Your home is what your roof is like, both literally and contextually. Your home roof is something that shelters you and creates the warmth you want. Hence, the material of the roof should be chosen wisely.
So the questions of the year are which is better, a metal roof or shingles? Which shingle to buy for my house? You must be wondering what it is to choose wisely about?
The material of your roof matters for reasons more than you can count on your hands. Here is a guide to how different materials can be suitable for your roof and how you can benefit from it. Let us walk through all the roofs and help you decide which top is better for you.
Which is better: Metal Roof or Shingle?
Most of us have heard the word ‘shingles’ from our real estate agent. What are shingles in building houses? Shingles are tiny building blocks lining the underlayer, trusses, and sheathing of the roof. They mainly serve as protection.
While a metal roof is a source of protection but is more expensive, both the metal and shingle roofs serve the same purpose but vary in some specs and narrow down to individual preferences.
Metal shingles are more expensive but have a longer life. On the contrary, Asphalt shingles are affordable and easier to install. It all comes down to your personal preference and budget.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are the most popular shingles, and they have good reasons for them. They range from steel to copper shingles.
Pros
- Lightweight: The metal roofs have significantly less weight, making them easier to handle, transport, and install with minor breaking damage.
- Long living: The metal roofs have an average life of fifty years with little to no maintenance, which is a lot.
- Lower- Long Term Cost: Metal roofs are a high one-time cost, but the price is worth the extended period. It seems less after a few years.
- Fire-resistant: Metal roofs are non-combustible, which makes them catch fires less.
Cons
- Higher one-time cost: Metal Roofs have a high cost if you look up at them for one time.
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingles are the most popular ones, almost 70% of all roofs. They are a result of organic materials like fiberglass and wood. They are made and sold in a variety of shapes. The best asphalt shingles are the luxury or designer ones, but they are quite expensive too.
Pabco, Malarkey, and IKO are the best asphalt shingle manufacturers right now.
Pros
- Lower price: Asphalt Shingles are the cheapest form for one-time installation. They last for 15-30 years.
- Lightweight: The Asphalt Shingles are lightweight and readily available.
- Durable:They are water and fireproof.
- Hard structure: They are tough to the extent that they can withstand the weight of snow.
Cons
- Weather Effects:They can become loose and buckle up when they are exposed to high winds and sudden high temperatures.
- Shorter lifespan: Have a comparatively shorter time span from other shingles.
Wood Shingle
Wood shingles are a product of spruce, cedar, pine trees and have certain advantages, making them popular.
Pros
- Affordable:The price to buy a wood shingle is affordable.
- Beautiful: Give a more rustic and classic look to your home.
- Strong:They are tough.
Cons
- No fire-resistance:Even when specially treated, wood shingles are not fire-resistant.
- High upfront cost:Higher one-time installment cost than Asphalt ones.
- Extensive maintenance:Require more maintenance than other materials.
Slate Shingle
Slate shingles are the classy types usually seen in old heritage buildings. It adds a dramatic effect to the roofs.
Pros
- Resistance: Provides good resistance to wind and fire.
- Life spans: It lasts longer time spans.
- Recycle material: Made up of natural material and can be recycled.
Cons
- Difficult transportation: Too heavy to carry and transport.
- Expensive: High buying cost.
- Heavy weight: Not all roofs can bear their heavy weight.
Clay shingles
Clay shingles are seen on top of stucco houses.
Pros
- Save energy: Make your home energy efficient.
- Beautiful Look: Give your home the Spanish and Italian look.
Cons
- High cost: The heavy material used in clay shingles costs more to build it.
- Weather effect: Any severe weather condition like wind can carry it away.
- Strong structure: Requires a solid structure to hold it.
Conclusion
Choosing what type of roof you want is easier when you are guided. So here is how you can select which one you want to adorn your home by matching it with your preference. There are many reasons to consider other than ‘aesthetics’ while choosing a roof.
If you want an affordable and neighborhood-type look, asphalt shingles are your best bet. If the money allows, you can invest in metal shingles for added durability and longevity.
Contact your nearest roofing contractor to get a quote for each of these roofing options.