If you preparing to invest in a new roof for your home, the odds are good that you’ve spent quite a bit of time researching the various materials you can choose from as a modern consumer. Since you chose to read this guide, you have probably narrowed the options down to traditional asphalt shingles, which have remained popular among American homeowners for decades, or metal roofing, which has fairly recently become an excellent choice for residential projects. There are, as with anything, perks and drawbacks to both types of roofing. You will learn more about both sides as you read the remainder of this guide.
Asphalt Shingle Perks:
- The cost – Asphalt shingles are extremely affordable, meaning they are sometimes the only real choice for families on tight budgets. A “square” of asphalt shingles, which constitutes 100 square feet of roof space, typically costs between $75 and $150 dollars installed, depending on the style selected by the homeowner. For perspective, ceramic tile roofs often run $400 to $1,000 per square.
- Easy to maintain – Once asphalt shingles are installed, they require little regular maintenance. An annual inspection is typically recommended to make sure they are still in good condition. If any issues are discovered, fixing shingles usually doesn’t cost much money, as individual shingles can be torn up and replaced without impacting the rest of the roof.
- Many options available today – While shingles were once only sold in a few varieties, today’s manufacturers have greatly expanded their selections. Traditional three-tab shingles in neutral hues, such as black, grey, and navy, are still the least expensive options, but other choices, such as three-dimensional architectural shingles, are also available. These will give your home a more high-end look without the high price tag associated with tiles or wood shakes.
Metal Roofing Perks:
- Energy efficient choice – Because metal roofing reflects the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing them like most roofing materials do, it is incredibly energy efficient in comparison. This is frequently a priority for Carolina homeowners who find themselves dealing with hot, humid weather for much of the year. You are likely to save money on your utility bills if you go with a metal roof!
- Weighs very little – Metal roofing is among the most lightweight options on the market. There are several benefits to this. For starters, it is easy to move and doesn’t require a lot of effort to install; this may result in lower labor costs, depending on which contractor you choose. Secondarily, metal’s low weight will lead to less stress on the bones of your home over the course of time, reducing the risk of ceiling cracks and other potential damage.
- Lasts a long time – Metal roofing is often rated to last for 40-50 years, meaning that even if you pay more than you would for asphalt shingles upfront, you will pay less over the amount of time you have the roof on your home.
Asphalt Shingle Drawbacks:
- Do not last as long – Even the very best asphalt shingles typically only have 20-25 year warranties. While this is still a long time, it’s important to note that some shingle roofs have to be entirely replaced prior to that amount of time. This is especially true in coastal regions, such as the Outer Banks, where salt air and salt water can cause shingles to age quickly.
- Granule flakes – Asphalt shingles shed “granule flakes” over time. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it’s something you should be aware of because it can lead to clogged gutters and pipes. Although granule flakes rarely become a problem, you may find yourself cleaning-up this substance from time to time.
Metal Roofing Drawbacks:
- Not everyone installs it – While nearly every roofing contractor in the United States can put on asphalt shingles with ease, some professionals do not deal with metal roofing. Therefore, if you go this route, you might have to spend a bit more time researching local experts who have good reputations and experience with your roofing material of choice.
- You’ll have to spend more initially – As mentioned earlier in this guide, even though metal roofing lasts for many years, it does cost more upfront than asphalt shingles do. If you are on a shoestring budget with your roofing project, this simply might not work for you. Do remember, though, that some contractors offer financing options.
No matter what type of roof you’re thinking about having put on your home, the crew at Hatch Homes would love to hear from you. We think it’s amazing how much a new roof can upgrade the whole appearance of a house and we are excited about helping you take the next step toward creating the home of your dreams.