Metal Vs Asphalt Roofing Shingles: Which Will You Choose For Your Home?

11 August 2021

There are many different options available when replacing the roof of your home. However, the two most popular options remain asphalt and metal roofing shingles. While most homeowners will find it quite easy to narrow their options down to these two choices, choosing between them can often prove far more difficult. If you have found yourself in this same situation, taking the time to compare the pros and cons of both options can help you to do decide which is truly right for your roof replacement.

Asphalt Shingles

Pros

• Cost - Asphalt shingles are commonly the most affordable option on the market. This is one of the primary reasons that nearly all the homes you see make use of asphalt shingle roofing.
• Easy to Install - While proper installation of these roofing materials is still crucial to their performance, homeowners will find that these shingles are much easier to install than some other roofing materials. This can often make it much easier to find a qualified contractor and can result in lower installation costs. 
• Easy to Repair - In the event that your asphalt roof does suffer damage over the years, repairing just the damaged sections is quite easy and affordable. This feature makes the upkeep of your roof simple to keep up with. 

Cons

• Durability - Asphalt shingles are prone to damage as the result of high winds, strong impact, and extreme temperatures. As a result, these roofs do not last nearly as long as some of the other options on the market. 
• Fading Color - While asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of different colors, the color of these shingles will often fade rather quickly as a result of exposure to direct sunlight. This can leave your roof looking worn out long before it actually requires replacement. 

Metal Shingles

Pros

• Lifespan - Metal roofing shingles are extremely durable and will often last as long as you own your home. This feature is extremely beneficial for homeowners who are looking for a long-term solution to their roofing needs. 
• Energy-Efficient - Metal shingles actually have the ability to reflect sunlight away from your home. This can result in lower cooling bills during the hot summer months. 
• Return on Investment - Metal roofing shingles typically offer a greater return on investment in the way of increased property value thanks to the long lifespan that they offer. If you are looking to increase the overall value of your home, this can be an important feature to keep in mind. 

Cons

• Upfront Cost - Metal roofing shingles can easily cost several times more than asphalt shingles. While this cost typically evens out when you consider the longevity of each different option, the upfront cost can still be a problem for homeowners on a budget. 
• Specialty Installation - Not all roofing contractors work with metal roofing shingles. Due to the need for specialty installation, the installation of your new roof will likely cost more than if you choose to use asphalt shingles. You may also be required to seek out the services of a new contractor if the roofing contractor you have dealt with in the past does not work with these materials. 

The Bottom Line

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between asphalt and metal roofing shingles. While some homeowners prefer the lower upfront costs and easy installation that asphalt provides, others prefer the long term roofing solution that metal shingles have to offer. No matter what decision you ultimately make, be sure that you are reaching out to a licensed, experienced roofing contractor in your local area to complete the installation of your new roof.