roof size, roof pitch, the current roof condition, and the list goes on. Keeping all of this in mind, metal roofs are generally more expensive than shingles. (Metal roofs cost 20-30% more than asphalt on average) However, you also need to consider that you are more likely to incur maintenance and repair costs with an asphalt shingle roof.
Curb Appeal:
The aesthetic appeal of a roof varies from person to person and is purely based on opinion, but there are some questions you can ask yourself. What style of building is the roof going on? Are you going to have the same taste in years down the road? What type of roofs do the neighboring properties have? Both metal and asphalt come in many different styles and color options these days so it is important to check all of your options.
Energy Efficiency:
For warm climates metal roofs have proven to be more energy efficient than shingles. Because of its higher solar reflectanceindex factor metal deflects heat away and lets less heat into your attic. When the temperature is cooler there is not a distinct winner in the metal vs. shingle debate.
Soundproofing:
Asphalt shingles are quieter than metal roofing, especially in heavy rain. However, with proper insulation a metal roof is not as loud as some believe it to be.
Durability:
Asphalt shingles are very durable and are backed by warranties lasting anywhere from 20-60 years depending on the brand and the installer. Shingles have also been a popular choice for residential application for a very long time now. This means they have been modified and improved over the years. Residential metal roofs have only recently become more popular, so manufacturer's are just now getting more feed back on older metal roof panels. However, metal roofs generally come with a 50 year to lifetime warranty (depending on the exact product).