Are you almost done building your new home? Or maybe you just need a full roof replacement and you’re not sure which type of roof to install? Well, either way we all know having a safe, secure roof above our heads is one of the most important parts of every home.
However, finding the perfect roof for your home is not an easy task. Two of the most popular types of roofs are proven to be shingle roofing and metal roofing, and for good reason! If you’re stuck between asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs, this article is for you.
It’s a no brainer that having the right roofing system will serve the basic purpose of protecting your house from outside conditions. However, it does a lot more than just protect your home. The type of roof you install can provide additional living space, as well as make your home more durable to withstand outside elements. In addition, installing an energy efficient roof can reduce your energy bills and make your home weather-proof.
When it comes to picking the right type of roof to use, you should take some time to do thorough research. This is the one part of your home that would easily cause hazardous problems in the near future if not installed properly. The very first step is finding the best roofing for your home. So, which type of roof is better: Metal roofing or Shingle roofing?
The best way to analyse these two roofs is by understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses. To help you make a wise decision, this article will highlight all the necessary information on the different kinds of Metal Roofing and Shingle Roofing systems. Don’t worry! You are in the right place. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Metal Roofing vs. Shingle Roofing
Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofing has always been referred to as the ‘golden boy of roofs’. That’s because most people typically prefer using a metal roof. In reality, metal roofing doesn’t just describe one specific product, rather a range of different products. The term metal roofing actually describes aluminium roofing sheet, copper roofing, zinc roofing, steel roofing, and tin roofing but not limited to the above products. We’ll go into detail about each one of these, including Pro’s and Con’s so you can have better understanding.
1. Aluminium Roofing Sheet
If you live around the coastal region, then aluminium roofing sheet is the ideal type of metal roofing for your house. That’s because aluminium roofs have an incredible resistance to salt corrosion when compared to other types of metal roofs. The common perception when it comes to Aluminium roofs is that they are not reactive.
However, the reality of the matter is that aluminium roofing is very reactive to any atmospheric changes. In fact, it will almost react instantly. Thankfully, this almost instantaneous reaction to atmospheric changes is what protects the aluminium sheet so well.
The outside layer of the aluminium sheet reacts with the oxygen in the air creating aluminium oxide. In turn, the aluminium oxide forms a covering over the inner layers hence protecting the entire sheet from corrosion. This provides long-lasting protection to your roofing system even in harsh conditions such as the salty environment found on the coast.
However, in most cases, the aluminium sheet is used with a painted coat that acts as a natural patina. That’s because the aluminium oxide is thought not to be aesthetically appealing. Like copper, as you will see down below, aluminium also has a downside to it.
As much as it can offer protection from corrosion, it is also considered to be more expensive when compared to other solutions that typically use aluminium as a coating. More importantly, since it’s still a commodity, aluminium roofing price will normally fluctuate depending on the market.
Pros
- It’s light in weight
- Has a strong resistance to corrosion
- Additionally, it’s energy-efficient
Cons
- More expensive compared to solutions that use aluminium sheet as coating
2. Copper Metal Roofing
Copper is actually the first metal roofing system to ever be used. On top of that, this metal has been used for centuries all over the world. One of the main reasons why most customers prefer copper is that it offers long-lasting roofing that can last for decades. Above all, copper roofing is considered a green roofing option since it is 100% recyclable.
Adding on, copper is a soft metal hence making it one of the quietest metal roofs. All in all, most metal roofing installation professionals today are required to minimize the noises from hail or rain in all types of metals.
One of the major setbacks of copper is actually from its strengths. The fact that the copper metal is soft makes it prone to damage especially in areas that experience hailstones frequently. The hailstones will easily dent the copper roofing. As much as this will lower the aesthetic value of the copper roofing, it might still be better off than the harder types of metal roofs. That’s because when harder metal roofs are exposed to large hailstones, they will puncture the roof instead of causing a dent. Another major problem with the copper roofing is the fact that it’s expensive when compared to other roofing types.
Also, it has a tendency of contracting and expanding with any swings in temperature. As much as this feature can be controlled, it needs to be handled with an expert in the field. That means finding the best roofing Services Company for the job.
Pros
- It’s a beautiful finish to any roofing
- Copper roofing is extremely durable
- It’s easy to work with copper
- More importantly, copper is easily solderable
Cons
- Easily dents especially in areas with frequent hail
- Contracts and expands with changes in temperature
3. Steel Roofing
Another popular type of metal roofing is steel roofing. The steel is made out of iron and other elements. In most cases, steel roofing is the ideal choice in commercial buildings and also in residential ones too. As much as the initial stages of creating steel roofing can be energy-consuming, the result is recycled and re-used. That said, most of the steel we use today is most likely from recycled steel rather than new ones.
In fact, steel is the most recycled product on the whole planet. That makes it an incredibly great option for green roofs. More to that, when compared to other types of metal, steel is the least expensive option.
There are three major types of steel roofs:
- Galvanized Steel
- Galvalume Steel
- Weathering Steel
All these three types have specific features that will enhance your roofing durability and strength. Steel roofing has taken a huge step over the last 50 years and can now be used to mimic zinc or copper roofs. Since majority of the metal roofs are quite expensive, steel is now used in residential and commercial buildings. Above all, as a green roofing solution, steel roofing is highly recyclable and easily accessible.
Pros
- It’s less expensive when compared to other types of metal roofs
- Steel roofs have a more aesthetic look as compared to other metal roofs
- Steel is the best green roofing option.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive to manufacturer.
4. Zinc Metal roofing
In a nutshell, zinc is an amazing metal for your roof since it’s able to form patina to heal any scratches on it. With that technique, zinc roofing can last for hundreds of years. The natural features of zinc make it a favourite metal roofing material in commercial building. That’s because zinc can be easily manipulated into incredible shapes.
Zinc also has the lowest melting point when compared to other metal roofing materials. That means that it is less expensive to manufacture roofs using zinc when compared to copper or steel. Additionally, zinc is highly recyclable and it is easily available in the local markets. Also, zinc is the best green roofing material.
Unfortunately, zinc roofs have a downside to it. In fact, zinc is as expensive as copper. More to that, for proper installation, these types of roofs requires a qualified metal roof installation expert to properly install the roof. Otherwise, you risk bleeding out more money in case the roof is not installed properly. More importantly, zinc is also considered a soft metal and will easily be damaged in case of heavy hail.
Pros
- Zinc roofing can last up to 100 years or even more.
- When properly installed, zinc roofs can withstand wind gusts of up to 140m/s.
- Has a high resistance to fire
- Zinc is recyclable.
Cons
- The roof is quite expensive
5. Tin Roofs
Last but not least is the tin metal type of roofing. Most people actually use this term interchangeably with the word metal roofing or galvanized steel. However, tin is an incredibly rare element compared to other types of metal. Tin is actually an element on its own just like copper or zinc.
In its early days, tin was used as a canning material. Later, DIYers adapted the element by flattening it out and using it as roofing materials. When aluminium became the golden standard of containers, it led to the declined use of tin. And so, when someone refers to tin in roofing, the reality is they are most likely talking about aluminium material or galvanized steel. Unfortunately, tin is no longer used as a roofing material.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
This is another popular type of roofing apart from the metal type. It’s actually quite popular in North America and with good reason. That’s because they are designed to protect the home for centuries without weathering. Additionally, asphalt shingle requires minimal upkeep.
Just like the metal roofing, Asphalt shingles also come in different types.
Types of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
1. Strip Asphalt Shingles
Strip shingles, in other words, are known as the 3-tab asphalt shingles or simple strips and are the most original and basic design. This type of design is made out of a single layer of asphalt shingle which has a flat appearance that resembles a slate look.
Generally, this type of asphalt shingles weighs less and is less costly. They are actually quite common especially with homeowners or builders looking to create an inexpensive home. More to that, with the right type of roofing expert, the entire cost of buying and installation is less expensive. Wait a minute! Did I tell you that you can actually get a free quote? Well, now you know.
2. Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
These are the most prevalent types of Asphalt Shingles. Also known as laminate shingles or architectural shingles. These types of asphalt roofing are created through fusing of two or more layers of asphalt to create a thick multi-dimensional appearance. They usually look like wood shake. More to that, they are typically heavier when compared to strip shingles.
That being said, it’s important to have these shingles installed properly by a professional and licensed roofer. At Energy Roofing, we use Owens Corning branded roofing materials to ensure durability and long-lasting results.
3. Luxury Asphalt Shingles
These are the highest quality of the Asphalt shingles. They offer a more advanced quality of asphalt shingles than even the dimensional shingles. Aside from that, the luxury asphalt shingles also have a great appearance when they are installed properly. These types of roof shingles offer the most realistic representation of wood shake from the old world.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
- They come in a wide array of rich gorgeous colours
- They are cost-effective
- Asphalt Shingles have a long-life expectancy
- Easy to install
- They are recyclable
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
- They are generally heavy.
- Asphalt Shingles retain the heat which can be an advantage in cold seasons.
- Asphalt shingles are not as long-lasting as metal roofing. Typically close to 25 years only. However, there are longer-lasting options.
Are Metal Roofs Better than Shingles Types of Roofs?
Based on the facts I’ve shared with you above, the answer to this question is quite complicated. Metal roofs have a lot of advantages to any home. And above all, they will help increase the life of your home. On the contrary, these types of roofs also carries a couple of disadvantages with them.
On the other hand, Shingles are advantageous to any new home. Not to say incredibly beautiful. But at the same time, they also have their own limitations including they are not as durable and long-lasting when compared to metal roofing.
As a professional roofing company, the best answer to this question is; it all depends on what you are trying to achieve. Both metal roofing and shingle roofing are great options when installing a new roof. Several factors should be taken into consideration. For example, your residing location and the ordinary conditions of the weather. We hope this article will really help any person debating between these two options make a sound decision. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each roofing type before settling for one.
Where Can I Find a Professional Roofing Company?
Energy Roofing Inc is the answer for you. We offer roofing services to anyone located in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Ana, Northridge, North Hollywood, Chatsworth, Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas around Los Angeles. Your satisfaction is our number one priority. Thankfully, our roofing experts have worked with both Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles for over 10 years and we can cater for any of your needs.
In addition, our company is licensed with a C-39 Roofing Contractor License. This license is specifically issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to qualified roofing contractors who have met and satisfied the stipulated licensing criteria. It’s critical to make sure your roofer has this license to ensure legitimacy.
If you’ve decided on one of the above types of roofs, then give us a call and we’ll come to you. Our roofing experts from Energy Roofing will answer any additional questions you might have. We’ll also schedule a free inspection based on your convenience. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and call us today.
Stick around for more interesting facts on roofing. There’s no better place to get the right information about roofs than from an expert.
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