Metal Roof vs Shingles: The Pros & Cons You Should Know
October 30, 2024
Is it time for you to replace your roof? If so, you have a lot of choices to make. Do you stick with the same style as before? Is it time for something new and modern? Which material should you choose? What are the differences between a metal roof versus shingles? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll guide you through everything you should know about metal roofing and shingles roofing.
What Is a Metal Roof?
As the name suggests, a metal roof is any roof where metal is used as the main material for the roof’s exterior. There are several types of metal roofing materials to choose from, such as zinc, steel, aluminum, and copper. Metal roofs often come in sheets that overlap with each other to create a tight seal to protect your home.
Some people may not choose metal roofing due to the aesthetics, but there are actually several patterns to choose from—in fact, if shingles are more your style, there is the option for metal shingles. Corrugated and slated metal roofs are some of the most common patterns and often the most recognizable.
What Are Shingles?
Shingles are small pieces of material (typically asphalt but can also be clay, metal, or even wood) that either interlock together or are attached to the roof by nails or adhesive strips. Asphalt shingles are the most common type, and what we will be referring to as shingles throughout the article.
Metal Roof vs Shingles: Is One Better?
If you’re considering getting a new roof, you may be conflicted on whether shingles or metal is better for your new roof—especially since Florida’s extreme climates can be tough on roofs. Before you come to a decision, here are the pros and cons of each material!
The Pros & Cons of Metal
Metal is becoming more and more popular with homeowners and for good reason. It comes with several advantages homeowners enjoy. These benefits include:
- Longevity: Metal roofs have much longer lifespans than their asphalt shingle counterparts. If the average roof lasts about 15–20 years in Florida, a metal roof can last as long as 40 to even 70 years before needing to be replaced.
- Durability: Metal roofs are known for their durability. While shingles may blow away during a weaker hurricane, it would take incredibly high-speed winds for a metal sheet to do the same.
- Low Maintenance: Metal roofs are easier to clean and are less prone to mold, mildew, and algae growth, reducing the need for regular maintenance.
- Energy Efficiency: Because metal roofs reflect the Florida sun rather than absorb it, it’s been shown to reduce energy costs by as much as 50%.
- Fire Resistant: If there’s a fire, metal roofs don’t catch on fire nor do they spread the flames.
However, with these benefits, there are some cons to be aware of, so you can make a fully informed decision.
- Higher Installation Costs: Metal roofs cost more initially to install, so you’ll have to be prepared to pay more upfront.
- Noise: Metal roofs are known for their noise, especially in the rain. There are some ways to combat this (such as insulation and underlayment), but you may have a bit more noise on rainy days.
- Hard to Repair: Because metal often comes in sheets, any repairs needed will not be a simple fix. You may end up needing to repair much more of your roof than you want if it becomes damaged.
- Prone to Dents and Rust: In wooded areas with a lot of debris, metal roofs may end up denting due to impact or rusting due to moisture. Your home may lose its visual appeal because of it.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
As of 2024, Architectural Digest found the price range for metal roof installation was anywhere between $7,081 and $110,150; however, the average price homeowners were paying was about $11,000. Ultimately, the cost of a metal roof will depend on the size of your home and the metal material you choose to install. For example, aluminum roofs are about $4–11 per square foot, while copper is about $15–30 per square foot. Your roofer will be able to help you decide which material is best for your home while still fitting within your budget.
The Pros & Cons of Shingles
Shingles are one of the most popular choices for roofs and have been for many years. While it may not boast the same lifespan as metal roofs, there is a reason it has been so popular for so long. Some of its benefits include:
- Longevity: Metal roofs do last much longer on average; however, a well-maintained shingles roof can last decades as well. In fact, clay shingles can last as long as 50–100 years!
- Cost Effective: Overall, a shingle roof will be cheaper than a metal roof. You don’t have to worry about high upfront costs, and due to the ease of installment, complications are less likely to occur.
- Easy Installment and Repair: Shingles are small, so if a couple are damaged, you only need to repair a small area of your roof. Plus, during installment, the smaller size of shingles allows them to easily conform to any roof, even if it is a unique shape.
- Aesthetics: Shingles come in a variety of colors, allowing you to match your roof with the aesthetics of your home. If you choose lighter colors, you’ll also enjoy energy efficiency from them reflecting the light away!
- Sound Proof: Shingles are a softer material and insulate well against sounds. During a rainy day, you won’t have to worry about a lot of noise with a shingle roof!
On the other hand, shingles also come with some disadvantages you should consider.
- More Prone to Damage: While shingles are incredibly durable, their design makes them slightly more prone to damage during a hurricane as the wind may lift them from underneath.
- Prone to Algae: Because shingles are a bit softer, they tend to absorb moisture more easily, which can cause algae, mildew, and mold growth on your roof.
- Cracking: Extreme heat can cause stress on shingles, especially asphalt shingles, and cause them to crack.
- More Frequent Replacement: While a well-maintained asphalt shingle roof will last decades, you may only get about 30 years out of it. Unless you’re willing to pay more upfront costs for materials like clay, you have to expect to replace the entire roof within just a few decades.
How Much Do Shingles Cost?
As of 2024, Forbes found that the price range to shingle a roof ranged between $8,000 to $24,000, with the average price being about $12,300. Much like metal roofs, the price will vary depending on the size of your home and the material of shingles you choose.
The common asphalt shingle costs about $4–9 per square foot, while a more durable option like clay will cost about $12–$25. Keep in mind long-lasting materials like clay and slate can also be very heavy on your roof, so talk to your roofer to see which material works best for your home.
Let Retex Help You Find the Best Roofing Material for Your Home
With so much to consider, you don’t have to make this decision alone. Let an expert roofer help you decide what the best option is for you. At Retex Roofing + Exteriors, we strive to bring our clients peace of mind in both their home and their decisions. Our team can give you the pros and cons for each material based on your location and home, and once the choice is made, we’ll get right to work to install your new roof! Get in touch with us to see how we can help you today!