It is possible to feel overwhelmed when installing your roof due to the numerous options available. Lots of videos and websites go into great detail, talking about which roofs are easy to install. So, you might wonder if either shingles or metal is easier to install.

There are various ways to compare shingles and metal roofs. However, getting the best information from reliable sources will require days, if not hours, of research. The good news is, this guide compares the roofing materials to help you make the right decisions.

What Is the Difference Between Shingle Roofs and Metal Roofs?

Here are the differences between metal and shingle roofs.

What Are Shingle Roofs?

Shingles come in stacks, rolls, or sheets with a uniform design and structure. You can only use shingles on wooden-framed roofing structures laid and hosted upward from the bottommost point on a sloping roof.

Shingles come from cheap raw materials hence making the manufacturing cost low. That makes shingles the most economical option for roof construction or replacement. The shingles are also simple to install and don’t need special skills.

What Are Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs come in large flat sheets folded in a standing position in distinct patterns like flat seam metals and corrugated metals. Flat seam metal roofing is costly to make and install. But, its interlocking seam design is among the best options you can ever get.

The interlocking feature holds the flat metal surface to the roof frame. That makes your roof durable and robust with minimal maintenance requirements.  Copper, Zinc, Steel, and Aluminum are the common types of metal roofing materials.

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Here are a few benefits of installing metal roofing

Low Maintenance

One of the reasons you should use a metal roof is due to its low maintenance cost just like Dramacool. As long as you hire an expert to install the roof skillfully and adequately, all you need is to clear rubbles and clean the roof often to keep a perfect look.

Boost Your Property’s Value

It is often rare to replace a metal roof, positively affecting the value of your property. Metal roofs last longer, so you don’t have to worry about future replacement costs. In addition, various insurance companies offer low premiums for metal-roofed properties.

Environmentally Efficient

Metal roofs are eco-friendlier than their shingle counterparts. The roofing materials decrease the overall energy use consumed by air conditioners or thermostats. In addition, they are 100 percent recyclable and come from recycled materials.

Durability

Metal is the sturdiest material you can use when roofing your house. It is also the most fire-resistant option in the market. Due to the two qualities, a metal roof offers a resilient barrier against the elements.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing also has a few drawbacks, which include:

Labor Intensive

Metal roofs require a certain level of accuracy to install, making the roofing work more labor-intensive. Also, metal roofing takes more time and requires an expert’s services.

High Installation Cost

It takes a professional roofer to install a metal roof. However, due to the shortage of experts, the available ones charge a high cost due to lack of competition. Also, metals are expensive to buy as opposed to other roofing options like shingles.

Insurance Issues

Metal roofs are expensive and come with insurance benefits. However, insurance companies may increase the premiums upon a roof replacement.

Advantages of Shingle Roofing

A shingle roof is the most common roofing material used in residential areas. The traditional type of roofing comes out of small pieces of asphalt shingles.

Economical

The primary advantage of a shingle roof is its cheap overall cost. It is less expensive to install a shingle roof than a metal roof. Also, it is more economical to replace a shingle roof if a need arises. Find out the cost of shingle roofing at Roof Master & Construction.

Easy to Install

Shingles are easier to transport than a complete metal slab. The roofing option also offers a more straightforward and quick installation process.

More Practical

Shingle roofs have stuck around all ages due to their practicability. Upon any fault, it is easy to fix the roof. Also, you can walk on a shingled roof, so cleaning and maintaining your roof becomes easier.

High Warranty Coverage

You can get handsome warrants in the market due to the fame associated with shingle roofs. Besides, both contractors and manufacturers will give you warrant options for a shingle roof.

Disadvantages of Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofs also come with their share of cons, which include:

Heat Retention

Shingle roofs absorb sun rays due to the color and asphalt chemical makeup. The heat from the sun makes your indoor very hot, leading to high utility bills when trying to keep your house cool.

Prone to Wind Damages

High winds are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners with shingled roofs. That is because asphalt shingles can get damaged and ripped off of the rooftop during high winds. For that reason, you’ll have to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms.

Categories of Shingle Roofing

There are two categories of shingles available for roofing.

3-Tab Shingles

Also known as strip shingles, these are the entry-level type of asphalt shingles for roofs. In addition, 3-tab shingles are cost-effective, making them the ideal choice when working on a limited budget.

Architectural Shingles

The roofing materials are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. They contain several layers of material that are not identical in size. Also, architectural shingles are thicker and last longer than 3-tab shingles.

Types of Metal Roofing Panels

Metal is a sturdy roofing material with an average lifespan of 40-60 years. The roof’s cost, appearance, and installation method depending on which panel you choose.

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal roofing is round and curvy sheet metal. The price of a corrugated roof depends on the panel gauge, finish, and the type of panel you pick. The most common corrugated metal roofing panels are the 7.2” panel, R-Panel, and the 7/8” corrugated.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Standing seam roofs design means that they can last 40-60 years when installed correctly. In addition, since it consists of metal, a standing seam roof is resistant to mildew, fire, termites, and mold.

Final Words

When deciding, always remember to ask an expert any question or seek a second opinion on which roof will better fit your house. A qualified roofer inspects your home and recommends what will work best for you between a shingle and a metal roof.