Roofing is one of the most expensive home improvement repairs that homeowners ever have to face. Most home improvement jobs are costly, of course, but the roof covers your home, so it comes with a price tag that other jobs just don’t have. You want to have the best possible quality in your roofing repairs, and it’s for this reason that you need to look into the materials carefully and look beyond the price of them. For example, you could get a bargain for your roofing material, only for your roof to need even more repairs in a year or two. This doesn’t make it a bargain anymore, as now you have to spend even more money on fixing your roof.
Cheap roofs are not the best option, so while you do have to find the right material that is going to fit your budget, you also want to ensure that the roof is the one thing separating you from the rain!
The natural elements are one reason for a roof, but a handy noise buffer is another. You want this part of your home to last you as long as the walls, and so the plans that you put in place need lots of research and consideration. A roof is a practical feature of the home, and we really can’t live without them. You must include your budget, functionality and aesthetics when you are choosing which roof material is best for you. Two of the most common materials for your roof are metal roofing and asphalt shingles. If you are working to replace your existing roof, then you need to think about which material to go with – especially if you are looking for a new roof for your property overall.
There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to both metal roofing and asphalt shingles, so let’s explore them below.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are becoming more popular in the UK today and there are plenty of good reasons for it. Let’s take a look:
Pros of Metal Roofing
- Longevity
A metal roof has a lifespan of 50-75 years. There are some metal roofs that will even last for over a century.
- Low Maintenance
Highly durable and resistant to a lot of different things, metal roofs don’t require regular maintenance and all you need to do is give the roof an inspection every now and then. This will ensure that it’s intact and everything is in order.
- More Material Options
There are plenty of options for metal roofs, including zinc, copper, lead and stainless steel.
- Durability
Fire, wind, water and even pests can’t get through a metal roof in the same way that they all can in other materials.
- Eco-Friendly
Most metals are 100% recyclable, which makes them use much less energy in their production. They also retain the heat very well in a home, which also makes them more energy-friendly.
Cons of Metal Roofing
There aren’t very many downsides for metal roofing as the advantages are so obvious, but these are the most common cons:
- The Cost
Metal roofing is much higher in cost when it comes to install the roof than shingles. This is the main disadvantage despite metal being more cost-effective in the long-run it’s the initial cost that puts people off.
Asphalt Shingles
Traditional roofing materials, asphalt is the most commonly used material domestically throughout the country. There are plenty of reasons to why, so let’s explore those:
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
- Cheap
It’s the main advantage for asphalt shingle roofs, but the cost is offset over time. People see the cheaper cost of the asphalt and think they’re onto a bargain, but the overall cost is higher than they think due to replacement costs and maintenance.
- Easy Installation
There’s no need to call in the pros for shingle replacements. The best skilled DIYers out there could replace a roof shingle if they were confident enough. It’s for this reason, installation is cheaper than other options.
- Variety
Whether you need different colours, styles or designs, there are options for those who want asphalt shingles in their home. They’re suitable for contemporary homes, both modern and traditional.
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles also have their disadvantages. Let’s explore these:
- They Just Don’t Last
Shingles last up to 20 years, so not a lifetime in the same way that metal roofing does. They require replacement or repairs at this stage, which can be a problem.
- Not As Eco-Friendly
As there is petroleum usage in asphalt materials, this makes them far less eco-friendly than metals. They also are much less likely to be recyclable.
- Can Be Damaged Easily
In a strong wind, you can hear the asphalt shingles rattling on the roof. In some cases, the strong weather can rip the roof right off your home. They’re much less resistant to fire damage, and if you have pests in the attic, they can chew through the shingle. They’re very easily damaged and wear and tear over time is also a problem.
- Requires Regular Maintenance
Individual shingles may not be difficult to replace, but the fact that you may have to do this regularly could be a problem for you. It’s not a cost-effective solution, so you should look to use another material
So, Which Costs More?
There are a variety of factors that impact the cost of roofing of a variety of materials, and the biggest factor is the size of the roof. If you have a large roof, any material is going to cost more and there are always pricing trends with different roof materials. The main thing that you must remember is that there will always be pricing trends to consider. Metal roofs are expensive to install because they require specialist contractors to get them into place. There are metal roofing materials that are cheaper than others, of course, so there is some space to choose cheaper metal materials should you wish. The initial cost is off-putting for some, but when you weigh it up with the lack of repair and maintenance costs, metal roofing is an investment.
Asphalt shingles are much cheaper to install, but over time they will cost you more. They don’t last as long and often require more repairs – so they’re not a cost-effective option.
It’s all about your budget, your preferences and your needs, but the better option is going to be metal, even if it is the more expensive choice at first.
