Metal Roof vs Shingles: Which Material is Right for Your Home

When it comes to your roof, it’s critical that you choose the right roofing material. After all, your roof is what protects your home from the elements, and you’ll want to make sure that it lasts for years to come. There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from, all of which have certain benefits. Two of the most popular options include metal roofing and shingles.

However, metal roofing is quickly becoming the preferred option for many homeowners due to its many advantages. With that in mind, the following is a breakdown of metal roofing vs shingles.

Benefits of Metal Roof Over Shingles

If you’re in the process of replacing your existing roof or building a new home, the following are some of the reasons why you should consider choosing metal roofing as opposed to shingles:

Longevity & Durability: Shingles are often prone to weathering, cracking, and other forms of wear and tear as a result of long-term exposure to the elements. When a shingle is damaged, it must be replaced, or else it leaves your home vulnerable to water damage. A metal roof is much more durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance, as it is simply more resistant to damage than traditional shingles.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are highly reflective, which means that they can reflect sunlight away from your home. This helps to keep your home cooler in the summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your home comfortable. Metal roofs also provide excellent insulation, reducing the amount of heat that escapes from your home in the winter.

Environmental Impact: Metal is one of the most recyclable materials, which means that it has a much smaller environmental impact than asphalt shingles. It can be recycled many times over without losing its structural integrity.

Lightweight: Despite being made from metal, many steel roofing products are surprisingly lightweight. This is because even though the material is thinner, it offers superior strength and resistance. This makes metal roofing much easier to install than heavier materials like ceramic shingles, saving you time and effort during the installation.

Lower Long-Term Cost: Metal roofs can last upwards of 60 years, which is much longer than asphalt shingle roofs, which only last 15 to 20 years. As such, you’ll end up saving more money on roof replacement costs in the long run.

Weather Performance: Metal roofs are better able to stand up to extreme weather conditions like hail, high winds, and even fire. Many metal roofing products are also rated to withstand hurricane-force winds, giving you peace of mind that your home is well protected.

More Colour Availability: Because metal roofs are manufactured, they come in a much wider range of colours and tones than shingles. This means that you have more options in terms of the aesthetic look you wish to achieve for your home.

Roofing Over Existing Roof: Metal roofs can be installed over existing roofs, which eliminates the need to tear off the old roof and dispose of it. This saves you money on labor costs and reduces the amount of waste created.

Also Read: What to Know About Installing a Metal Roof Over Shingles

Commonly Asked Questions

The following are a few common questions about metal roofing vs shingles that many homeowners have.

Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?

No. Metal roofs are just as waterproof and leak resistant as traditional shingles, even in the most extreme weather conditions. In fact, metal roofing is often more reliable when it comes to keeping water out of your home because metal is less likely to be damaged.

Does a metal roof make your house colder in winter?

No. Metal roofs actually provide better insulation than many other types of roofs, which means it’s easier to keep the heat your home generates trapped inside during the winter months.

Does a metal roof devalue a house?

No. Metal roofs are just as attractive to potential buyers as other types of roofing and can even improve your property value due to their durability and energy efficiency.

Get Home a Metal Roof that Lasts for Generations

At Ironclad Roofing, we offer the highest quality metal roofing systems available. Our metal roofs are designed to last for generations and are made from durable materials that can withstand the toughest weather conditions. For more information, contact us at Ironclad Roofing online or by calling us at 905-752-4685 today.