Roofing - Metal Or Asphalt?

Can’t believe it’s time to replace the asphalt shingles on your roof? Does it feel like just yesterday that you had to go through the long process of having your roof re-shingled? If you are in the market for a new roof, consider investing in a metal roof. You won’t be sorry.

Metal overhangs have been gaining popularity for a number of years. Long known as an alternative to asphalt and stone overhangs, metal roofs do not have to be replace every 15 years or so. In fact, installing a metal roof may keep you from ever having to replace your roof again. Depending on whom you choose to install the roof, you may receive even a lifetime warranty.

Metal roofs come in all different types. You can install anything from an aluminum shingle overhang to a steel overhang. There are multiple variations of color and shelter types included within each metal chosen. Generally, the metal can be made to match colors already popular among roofing material. Manufacturers also provide a variety of looks—shaping the metal to look like slate, stone or otherwise. It’s up to you to decide what type of roof is right for your house.

Copper shelter tops have become more and more popular in the past few years, but they’ve been around for centuries. It can be expensive, but it is worth the price for some individuals because of its imaginative look and unparalleled durability. Copper roofs do require a certain amount of care. No debris or dirt can accumulate on the top of the house, so you must be willing to show the roof a degree of care. Of course, copper’s 100% recycling capability forgives any upkeep it requires.

The amount of steel roofs being added to homes is increasing dramatically every year. Steel is the age-old workhorse metal that does not disappoint when it comes to roofs. Steel roofs may be the most reliable, durable and dependable product on the market. Although steel roofing can be expensive, it generally comes with a long-time guarantee—sometimes as much as 50 years. Steel is also an appealing choice because it can be produced in a variety of colors and designs. 

Aluminum offers another choice among metal roofing products. This is a metal of which we are all familiar. 100% recyclable, aluminum offers an easy alternative for those still considering asphalt shingles. This metal roof often comes with a lifetime guarantee and provides cooling in the summer and extra heat in the winter. Aluminum competes with steel for its durability. Though, when compared side-by-side to steel, aluminum roofs tend to take coastal weather a bit more successfully.

Whether copper, steel, aluminum, zinc or a combination, consider a metal roof when replacing your current asphalt roofing material. Metal roofs are durable, attractive, and, when compared to the replacement cost of asphalt roofs, extremely affordable. The past several years have seen a boom in the number of metal roofs added to homes, urban and rural. Rightfully so, as metal roofs are installed to last most climates.