What is the Difference Between Metal Roofing and Shingles?

Whether you have tried metal roofing before or are new to the concept because you have always dealt with shingle roofs in the past, it is important to consider which one is a better option when constructing a new home or re-roofing your current one. This is important because what material you choose for your home’s roof can affect a variety of things, such as the look of the home, the cost of the project, and the long-term impacts of the material of your choice.

Patriot Exteriors offers both metal roofing and shingles to our customers because we want each one to have full say over the look and pricing of their home’s renovation or construction.

Differences in benefits

Metal roofing provides many advantages to homeowners, including a long lifespan that outpaces other materials, low maintenance due to a solid design, a modern look that is growing in popularity, and potential energy savings for the homeowner. Although metal roofing may be the more expensive option between metal and asphalt shingles, the benefits that the homeowner receives are enough to justify the higher price point.

Asphalt shingles, by comparison, are a cheaper material, meaning acquisition and installation of shingles on a home will save the homeowner some money. Asphalt shingles are also simple to work with, meaning the labor costs are lower. And, although they may not be as durable as a metal roof, asphalt shingles still provide solid protection to any home where they are included.

How they handle the elements

With cooler months coming fast, it’s important to know that metal roofing tends to handle accumulation of snow on the roof better, meaning less of a chance for problems such as ice dams causing water damage to the attic or ceiling of your home. But this also means that homeowners may have to use more heat in the winter, as metal roofs tend to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.

Asphalt shingles tend to be warmer because of their material and color lending to sunlight absorption. This allows them to help warm a home better than a metal roof during winter months. However, asphalt shingles also struggle more when dealing with accumulated snow compared to a metal roof, leaving homeowners with a minor tradeoff.

Whether you choose a metal roof or asphalt shingles, your new construction project or renovated roof will be better protected than ever when you work with Patriot Exteriors. Contact our team today to schedule a roofing project for your home and take a step toward better home protection!