Metals and shingles are two of the most common roofing materials used in the United States today. Discussion between architects and contractors has been going on since they have a difference in cost, appearance, durability, maintenance, and other features. This article will discuss the benefits of metal roofs vs shingles and share the pros and cons of both.
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Differences between the two are inevitable, both of them are suitable investments for your home or building. Selecting between them boils down to perspective and use depending on the climate, location, and other requirements. Equipping yourself with the pros and cons of each material will help you decide which one is best for you.
Benefits of Metal Roof vs. Shingles
Lightweight – Metal roofing makes it easier for your installers to handle during the installation process. Being lightweight, it does not add stress to your building, reduces damages and preserves the structure.
Longevity – This is where metal roofing has a considerable advantage compared to shingles. Metal roofs last for over 50 to 60 years. Other materials like copper or zinc are known to last more than a century, making them a cheaper choice than shingles.
Fire Resistant – Metal is categorized as class A fire-rated and nonflammable making it fire resistant. Metal roofs are advisable for use in areas where wildfires are common since ashes that fall on your rooftops will be neutralized.
Low Maintenance – Properly installed metal roofs need only minimal maintenance. Manufacturers will always provide instructions on roof maintenance. Besides that, keeping the rooftops clean of leaves, branches, and other debris stuck will keep them clean.
Cons of Using Metal Roofing
Few Qualified Contractor – Acquiring a competent contractor to work on your metal roof installation is essential since most metal roofing problems come from how your builders install them.
More Labor Intensive – Getting your metal roofs installed required a lot of precision and required a zero amount of errors. To achieve this, you will need a highly trained professional to install your metal roof, making it more labor-intensive since it takes a lot of time.
Regional Issues – Some communities do not allow metal roofing installed on your new or existing home within their jurisdiction. Since metal roofs are industrial, they can give high-glare problems and make the neighborhood look inconsistent.
Pros of Using Shingles
Easier to Install & Replace: Getting your shingles installed and replaced will require less time compared to metal roofs since they are prepackaged and immediately nailed to the deck with a nail gun requiring less labor time.
Less Expensive Repairs: Having problems with damaged shingles? Do not worry since they are easy and cheap to repair. All you have to do is remove the damaged shingles and the ones around them and install the new ones. You may do this by yourself or hire a professional.
More Installers: Shingles are relatively simple and easy to install. That is why more contractors can install shingles than metal roofing. At the same time, it’s still essential to find qualified and experienced contractors.
Readily Available: Shingles are easy to find. You may purchase them at your local hardware, compared to metal roofing, where you have to order them from manufacturers.
Cons of Using Shingle Roofs
Short Lifecycle: Depending on the type of material you purchase, asphalt or fiberglass shingle roofs can last up to 25 years maximum.
Heavier: Shingles have more weight compared to metal, may it be asphalt or fiberglass. This weight will provide stress to the building structure, causing problems to arise over time.
Flammable: Shingles are class A fire-rated however it contains asphalt making it combustible and flammable since it is a semi-solid form of petroleum.
Know that you know the difference between the two materials you can weigh out on which of them will be an advantage for your home or building. Upon getting roofs installed, having specialty roof hatches is also vital for the safety and security of your workers.
