Asphalt Shingles VS. Metal Roofing

On average, a new metal roof is about two to three times more expensive than asphalt shingles, but residential grade metal roofing does offer many great benefits in return for its more expensive price tag.

The cost of materials and installation will largely depend upon the type of metal, the style and profile of metal roofing you choose, and the overall size and relative complexity of your roof. The cost of installation will also vary greatly depending on your location.

LIFESPAN- Winner: Metal

The typical lifespan for a metal roof is around 50 years. Some metals. Typical asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, only last 12–25 years at most. But a quick read of any asphalt shingle warranty will reveal that the manufacturer is making 19 Yr Old Presidential distinction between the lifespan and product defects and that the warranty is about defect. That 40 year shingle will need replacing in most parts of the country in 15-20 years

INITIAL COST Winner: Shingle

The cost of a shingle roof can be much less up front than a metal roof. Long term, however, a metal roof pulls ahead and could save you a lot of money. You could end up having to replace your shingle roof three times over the lifespan of a single metal roof. Metal is also more durable and lower maintenance.

REPAIR COST- Winner: Shingle

Metal roofs will usually outlive Shingle. A lot of folks believe that just because most roofers prefer to install composition shingles, this is a reflection of their reliability and permanence. The truth is, it's an easy material to install and it doesn't take much training so just about anyone can do it. Another certainty for anyone installing a shingle roof: It WILL be replaced long before its warranty expires. Because the integrity of a metal roof is not compromised by heat and sun like an asphalt shingle roof, it will perform its job many decades longer.
Shingles are easier to repair than metal panels. A roofer can replace a single shingle or fix an area with relative ease. Fixing a problem spot or replacing a panel in a metal roof is more difficult due to the way it’s installed and how the panels are connected.

DURABILITY- Winner: Metal

Steel roofs can last for many decades without showing signs of wear. They’re also highly resistant to extreme weather, including hail, wind-driven rain, snow, and ice. They can withstand winds up to 120 mph. Shingles will more easily blow off of a roof, leaving spots vulnerable to moisture penetration.
In wind uplift tests, metal roofs earn a 140-mph wind rating, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance, and some can withstand gusts up to 180 mph.
Most modern shingle roofs are rated to withstand 90 mile-per-hour winds

EASE OF INSTALLMENT -Winner: Shingle

Because a shingle roof requires less skill and labor to install than a metal roof, roofing contractors can typically install them more quickly. You might also have an easier time finding the right contractor to install a shingle roof, since metal roof installation is more complicated and requires special skills.
WEIGHT

WEIGHT Winner: Metal

On average, metal roofs weigh 1.4 pounds per square foot, while composition averages 2 to 5 pounds per square foot.
Shingles are heavier than metal, which can place more stress on your building’s structure. Metal is lightweight, so it can help preserve your building’s integrity over time

MAINTENANCE- Winner: Metal

If your metal roof is installed properly, it should require virtually no maintenance. Asphalt roofs require regular inspections, repairs, maintenance, and shingle replacement.

Energy Efficient- Winner :Metal

Metal Roofs Are More Energy Efficient
Industry studies show that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent.
.Metal roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off shingles, provided local building codes allow it. While shingle removal is the preferred route, tear-off is messy and raises the cost of the job.
A potential problem with this type of installation is trapped water vapor. If trapped between the metal roofing and old roofing, moisture can build up and cause mold and rot. But roofers can install a vented metal roof that eliminates this potential problem. Or, installing the new metal roofing over furring strips will raise the metal and provide a ventilating air pocket between layers.