Metal Roofing vs. Shingles

As a long-time or prospective homeowner, you appreciate how important it is to choose the right roofing system. With so many options available in the market today, it is all too easy to get overwhelmed. While it’s great to have so many options, weighing all the pros and cons of each option can be challenging. Fortunately, you do not have to start from scratch.

Metal and asphalt are two of Canada’s most popular roofing materials, and for a good reason. Now, how do you choose between a metal roofing system and asphalt shingles? Below is a comparison of everything you need to know about metal roofing and asphalt shingles so you can make an informed decision for your home.

What Is a Metal Roofing System?

A metal roof refers to a roofing system that is made from metal pieces or panels. Metal roofs are engineered to resist heat, sound, air, and water. The roof also provides structural support and contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic of your structure. A metal roof is an investment and an asset for your home. It is beautiful, eco-friendly, durable, and increases the value of your home while reducing energy costs. With metal roofing systems from Ironclad Roofing installed, you will never need to re-roof again.

What Is an Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most common systems used on many homes today. The roofing systems are mainly made from asphalt shingles and other components and account for over 75% of installed roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are categorized into two main types: fibreglass and organic. Organic shingles are the oldest type of asphalt roofing. They are made of cellular fibre substrate infused with asphalt and then compressed under very high pressure. Fibreglass shingles are made from a layer of glass fibres rather than paper. They are lightweight, less expensive, and more heat resistant compared to organic asphalt shingles.

A Comparison between Metal Roof & Asphalt Shingles

Cost

Asphalt shingles are widely known to be affordable and easy to install. Understandably, metal roofs are more expensive as they require specialized knowledge. While the cost will depend on your location, the complexity of your project, and the specific roofing product, you can generally expect a metal roof to be at least several thousand dollars more. However, remember that a metal roof will last at least three times longer and requires fewer lifetime repairs than an asphalt roof. If you are looking for a long-term roofing solution, a metal roof for your house is the best choice.

Appearance

A roof significantly affects your home’s curb appeal. The asphalt shingles available today can be manufactured to resemble wood shakes, slate-style roofs, or even tiles. You can also have a variety of lighter and darker granules within each shingle to give the roof depth or a multi-coloured look. On the other hand, traditional metal roofing has a unique look and shape and is available in a variety of solid colours.

Appearance is subjective. However, although both options are aesthetically pleasing, the durability of metal roofing means that your roof and home will look great for longer without any additional cost or extensive maintenance.

Durability

Roof repairs, fixes, and replacements can be costly. Having a durable roof means that you will avoid this headache – particularly if you live in areas with extreme weather. Asphalt is permeable, which means water can enter and freeze. Having water in your roofing system can cause the structure to break down. Additionally, the continuous thermal cycling weathers asphalt shingles and significantly reduces their lifespan.

Metal roofs are non-absorptive. They are engineered and installed to allow thermal movement and temperature fluctuations without breaking down. This enables metal roofs to have an average lifespan of 50 to 70 years in any climate, compared to the 20 to 25 years of asphalt shingles.

Low Maintenance

Roof maintenance can be tedious, challenging, and expensive. With asphalt shingles, the penetrations where metal flashing, adhesives, and sealants are used frequently need to be replaced as they deteriorate with time.

On a metal roof, any penetrative accessories are flashed with matching metal, helping to channel water off the roof. This preserves the roof’s lifespan.

Energy Efficiency

A common misconception about metal roofs is that they are hot. In fact, it’s the opposite. Metal is highly reflective, which means that it absorbs less heat and keeps the roof cooler than most other materials. This reduces your need for mechanical cooling by between 10 to 25%, therefore lowering your energy costs as well.

Protection and Eco-Friendliness

Metal roofs offer the best resistance to fire. Additionally, they do not dent with hail and will hold up better in stormy conditions than asphalt shingles.

Both roofing options can be recycled. However, the process of recycling asphalt shingles is more costly, which means that most asphalt shingles end up in landfills. In contrast, metal roofing can be easily and fully recycled at the end of their life without losing their strength or adding additional costs to breakdown the material. This allows the steel to be reused for other purposes.

Things to Consider Before You Choose a Metal or Shingle Roof

Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home, items, and loved ones. This is why your choice between metal roofing and shingles is important, but also personal. To make this decision, evaluate the following aspects:

Budget

The amount of money you have and are willing to spend is key in deciding on a metal roof or shingles. If you prefer to pay less now and handle any repairs or replacements needed in the next 20 years, an asphalt shingle roof could work for you. However, if you don’t mind paying more or financing, a metal roof provides peace of mind that you will not have to replace your roof in your lifetime. Metal also requires fewer repairs and less maintenance work, keeping the long-term costs down.

Roofing System Design

Every roofing project is different, which could affect your decision. Identifying the following key pieces of information will help you determine which design is best suited for you:

• Roof pitch (slope) – Check and confirm the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum slope requirements to ensure the roofing material you want is possible.
• The complexity of the roof’s design, including the number of valleys, skylights, dormers, hips, flashing points, penetrations, and vent pipes.
• Square footage of the roof.
• Which parts of the roof are in the shade or the sunlight, by how much, and for how long.

Material Lifecycle

Understand the expected lifecycle of the different materials to weigh when you might need to replace the roof. Also, find out if this lifecycle is affected by the climate you live in.

Environment

Roofing materials will perform differently under various environmental conditions. If you live in an area with the potential for extreme heat, strong storms, or high winds, metal roofing can help protect you. Asphalt shingles are more likely to be damaged in these conditions.

Contractor Availability

For the best results, both metal and shingle roofs require a qualified contractor to complete the installation. Metal roofing can be complicated as it requires special equipment and techniques. Working with qualified and experienced contractors ensures that your roofing project is completed to the highest standards.

Get the Best Metal Roofing Solutions for Your Home from Our Experts

At Ironclad Roofing, we care about protecting you, your family, and your home, which is why we provide you with the highest quality metal roofing products and services. With many successfully completed projects, we have garnered extensive experience delivering reliable, durable, and environmentally friendly roofing solutions that look great and last for decades. Get in touch with us today to get a free estimate for your next metal roofing project.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is a Steel Roof Noisier Than Asphalt Shingles?

The reason that most metal roofs seemed loud before was that they were installed directly over rafters and held in place by exposed fasteners, which led to rattling. However, this method of metal roof installation is no longer being used, and your metal roof can be just as quiet as your traditional asphalt shingles.

What Warranties Do You Provide for Metal Roofing?

Ironclad roofing provides a 50-year paint warranty for our steel roofing products against cracking, peeling, and blistering. The warranty starts from the date of installation. Ironclad Roofing also offers a thirty-year warranty against colour changes from the date of installation.

Do You Provide a Financing Option for Metal Roofing Systems?

Yes. Ironclad Roofing has partnered with Financeit to provide flexible financing options for metal roofing. Through this partnership, property owners get a low-cost payment plan that breaks down the cost of new metal roofing into more manageable and smaller expenses that will not strain your monthly budget or bank account. Through this financing option, you are assured of getting your new roof much sooner and will enjoy lower energy bills and the sleek modern look that comes with steel roofs.

You can finance the cost of your metal roof in biweekly or monthly installments for 60 months. or 5 years. Application for financing is easy and quick and can be completed using a computer or smartphone. You can be approved within minutes. After approval, the loan offer from Financeit is valid for 180 days, or 6 months. This gives you plenty of time to determine whether this is suitable for your needs and budget.

Also Read: How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?