Shingles and metal roofing are excellent options for enhancing your home’s roof, but the right material depends on several factors. Choosing the right option can help you achieve the durability, longevity, appearance and cost savings you desire.
Roofing materials affect your home’s energy efficiency, appearance and protection from the elements. Choosing the right roofing material for your budget, climate and energy-saving needs is essential because these factors can affect how long your roof remains in excellent condition and how much money you can save over time.
Consider how the following roofing materials differ:
Shingles typically have a uniform composition and design, and they come in rolls, stacks or sheets. Roofers nail shingles to a roof’s wooden frame, layering and staggering them upward from the roof’s lowest point. A shingle consists of a fiberglass base, asphalt layer and a granular top surface.
Metal roofing consists of large metal sheets, and manufacturers typically fold them longitudinally in one of the following patterns:
When choosing between a metal roof versus shingles, the pros and cons are essential considerations. Take the following factors into account before choosing an option for your home:
Shingles materials are easy to manufacture and find, making them the most affordable option when it comes to up-front costs. If you have a limited budget, shingles may be the easiest investment for your roof. Three-tab shingles have the lowest up-front investment, while architectural shingles come with a slightly higher cost.
Metal roofing is more of an up-front investment than shingles because of its quality. While metal sheets cost more, they are a worthwhile investment if you want the absolute best for your home.
When comparing a metal roof versus shingles, life expectancy is another important consideration because it affects when you will need to replace your roof again. While shingles have a lower up-front cost, metal roofing typically has a longer life span and can remain in good condition for decades.
Metal is also more durable than shingles, helping it last longer and reducing the amount of maintenance and repairs you need in the future. However, if installed incorrectly, metal roofs can leak more than shingles, so it’s important to hire a professional company with expertise in metal roof installation.
While shingles are less durable than metal roofing sheets, they still offer excellent strength. Their total life span depends on the type of shingles you choose and your location’s climate and weather conditions. With shingle roofs, however, damage to a few shingles can be easily remedied if there are no other structural issues, cutting down on repair costs.
Factors such as high winds, heavy rain, snow and falling objects can potentially cause damage to your roof. Indiana encounters tornados and strong storms, and metal roofs tend to perform better in these conditions.
When it comes to metal versus shingle roofs in cold climates, metal is an excellent option because it can help your home retain more heat. Metal roofing is also an excellent option if your area receives a significant amount of snow because snow can slide off of a smoother surface easier than a shingled roof’s textured surface. This prevents heavy snow accumulation from damaging your roof if you receive heavy snowfall in your area.
The amount of heat a roof can release also determines how energy-efficient it is. Metal has a high thermal emittance, which means it emits heat energy from the sun back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it into your home. Choosing a light paint color for your metal roof further increases its energy efficiency because it helps the metal reflect sunlight.
Other key factors to consider when comparing metal and shingle roofs include:
As an Indiana homeowner, you are most likely accustomed to experiencing all four seasons. Hot summers, snowy winters and wet spring seasons can all affect your roof. Metal roofing offers the greatest protection and energy efficiency for Indiana’s weather conditions. Shingles, however, offer a practical alternative if you have a more limited budget. High-quality shingles provide your home with a reliable roof that can the weather conditions.
Trusting a reputable company to install your roof ensures it can properly shed precipitation, so rain and snow slide off of the roof rather than leaking into your home. If you notice signs that your roof requires maintenance, repair or replacement, contact a professional as soon as possible.
Choosing the right type of roofing material for your home is essential, and trusting the right partner for your roofing installation increases your roof’s performance and longevity. Total Roofing and Construction, Inc. offers high-quality shingle and metal roof replacement services.
Whether you prefer asphalt shingles, architectural roofing shingles or highly durable metal roofing, we provide high-quality materials and perform expert installation. As a family-owned and operated company with strong values, we complete each roof replacement with experience and professionalism. Schedule a free inspection online for help choosing the best roofing option for your home and learn more about our services.
