Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roofs: Which One Should you Choose?

Metal Roof vs Shingle Roofs: Which One Should You Choose?

As a homeowner, you have choices when it comes to roofing materials. The two most popular options are metal roofs vs. shingle roofs. Each roofing alternative offers many positive and attractive advantages worth considering and investigating before reaching a conclusion.

10 Benefits Of Selecting A Metal Roof

As the fastest-growing segment in the roofing industry, metal offers countless advantages to homeowners seeking a durable, long-lasting roofing product.

man installing metal roof

Aesthetically Pleasing

Today’s metal roofing comes in a variety of attractive materials, including aluminum, copper, and steel. There is an option for every homeowner’s budget.

Easy Installation

Experienced roofing professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in installing metal roofing appreciate metal for its relative installation ease.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofing enjoys remarkable energy preservation properties. In warmer weather, metal reflects heat to reduce heat gain and keep your home’s interior cooler.

Environmentally Friendly

Metal is the preferred choice for sustainable roofing. Often, metal contains recycled material. At the end of its useful life, metal roofing is 100% recyclable.

Extended Lifespan

Few roofing materials last longer than metal. On average, homeowners should expect a metal roof to enjoy an extended life expectancy of 40-80 years or more.

Extreme Fire-Resistance

As a non-combustible material, metal has the highest resistance to fire in the roofing market. Metal holds a Class A fire rating, the highest rating achievable.

Increased Property Value

Environmentally-friendly (or green) and energy-efficient homes are increasingly in demand. Well-insulated metal roofing often commands higher market prices.

Incredible Durability

Few, if any, roofing materials can withstand harsh weather conditions (including hail) better than metal. Metal roofing is not subject to rot, mildew, or corrosion.

Lightweight

Surprisingly, metal possesses extremely lightweight qualities. Consequently, metal roofing poses a minimal threat to the structural integrity of a home.

Low Maintenance

Homeowners value metal roofing because it’s easy to manage. Typically, metal does not crack, split, or corrode. Moisture runs off a metal roof’s surface easily.

10 Advantages Of Choosing Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Today, nearly four out of five homeowners own asphalt shingle roofing. As the most readily available roofing material in any region, asphalt remains remarkably versatile and affordable. Homeowners appreciate the relative longevity of asphalt shingles.

Easy to Repair

Homeowners appreciate this roofing option for the relative ease of fixing if a shingle suffers damage. Many other roofing alternatives (such as wood, clay, solar, concrete, slate, or tile) are much more challenging to repair quickly or affordably.

Energy Efficient

When paired with an environmentally friendly synthetic underlayment, shingles deliver increased energy efficiency for your home. Specially designed shingles reduce the roof surface’s temperature, thereby generating meaningful energy savings.

Extreme Versatility

Shingles are incredibly pliable (i.e., flexible). For this reason, shingles provide an ideal solution for residential roofs with many angles, shapes, and pitches. No matter how complex your roof layout, shingles will cover the entire roof seamlessly.

shingle roof

High Impact Resistance

Specially engineered shingles possess a Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest rating in the roofing industry. These shingles provide additional weather-resistant protection for homes subjected to severe weather, including hailstorms.

Lightweight

Many roofing types (such as clay, slate, and concrete) place substantial weight and stress on the home’s structural integrity. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are relatively lightweight and limit the amount of strain placed on the house.

Reasonably Priced

For most homeowners, shingles remain a popular choice chiefly because of their affordability. Accordingly, manufacturers offer them in all price ranges. Most roofing professionals agree that shingles provide the greatest value over the long term.

Recyclable

At the end of their useful life, shingles are recyclable. For environmentally conscious homeowners, this feature makes choosing shingles an ideal alternative to other roof types. Recycled shingles often are converted into pavement-related products.

Straightforward Installation

Almost all roofing contractors know how to install shingles. Although not all roofers adhere to the same workmanship standards, homeowners generally can trust a reliable contractor to construct a shingle roof proficiently, promptly, and efficiently.

Unlimited Color And Style Options

Shingles come in various colors, including, but not limited to, black, brown, blue, red, and green. Similarly, shingle shapes and styles range significantly, encompassing everything from traditional to architectural to premium (luxury).

U/V Ray And Sunlight Reflective

Rather than absorbing the heating properties of the sun and U/V rays, shingles reflect heat away from the home. In warmer climates or during summer months, shingles contribute to a home’s energy efficiency by reducing cooling expenses.

Hiring The Right Roofing Contractor

3JM Exteriors is Chicagoland’s most trusted roofing contractor. Illinois homeowners depend on us to provide exceptional roofing services. We know how to replace roofs with outstanding craftsmanship and unmatched roofing products. We also inspect and repair roofs and install customized gutter solutions. Schedule an initial appointment today to learn more about how we can assist with your roofing needs.

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