Choosing the right roofing material for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It will impact your roof’s performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.
Asphalt vs Metal Roof
The most popular type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Asphalt Shingles:
Long-term performance and durability
Pros: High-quality asphalt shingles, like Southern National Roofing shingles, can provide protection for 20 to 30 years.
Cons: Its average lifespan is 15 to 30 years, much shorter than a metal roof. They are also prone to cracking, curling, and discoloring over time, especially in extreme climates.
Maintenance is another factor to consider when comparing asphalt vs metal roofing materials, as asphalt requires at least annual maintenance and regular repairs.
Energy Efficiency
Cons: Asphalt shingles absorb heat, making them less energy efficient and leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
Cost Analysis
Pros: More affordable than metal roofing, easy installation, and cheaper to repair.
Cons: Higher long-term cost due to maintenance repairs, shorter lifespan, and more frequent need for replacement.
Metal Roof:
If you want the best roofing for durability, metal is the winner.
Long-term performance and Durability
Pros: Metal hands down outlasts asphalt shingles, lasting 40 to 70 years, with some premium options lasting 100 years plus. It also requires minimal upkeep.
Metal is also highly resistant to harsh weather. It can handle winds up to 140 mph, hail, and snow, and has a Class A fire rating. It is also resistant to rot, insects, and mildew.
Cons: Softer metals like aluminum or copper can dent from hail and falling debris. They are noisier during harsh weather and may expand and contract during hot and cold seasonal changes, affecting the fasteners.
Energy Efficiency
Pros: Metal roofs reflect the sun, significantly reducing cooling costs, especially in warmer climates. You may see a 10-40% reduction in energy costs.
Metal is also available in cool roof certified options, which meet or exceed cool roof standards, further lowering energy costs.
Cost Effectiveness
Pros: They are more expensive upfront but have lower long-term costs because of their long lifespan, energy savings, and lower maintenance costs.
You can expect increased home resale value because it is the best roofing for durability compared to asphalt shingles and requires less maintenance.
Because of these factors, you may also qualify for a discount on your homeowners’ insurance.
Cons: A metal roof has a higher upfront cost for materials and installation compared to asphalt shingles. They also require specialized knowledge and experienced installers.
If you are looking for the best roofing material for your home’s future, metal offers many long-term benefits, such as low maintenance, energy savings, curb appeal, and a long life.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles come in a large variety of colors and styles, are easier to install, and have lower repair costs.
Let Southern National Roofing help you make the right decision for your budget, energy efficiency, and performance.
