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Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

January 22nd, 2024 | 1 min read

By Jeffrey Linta

The roofing landscape is replete with myriad materials, styles, and options, with metal roofing and asphalt shingles emerging as popular contenders for homeowners seeking durability, aesthetics, functionality, and value. However, navigating this nuanced decision necessitates understanding each material’s attributes, implications, and alignment with individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances.

Metal Roofing: Durability Meets Versatility

Renowned for its unparalleled durability, longevity, and resilience, metal roofing epitomizes performance, protection, and longevity. Key attributes and considerations include:

Longevity: Metal roofs boast a lifespan of 40–70 years, outpacing traditional asphalt shingles and offering long-term value and peace of mind.

Resilience and Protection: Metal roofs excel at resisting elements such as fire, wind, mildew, pests, and environmental stressors, ensuring optimal protection, performance, and longevity.

Energy Efficiency: Reflective properties, insulation benefits, and reduced cooling costs contribute to enhanced energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Aesthetics and Versatility: Available in various styles, profiles, colors, and finishes, metal roofing caters to diverse aesthetic preferences, architectural styles, and homeowner visions.

However, potential considerations encompass:

Initial Cost: Metal roofing commands a higher initial investment compared to asphalt shingles, necessitating budgetary considerations, long-term value assessment, and return on investment analysis.

Specialized Installation: Given its unique characteristics, metal roofing may require specialized installation expertise, techniques, and considerations, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and homeowner satisfaction.

Asphalt Shingles: Affordability Meets Adaptability

Conversely, asphalt shingles epitomize affordability, versatility, and ease of installation, appealing to homeowners who prioritize cost-effectiveness, aesthetics, and accessibility. Key attributes and considerations encompass:

Affordability: Asphalt shingles offer cost-effective solutions, accommodating diverse budgets, financial constraints, and homeowner priorities.

Versatility and Aesthetics: Available in myriad styles, colors, textures, and profiles, asphalt shingles cater to diverse architectural styles, aesthetic preferences, and homeowner visions.

Ease of Installation: By facilitating straightforward, efficient installation processes, asphalt shingles minimize labor costs, timelines, and homeowner disruptions.

However, potential considerations encompass:

Durability and Lifespan: Asphalt shingles typically offer a lifespan ranging from 15 to 30 years, necessitating periodic maintenance, inspections, and potential replacements.

Susceptibility to Environmental Stressors: While resilient, asphalt shingles may be susceptible to environmental stressors such as wind, hail, thermal fluctuations, and moisture, necessitating proactive maintenance, repairs, and protective measures.

In essence, the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles hinges on individual homeowner priorities, budget considerations, aesthetic preferences, architectural styles, long-term goals, and environmental considerations. By meticulously evaluating these factors, consulting with roofing professionals

Jeffrey Linta

Jeffrey Linta is a 3rd generation roofer who grew up working in his family's roofing business (Linta Roofing, Inc.). He got his start tearing off roofs during the summer while attending North Myrtle Beach High School. Now running one of the most successful roofing businesses in the Grand Strand area, Jeffrey has lived and breathed roofing for his entire working career. Some of his accolades include GAF Master Elite Contractor, SC Safehome certified contractor, Group 5 SC Licensed Commercial Contractor, and GAF Master Commercial roofing contractor. Under his leadership, Linta Roofing, Inc. has served thousands of homeowners and business owners in the Grand Strand area. Linta Roofing achieved awards like the Sun News’s “Best of the Beach” and A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau all while receiving hundreds of 5-star reviews year after year. Jeffrey is a Grand Strand born and raised local. When he is not running Linta Roofing, he spends time fishing with his wife Erica and walking the beach with his dog Dixie.