Asphalt Shingle Roofing

An asphalt shingle roof can wear out in 15-20 years when exposed to severe weather like intense sunlight or heavy snowfall that causes ice dams to form along roof eaves. In contrast, metal roofing stands up exceptionally well to weather extremes. It’s a safe bet that a newly installed metal roof will last 40 – 60 years.

The installed cost of a metal roof is subject to the same variables that determine any roofing installation: roof size, roof pitch (steep roofs cost more) and roof complexity (the number of valleys, ridges, skylights, and dormers). That said, you can expect a metal roof to cost two or three times as much as an asphalt shingle roof. A metal roof typically costs about the same as a tile or cedar shingle roof, but less than a slate roof.

Thanks to the super-durable factory-applied finishes used on metal roofing, today’s metal roofs are exceptionally durable and resistant to weather-related damage. Unlike asphalt and wood shingle roofing that holds snow, a metal roof will shed snow, which prevents damaging ice dams from forming. Metal roofing won’t degrade in direct sunlight like a wood shingle roof can. Nor will it lose a protective layer of material, which is what happens as asphalt shingle roofing slowly sheds its protective granules. A properly installed metal roof exceeds building code requirements for resistance to uplift in high winds. Although hail damage (denting) can occur in a severe hail storm, dented panels can usually be replaced easily.

Barns and sheds that have metal roofing installed directly over exposed, open framing are responsible for this noisy reputation. However, when metal roofing is installed over a plywood or OSB underlayment (sheathing), the noise produced during a rainstorm is minimized; it’s usually no more than what an asphalt shingle roof would sound like in the rain.

About 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into landfills in the U.S. every year. This isn’t good for the environment. In contrast, a new metal roof can often be installed directly over an old asphalt shingle roof, and it will last 2-3 times longer. Metal roofing contains recycled steel, and it’s easier to recycle than asphalt shingles are.

The variety of metal roofing styles often surprises someone unfamiliar with this roofing category. Although you can install metal roofing manufactured to look like other materials (slate, wood shingles, tile), many home and business owners opt for metal roofing panels manufactured in different parallel profiles that run the length of each panel. As for metal roofing colors, your choices are almost unlimited. Compatible flashing, transition profiles, and other roofing elements are also available to give your metal roof a well-crafted appearance.