Due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material among homeowners in Canada and the US. In fact, almost 70 percent of all single-family houses in the US have asphalt shingles installed. However, the number is slowly going down, thanks to the growing popularity of a more energy-efficient and long-lasting roofing material; metal roofing.
Metal roofs, known for their modern and aesthetically pleasing designs, are now being preferred over traditional roofing materials, and with a long-established reputation for durability and resilience, they are slowly making their way up to become the most popular roofing material in the world. Some manufacturers are even producing metal roofing materials that resemble tiles, shingles, slate, and shake.
Though both materials are suitable for residential roofing, metal roofs may be more suited for your needs than you think. To help you make the right decision, below, we discuss in detail how metal roofs may be better for you than asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofs Are Energy-Efficient
Without a doubt, metal roofs are the most energy-efficient roofing material available in the market today. According to various surveys, metal roofs reduce your energy bills by 40 percent, and as asphalt shingles do quite the opposite, metal roofing can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in summer. This enables you to reduce your energy bills as you will be using your heating and cooling equipment less. Metal roofs can reflect heat from the sun instead of absorbing it as asphalt shingles do.
Metal Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
Metal roofs are made from recycled material and can further be recycled many times. This makes them a more sustainable option than shingles, which are petroleum-based products that end up in landfills most of the time.
Moreover, due to their reflective qualities, metal shingles are more energy-efficient and reduce energy waste. They are also more long-lasting and, therefore, don’t need frequent replacement. On the other hand, asphalt shingles need to be replaced more often than metal roofs.
Metal Roofs Are Durable
Metal roofs can withstand extreme weather conditions and can stand up to anything mother nature throws at them. For example, metal can tolerate extreme cold, strong winds, even tornados, and snowstorms compared to other roofing materials. Metal roofs also shed snow, disabling ice dams that weigh down your roof and reducing the risk of melting water seeping through your roof.
This metal roof’s ability to resist fire, heavy rain, and damaging winds is why metal roofs are gaining popularity in areas prone to wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Which Roofing Material Is More Cost-Effective?
Asphalt Shingles: Being cost-effective is one reason why asphalt shingles are a popular choice of roofing material among homeowners. However, what most people don’t realize is that its upfront price may be lower than that of metal roofing, but down the road, its maintenance and replacement charges can cost a lot. Asphalt shingles generally need replacement every 15-20 years.
Metal Roofs: On the other hand, metal roofs have a higher upfront cost, but when you consider their 50-year lifespan and durability, it offers a lower annualized price than other roofing materials. Additionally, some insurance companies provide a discount to houses with metal roofs.
With metal roofs, you’ll rarely have to think about replacing them. Furthermore, their resistance to pro-roof-damaging things such as pests, fire, and moisture and their energy-efficiency can save you big bucks on steep maintenance and energy bills every month.
About Stahl Roof Systems
Based in Edmonton, Stahl Roof Systems is a roofing contractor with years of experience in installation, replacement, and restoration of metal roofs for industrial, commercial, and residential properties. To schedule an appointment today, visit our website or contact us here.
