There are a lot of different options when it comes to replacing your roof, and they each come with their own strengths. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to carefully consider what each one can bring to your home.
A contractor like Erie Home can provide quotes for multiple roofing materials, making it possible to see side-by-side comparisons, and allowing you to feel confident in making the best decision for both your home and your budget.
Metal roofing tends to be a better long-term investment than traditional asphalt shingles and shakes. Read on to learn whether a metal roof is best for your own home or project.
We’ll cover the pros and cons of both asphalt roofs and metal roofs below, along with the ways in which they can best be put to use.
In this article:
- Metal Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
- Asphalt Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
- Metal vs. Asphalt: Which One Works Best?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Metal Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Metal Roofs
Metal roofing has a lengthy history of providing uniquely long-lasting protection from the elements. Dating as far back as the 19th century, metal roofs have proven to be incredibly reliable and sturdy once installed. Many come with extensive warranties. A metal roof professionally installed by Erie Home, for instance, is backed by a transferable 50-year Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Materials like copper and aluminum have been used for their ability to oxidize in aesthetically pleasing ways. Stone-coated steel is a popular and durable option, giving your roof the look of traditional asphalt shingles, clay tile, or wood shake, along with exceptional durability.
For example, professionally installed metal roofs from Erie Home can withstand hurricane-force winds up to 120 miles per hour and have a Class 4 hail impact resistance rating. Metal roofs are also notoriously fire-resistant, protecting homes in the event of a forest fire or any other similar disaster that would pose a serious threat to asphalt roofs. In fact, Erie Home metal roofs have a Class A fire rating.
Metal roofs offer significant long-term savings despite higher upfront costs, and they contribute to immediate savings in harsh climates by reflecting more light than asphalt alternatives, reducing the amount you would otherwise pay to cool or heat your home.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
Although metal roofs make for a great, safe option in most locations, their most notable drawback is their upfront price. However, the significant long-term savings you’ll gain throughout your metal roof’s 50-year expected lifespan makes a metal roof a smart investment for most homeowners.
Erie Home also makes it easy to manage the upfront cost of a metal roof with convenient and affordable financing.
Asphalt Roof Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt roofing may not last as long as metal or provide effective fire resistance, but it has a number of things going for it.
One of the most obvious advantages of asphalt over other options is its low up-front cost, as asphalt shingles are among the least expensive roofing options on the market.
Besides the short-term savings on installation, asphalt roofing is also fairly flexible and easy to cut into a wide variety of shapes. This can simplify certain installations and allow for many different layering arrangements to be used.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles are more likely to be torn away in foul weather when high winds are present. They aren’t entirely perfect in more inviting weather either, absorbing enough heat from the sun to dramatically increase summer cooling bills in many homes.
The use of asphalt as a sealant between shingles can also lead to increased maintenance costs as it delaminates from roofs under particularly windy conditions.
Keeping an asphalt roof clean and in working order may also prove to be something of a chore, sometimes requiring a professional to get the job done.
Metal vs. Asphalt: Which One Works Best?
Budget
For anyone on a strict budget, asphalt roofing can be an attractive choice due to lower up-front costs. However, investing in a metal roof is likely to save you in the long run as it minimizes maintenance costs considerably. It can also increase the value of your home by up to 6%.
Regardless of which option you choose, installing a new roof can be a substantial investment. Fortunately, Erie Home offers financing to its customers, so you can secure an affordable monthly payment, regardless of the roofing system you choose for your home.
Longevity
A metal roof is pretty much guaranteed to last longer than its asphalt counterparts, and it will require far less attention to go the distance. Erie Home offers a transferable 50-year Limited Lifetime Warranty on metal roof installations as well, ensuring your initial investment will be worth your while later on.
Asphalt roofs tend to make it to about 15 years of age before they need extensive reworking, although they can last up to 25 to 30 years. Metal roofs are the best choice for homeowners who are looking for a roof that will last for many years.
Aesthetics
Although asphalt shingles can be found in a greater variety of colors, metal roof shingles have the advantage of being available in a wider range of styles. For example, besides shingles, with Erie Home you also have the option of choosing Spanish tile or shake.
Stone coatings for metal shingles can even provide the traditional appearance of asphalt, without the drawbacks.
In fact, there are so many modern metal alternatives to common, traditional shingles, shakes, and tiles that you’re practically guaranteed to come across something suitable for your project without needing to sacrifice durability at all.
Final Thoughts
While both asphalt and metal roofs have their pros and cons, your final decision may depend upon a number of factors, especially when it comes to cost, your environment, and the aesthetics of your home.
Whether you choose to install a solid metal roof or an asphalt one, you can count on the experts at Erie Home to help you select the best roofing material for your home. Call 1-800-862-6400 today to speak to a roofing professional and arrange a free inspection, or contact us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a metal or asphalt roof?
A metal roof is the way to go if you’re looking to increase the value of your home, reduce cooling costs and minimize maintenance responsibilities. On the other hand, if immediate costs are a major concern, then an asphalt roof can be a highly economical option.
What lasts longer, asphalt shingles or metal roof?
A professionally installed metal roof from Erie Home lasts for 50 years or more, about twice as long as the 15- to 30-year average lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs. In fact, we offer a robust warranty beyond the manufacturer’s warranty—a transferable 50-year Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
A metal roof can be great for your home if it is installed correctly, but it can cost you more than an asphalt installation of the same size. However, the 50-year expected lifespan of most metal roofs far exceeds the 15- to 30-year lifespan of asphalt roofs.
Certain varieties of metal roofing may also be susceptible to rust damage in coastal zones.
Are metal roofs noisy when raining?
Modern metal roofing installations make use of proper insulation materials and techniques. This provides ample sound dampening, making them just as quiet as an asphalt roof under most circumstances.
Do metal roofs make your house hotter?
No. In fact, metal roofs are actually an energy-efficient roofing material as they reflect the sun’s UV and infrared rays, saving you up to 40% in energy costs.