Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: A Complete Overview

When it comes to choosing the suitable roofing material for your home or commercial building, two popular options stand out: Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles.

For any homeowner, it is crucial to choose a roofing material that covers diverse factors. However, which one should you go with, and why? Both of them have their distinct advantages and features. Both cater to different sets of audiences, so how will you know which one will cater to your needs?

Don’t worry! We’re here to guide you so that you can identify what really suits your home roof. Understanding the key difference between metal and asphalt shingles is important to making well-informed decisions.

What are Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles?

Metal roofing is one of the roofing materials that offers the durability and stability needed for Indian weather.

Another reason for metal roofing’s popularity is its appearance. Metal roofing provides a sleek, contemporary look in various styles, making it an appealing option for homeowners.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles are known for their cost-effectiveness and affordability; their popularity is no less than that of metal roofing. With a wide range of colors and styles, versatility, and ease of installation, they are more convenient to choose from.

In addition, if asphalt shingles are damaged after extreme or bad weather, they are easier to replace. They are also lighter than metal roofing, making them more appealing.

Advantages and Disadvantages – Metal and Asphalt Shingles

Just as there are advantages, there are certain drawbacks that each roofing material (metal and asphalt shingles) has. You should know the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing and asphalt shingles.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Advantages

• Metal roofing offers more durability and can last up to 40 to 70 years, or even more, with proper care and maintenance. They can withstand high winds, heavy rains, and snow which makes them more reliable.
• Metal roofing requires minimal maintenance. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing has an anti-rust and corrosion coating, which makes it easier to maintain.
• Furthermore, metal roofing is highly reflective, which helps deflect UV rays and sunlight. This also helps in reducing heat absorption. It results in lowering the room temperature, which is effective in hot regions like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• Additionally, metal roofing offers excellent fire resistance. It is anti-fire and does not catch fire. This adds an extra layer of protection in regions that are highly prone to fire.
• Metal roofing can be recycled even after its lifespan. It is also made from recycled materials, which makes it an environmentally friendly option.
• It comes in different colors and styles that allow homeowners to choose a style and design that suits their home’s architecture.
• Metal roofing is unlikely to crack or break compared to asphalt shingles. This makes them suitable for extreme conditions like heavy storms, hail, and falling debris.

Disadvantages

• The initial cost and installation charges are comparatively high compared to asphalt shingles. This makes it unsuitable for homeowners who have a limited budget for roofing.
• Besides, metal roofing makes more noise in comparison to asphalt shingles. Especially during heavy rain or hail, metal roofing may make more sound, which would be troublesome for homeowners.
• Although metal roofing has impact resistance to some extent, it is still prone to denting and bending. This could happen due to bad climatic conditions.
• Metal roofing is also prone to warping or loose panels if improperly installed.
• Finding the correct matches for your damaged metal roofing will not be easy. As metal roofing has numerous styles and colours, depending on trending colours, certain styles are discontinued to make room for new colours.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles

Advantages

• Asphalt shingles are affordable as they are generally a more cost-effective option than metal roofing. This makes them a very budget-friendly option to go with.
• Secondly, asphalt shingles are one of the easiest roofing materials to install. It is simple yet quicker to install. In addition, the labor cost of asphalt shingles is low, and they can be completed completely quickly.
• Asphalt shingles are available in various colors, shapes, and styles. There are three styles of asphalt shingles that allow homeowners to be more diverse. This will enable them to match asphalt shingles based on their home’s architectural style.
• Replacing or repairing asphalt shingles is very easy and simple. Without replacing whole shingles, damaged or missing shingles can be repaired. This reduces the cost of replacing the entire roof.
• Compared to metal roofing, which makes a lot of noise and sound during rain, asphalt roofing provides a quieter environment. It offers better insulation than metal roofing.
• Asphalt shingles are one of the most easily found and available roofing materials.

Disadvantages 

• Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than metal roofing. Asphalt shingles generally have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. Moreover, they require more maintenance and care compared to metal roofing.
• Asphalt shingle roofing is more susceptible to weather damage and may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.
• It absorbs more heat, which increases energy consumption. Rather than reflecting heat like metal roofing, asphalt shingles absorb more heat. This leads to higher cooling costs in hot climates.
• Asphalt shingles trap moisture, which leads to algae and moss growth. This affects the appearance and lifespan of asphalt shingles.
• Asphalt shingles are not easily recyclable and have a greater environmental impact than metal roofing.
• With time, asphalt shingles granules loosen. This impacts their efficiency and overall appearance.

Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing: Cost Comparison

Generally, roofing costs depend on cost, quality, and brand. Asphalt shingles roofing costs around 60 to 200 rupees per square foot. Standard asphalt shingles roofing is less costly compared to premium asphalt shingles roofing.

While metal roofing will cost around 100 rupees more or less, the cost of asphalt and metal roofing also varies depending on the complexity of the installation.

Asphalt shingles may not be as effective as metal roofing in the long run. Asphalt roofing shingles have a shorter lifespan than metal roofing. The overall cost of asphalt shingles is comparatively low, which makes asphalt shingles a more budget-friendly option.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles in Hot and Cold Climates

Metal roofing is ideal for hot regions like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Metal roofing has a highly reflective feature that blocks sun rays and keeps the room temperature low.

While asphalt shingles are suitable for moderate climate conditions, they are also good options for regions with heavy rainfall and can block the sound of rain.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Life Expectancy 

The lifespan of asphalt shingles is around 25 to 30 years. They require more maintenance and repair. Metal roofing typically lasts between 40 and 70 years.

However, if you choose premium shingles, they can last around 60 years with proper care and maintenance. Overall, the life of roofing material would come down to what type of roofing you are going with. High-quality metal and shingle roofing materials offer a longer lifespan.

Conclusion 

Choosing metal and asphalt shingles comes with cost, durability, and longevity. Both of them have their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Metal roofing offers more durability and longevity than asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles are more cost-effective and provide better sound insulation than metal roofing,

If you are looking for a long-term roofing solution with minimal maintenance, then going with metal roofing is the best choice. However, if you want to spend less and are looking for an affordable option, then asphalt shingle is a go-to option.

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