As more people find themselves in need of a roof replacement, more and more people in the Villas Cape May, New Jersey area compare metal roofs vs asphalt roofs and, understandably, are unable to choose between the two. There are numerous complexities and factors to consider while making a decision. This article will help you sort through the two possibilities and make a decision.
What Exactly Is A Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are defined as a roofing system that uses any combination of metal shingles, sheets, or panels to build a home's roof. They are self-explanatory in and of themselves, but what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a metal roof?
Metal Roof Advantages: There are numerous advantages to possessing a metal roof, including but not limited to:
Durability- As you might expect, metal roofs are highly durable and can resist quite a battering. Metal roofs come in a variety of materials, including aluminum and steel. An aluminum roof will be lighter and less expensive than a steel roof, but it will be much weaker, albeit still quite sturdy.
Energy efficiency- Metal roofs are considered to be among the most energy-efficient on the market, reflecting heat away from a building. As a result, metal is a fantastic alternative for homeowners who want to save money on their home's cooling systems and electricity bills.
Environmentally friendly- As a general rule, metal roofs will contain approximately 40% recycled materials. They are also manufactured entirely of recyclable materials, which means they will never contribute to carbon emissions in a landfill. This is a significant improvement over an asphalt roof, which is constructed of tar and composite materials. When heated, it emits pollutants into the air that are hazardous to the ecology.
Longevity- According to all study on metal roofs, with correct maintenance and care, they can endure up to 70 years! This means you should only have to replace your roof once in your lifetime.
Safety- You should always have the confidence that your roof will protect you and your family even in the most extreme weather situations. Metal roofing is one of the most durable solutions for your home. It can support a lot of weight, at least twice as much as an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roof Drawbacks: Affordability. Metal roofs can be two or three times more expensive than conventional roofing materials, which can be a significant financial burden when replacing your complete roof.
Sounds- There have been concerns that metal roofs are too noisy when it rains outside, as they reflect the noise better inside the home.
Expansion, contraction, and fasteners- When it comes to having to expand and contract with heat and cold, a metal roof is not ideal. Instead, they will often bend out of shape at the locations where they are linked to the roof, leaving gaps and apertures.
Color match inconsistency- A very minor issue that is occasionally noted is that it is difficult to match the original color of the metal roof when replacing a part, as it can fade in direct sunlight over time.
Asphalt Shingle Advantages:
Cost- One of the most significant, if not the most significant, advantages of using asphalt shingles is their inexpensive cost when compared to other roofing solutions. Three-tab shingles typically cost around $100 per square foot, which is significantly less than metal or tile.
Ease of installation- They are extremely simple to install, requiring little experience and only the most basic tools. You could shingle a roof with nothing more than a hammer, nails, and patience. This also has an impact on the cost of installation, as it will be far less expensive than the alternatives.
Asphalt shingles come in a large range of colors and designs, and they are quite easy to mass-produce, so there is never any inconsistency when it comes to having to find a patch. They are simple to color match and can be found in practically any hardware store because of their abundance.
Flame retardant- Asphalt shingles are ideal for locations at high danger of forest fires because they are all flame retardant, which means they will burn and melt but will not catch fire and spread it.
Asphalt shingles have a semi-decent life, which is better than nothing. However, this life is also a disadvantage because they only last about 15 years on average, which is neither good nor bad.
Asphalt Shingle Cons: It is not the most lasting roofing option- While they can hold their own and are an acceptable roofing option, they are not the strongest. They chip and shatter easily and harden and brittle during the colder months of the year.
High winds can harm shingles- Asphalt shingles are especially vulnerable to wind damage. Because they are piled one on top of the other, they tend to catch the wind under their flaps. They will then flex upwards and change shape, allowing water to do damage to your roof.
Mildew is a common issue- One of the most common problems with asphalt shingles is their proclivity to grow mildew and fungus. They are continually gathering rain and, due to their rough roughness, moisture can become trapped on the surface. This moisture then evolves into mildew, which may quickly take over your roof and damage the shingles.
It isn't the most energy-efficient choice- Because these shingles are constructed of asphalt and tar, they grow incredibly heated in the sun. This heat enters your home during the hot summer months, increasing your AC bills. They are also poor at keeping heat in during the summer, resulting in higher heating expenditures.
Metal or asphalt? Hopefully, the information provided in this article on metal roofs vs asphalt roofs is adequate for you to make an informed decision about which roofing material is best for your property. However, if you are still left with unanswered questions, give us a call at Champion Exteriors in Villas Cape May, New Jersey, and allow us to assist you in any way we can.
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