Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles
When most people think of roofing, their first impression is that of the traditional asphalt roof. It has been around for over 100 years and is the single most common type of roof in use today, in spite of its inherent short lived application. Today, more and more asphalt roofs are in need or repair or replacement, and while pricing may be a primary motivator the reality is that the cost benefit quickly wears off; quite literally. Today’s asphalt shingles use far less petroleum than before and the compound is being replaced with higher amounts of fillers and binders, meaning the quality of today’s asphalt shingles is less than those produced just a few years prior. Due to reductions in asphalt content, more and more of today’s asphalt shingles are prone to premature deterioration, wear and deformity.
Why Asphalt Roofs Fail
Harsh weather and temperature variations cause havoc with asphalt shingles. And newer shingles can be significantly worse than those produced in prior years. as manufacturers make changes to their construction techniques. The base mat is changing and granules are now glued to the mats. This can permit moisture to creep into the intermittent layers, accelerating the break down of adhesives. This can lead to leaks, cracking, curling and separation between rows. One significant storm can easily damage an asphalt shingle roof.
Also, this type of construction can encourage biological activity. Algae can quickly take over a roof and result in staining, streaking and overall changes to the look and finish of the product. requiring expensive maintenance, repair or replacement.
Asphalt shingles are also quite heavy. This weight increases heat retention in the summer months adding to cooling costs of a home and further weakening of base materials.
All in all, even the best asphalt shingle roofs will typically only last 10-15 years regardless of “warranty” claims. And the harsher the weather, the increased risk of premature replacement.
Other Roofing Materials
We recognize that there are other options to asphalt shingle roofs and we will take a look at these as well.
Wood Shake
Wood has been in use for centuries both here in the US and in many other places of the world. Early on, wood was a natural choice as it was abundant, relatively cheap to produce and quite frankly… there were no good alternatives back then. Wood not only has many of the same deterioration problems associated with asphalt shingle, but they are also an increased fire hazard as well. Many times, wood shingles deteriorate from underneath, making it difficult to spot a problem until it is too late and a weather event exposes the problem. Problems can become so sever that the roof itself requires replacement.
Clay and Concrete Tile and Slate
Clay is a beautiful and sometimes architecturally stunning selection. Sadly, they add substantial weight to a roof which can strain the structure of the roof and walls. By their very nature, both clay and concrete will retain water due to their porous nature. Water is the real enemy of clay/concrete tiles as it leads to cracking and breakage. Especially during wet / freeze cycles so common across the country.
Slate is also an attractive consideration but slate can be a brittle stone and the nails that secure them are prone to rust. At times, somtimes weight and gravity are the only thing holding an older slate roof in place.
Other Temporary Roofing Materials
Rubber and composite materials make up the remaining options be tested in the market, but these have no long term track record. These products are difficult to locate, expensive to install and may have unknown concerns long-term. Installing untested materials in a high risk investment.
Permanent Metal Roofing
Our conclusion and recommendation is a quality Metal Roof system. It withstands elements better than other materials and lasts a lifetime. You will also enjoy the added benefits of increased costs savings for heating & cooling, overall retention of investment along with the beauty that only a Metal Roof system can provide. Regardless of the options you are considering, you owe it to yourself to speak with us about considering a quality Metal Roof system for your home. It is an investment that pays off in many ways!
We are The Metal Roofing Specialists
Take the first step toward upgrading your home with a long-lasting metal roof. Call us or click the link below to request a free metal roofing price quote.