No matter the season, a home’s roof needs to be ready to stand up to anything nature has in store. While the majority of homeowners opt for asphalt shingles, it’s now common to see metal shingles on area homes. There are advantages and disadvantages to both materials.

Cost

When buying a roof, many homeowners try to stay within a specific budget. That’s one reason why asphalt roofs are so popular. This material is highly affordable, and the initial installation is perhaps the least expensive. Even though asphalt tends to last 30 years, homeowners should expect to need repairs during the roof’s lifespan.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, cost more to install. This is perhaps the main reason metal isn’t as popular as asphalt. However, it’s important to note that metal roofs have a much longer lifespan, with most roofs lasting between 50 to 60 years. Metal roofs are sturdy and usually require little to no maintenance.

Insulation

While both types of roofs keep out the elements, asphalt tends to offer less insulation than metal. When the weather gets warm, the roof absorbs the heat. This may lead to an increase in energy bills for the homeowner. However, asphalt tends to outperform metal on snowy days.

Metal roofs do not absorb heat. Instead, the sun’s rays reflect away from the surface. Homeowners often notice a decrease in their energy bills after installing a metal roof. However, since the surface of the roof always stays warm, it can cause snow to melt too quickly, resulting in an avalanche on severe weather days.

Protection

As stated earlier, asphalt roofs last an average of 20 to 30 years. If the individual shingles remain in good shape, the homeowner can expect sound protection from the elements. However, as asphalt ages, it may warp or crack. This increases the risk of a leak forming.

Metal is very sturdy. It doesn’t crack or split in adverse weather. In fact, it’s very rare for a metal roof to develop a leak. Metal roofs are able to withstand hail better than asphalt. Some homeowners worry that metal roofs will be noisier when it rains, but this can be prevented by installing a strong sheathing under the panels.

When it comes time to install a new roof, be sure to compare the differences between asphalt and metal. Many homeowners are choosing metal for the numerous advantages it offers over asphalt.