Before you make the big investment of a new roof, you might be wondering what kind of roof will work best with your home. Metal and asphalt roofing are both popular choices. However, there are many factors to consider before committing. To make this process easier, we’ll look at these two popular options for roofing so you can decide which one is right for you.
Metal Roofing
Once reserved for commercial buildings, metal roofs have now become the second most popular type of roofing material in residential areas with a 14% market share as of 2016. Approximately 750,000 metal roofs were installed on U.S. homes in 2015 alone. (That’s over six times the number of people who live in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton combined!)
A metal roof can be made out of a variety of metals. The three most common being zinc, copper, and steel alloys. Both zinc and copper roofs form a protective coating and do not rust. Steel has always been a common material used in construction but is now gaining increased popularity for roofing especially since it is the least expensive metal option.
Metal Roofing Benefits
Metal roofs are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, durable, fire resistant, and come in an array of colors and styles to match your tastes.
In the summer, metal roofs release heat and in the winter, they retain heat, so less energy is used to cool off and heat homes.
Durability is one of the major benefits of metal roofing as they have up to a 60-year lifespan. They can withstand high winds, rain, snow, and other external forces that can cause damage. In fact, most manufacturing companies provide 50-year warranties on metal roofs. If you have found your forever home, metal roofs may be ideal since you won’t have to worry about replacing the roof anytime soon.
Metal is also one of the most fire-resistant materials for roofing. Roofs can have one of four fire classifications: Class A, Class B, Class C, or unrated. Metal roofing has a Class A fire-resistance rating which is the highest rating a material can score when tested.
If you like variety, metal roofs come in a wide array of colors to match your home. Options range from a neutral slate gray to a lively sequoia red. They also come in a variety of styles. If you want a modern, sleek feel to your home, metal standing seam is a great choice. If you want the benefits of metal roofing but prefer the timeless look of shingles, metal shingles look just like their asphalt counterpart.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt roofing provides a traditional, yet timeless look when it comes to curb appeal. It is the most popular type of roofing material chosen for remodels with a 59% market share as of 2016. Being one of the least expensive options for roofing, asphalt shingles are the most well-known among homeowners and roofers.
An asphalt shingle is an asphalt-saturated base made of fiberglass. The top layer is coated with a mixture of mica, schist, quartz, slate, ceramic, or stone. Meanwhile, the back is covered with sand, talc, or mica to keep the shingles from sticking together.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Benefits
Asphalt shingle roofs are affordable, easy to install, recyclable, fire-resistant, noise-resistant, ideal for winter, and are available in a variety of neutral colors.
Having gained popularity from their affordability, asphalt shingle roofs are the most common residential roofing material in the US. They provide adequate protection for a reasonable price and installation is easy with the help of professionals. Depending on the size of your home, experts can install asphalt shingles in a day or two. Proper installation ensures your roof lasts up to 20-25 years. If you’re looking to sell your house and want to increase its property value, asphalt shingle roofing may be a great choice for improving your home’s exterior.
Like metal roofing, asphalt shingle roofing is recyclable and can be used in paving. Shingles are ground up and added to pavement which improves the quality of roads. Recycled shingles can also be used to make other roofing products, to yield energy, and to make road maintenance products.
Some varieties of asphalt shingles have a Class A fire safety rating; fiberglass can withstand a fire burning for up to two hours.
Asphalt shingles help to block out external noise to create a quiet home. While they lock out noise, they also lock in heat, making them ideal for colder climates because they absorb heat from the sun to make your home stay warm.
With asphalt shingle roofing, you are bound to find a style and color to match your home’s exterior. While asphalt is the most common material used on roofs, you can design yours to be unique. Laminated, premium, and 3-tab are just three of many styles available. Tan, brown, gray, blue, green, and red are some colors you can expect from asphalt shingles.
If you have any questions about costs and what type of roofing is best for you, it’s best to speak with a professional before you make any decision. If you have any questions about improving the value of your home, speak with your real estate agent!
