Difference Between Asphalt and Metal Roofing

Your roof is an essential component of your house’s structure, as it shields your home from the various elements of nature. For this reason, it’s important that your roof be constructed only from the highest quality materials. When it comes to new roofing, most homeowners are typically able to choose between asphalt and metal. The question is: Which is better? A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a business that has served the Charlotte, North Carolina, area since 1979, and according to him, there are advantages and drawbacks to both asphalt and metal.

Asphalt is, by far, the most popular roofing material throughout the United States. For many homeowners, the greatest appeal of asphalt is the fact that it can be aesthetically pleasing, especially compared to metal. These days, asphalt shingles are available in an array of colors and color blends, which can make for an appealing household exterior. Metal, by comparison, is more limited on the color front. From a cost perspective, asphalt roofs are also considerably cheaper than metal roofs, as the materials are less expensive to purchase and easier to install. In fact, asphalt roofing can often be installed in a single day, whereas metal roofing might take longer. One additional advantage of asphalt is that unlike metal, it won’t rust over time, thereby making it a more reliable material in the eyes of many roofing contractors.

While plenty of benefits are inherent in asphalt, one disadvantage of this material is that it is generally not as long lasting as metal. Additionally, as compared to metal, asphalt roofs on a whole have a greater tendency to produce leaks – a fact that can end up costing a homeowner a fair amount of money and unwanted aggravation. Finally, most warranties on asphalt roofs are shorter and far more limited than those on metal roofs. So despite the cheaper initial price tag, asphalt roofing can constitute a significant financial drain in the long run.

Although metal is not nearly as popular a roofing material as asphalt, several benefits are inherent in this particular option. Despite the fact that its color choices are somewhat limited, these days, homeowners have a greater selection of aesthetic options than ever before. More importantly, metal roofs are highly resistant to hail, wind, and other such inclement weather, thereby making them a more solid option as far as leak protection goes. Another advantage of metal roofing is that when properly maintained, it can last a lot longer than asphalt. Additionally, metal roofing is fireproof – a fact that can save homeowners money on insurance costs while offering an added degree of protection at the same time. Finally, metal roofing is known to be extremely energy efficient. During the summer months, metal can cool a house by reflecting sunlight and limiting the extent to which heat is transferred onto the premises. Similarly, during the winter, metal works by reflecting indoor heat from the underside of the roof back into the home. Therefore, despite the initial cost of installation, homeowners should be aware that metal roofing can save them a fair amount of money on heating and cooling costs over time.

Where there are plenty of good reasons to have a metal roof installed, the material does come equipped with some drawbacks. Although metal roofs are considerably more expensive than their asphalt counterparts to purchase and install, perhaps the single greatest disadvantage of metal is the fact that in the eyes of many, it just plain doesn’t look good. The fact that metal is still a relatively unconventional roofing material is also a turnoff for some (though others might argue that metal, more so than asphalt, can actually increase the value of one’s home). Metal roofing can also generate an uncomfortable level of noise during inclement weather; the sound of hail or even heavy rain beating on a metal roof can constitute a rather significant disruption for the members of any such affected household. Finally, metal roofs do require a fair degree of maintenance, as they often need to be coated and repainted in order to prevent rust and decay.

When it comes to selecting a roofing material, there are clearly plenty of good reasons to choose – or avoid – both asphalt and metal. For most homeowners, the decision tends to come down to money, as many simply cannot afford the option of replacing an old roof with one made of metal. After all is said and done, with the proper installation and maintenance, either roofing material can serve you well in the long run. So if you can’t afford the hefty cost of metal, then rest assured that asphalt still has a way of getting the job done.