Choosing which type of material to use for the roof of your home is an important decision, and one which can save you money in both the shorter and longer-term – depending on which material you select. Homeowners need to take into consideration their budget, the amount of maintenance they are willing to do as well as their own personal preference regarding appearance.
Asphalt and metal are two popular roofing choices here on Vancouver Island, and both distinct benefits for homeowners. In order to make your decision more straightforward, we’ve compiled a few advantages and disadvantages for both asphalt and metal roofing.
ASPHALT ROOFING
- Asphalt shingles are a ‘tried and true’ roofing product that builders and homeowners trust. However, asphalt holds a shorter lifespan than metal due in part to humidity issues, such as pooling water and fungus growth. Asphalt may only come with a 30-year warranty or less.
- Asphalt roofing is more cost-effective to install compared to metal as it does not require the specialized skill involved with installing metal.
- Suitable for traditional styles, design options have recently improved. Shingles are now manufactured to look like tile, wood shakes, and even slate.
- Asphalt shingles also come in a wide range of colours, such as terracotta and weathered finishes.
- Beware that asphalt shingles fall behind other types of roofing materials when it comes to sustainability. Shingles are generally manufactured with petroleum-based material, making production dependant on fossil fuels. Discarded shingles also end up in landfills.
- Asphalt is typically easier to install and maintain than metal, making it an economical roofing option.
METAL CLADDING
- Metal roofing has longevity on its side. The usual 50-year warranty metal comes with is hard to beat by any other type of roofing material.
- Metal cladding is fire-resistant and durable under all sorts of challenging weather, such as blizzards, heavy rain, and high winds.
- A wide array of styles make metal cladding a designer’s dream. Metal roofing comes in a selection of materials, such as galvanized metal, but typically comes in aluminum. Aluminum roofing is basically the lightest material that can be installed. Copper is a luxurious but pricier option as well.
- Suitable for modern builds and industrial style homes or buildings.
- Beware that certain metal roofs may dent from heavy hail, falling debris, and careless foot traffic. In addition, incorrectly installed metal cladding may expand and contract, comprising long-term performance.
- Metal cladding is available in a variety of colours and finishes, including shake and shingle designs.
- Metal is more energy efficient with inherent reflective characteristics which can save homeowners on heating and cooling bills.
- If you care about the environment, metal is an eco-friendly roofing choice. Metal can be repeatedly recycled and is mainly made of recycled material.
- Metal roofing material is initially more expensive to purchase than asphalt shingles and more expensive to install.
Choosing the ideal roofing type for your upcoming project is much easier when you understand the pros and cons of building with each material. Whichever type you choose, your new roof is sure to bump up your home’s curb appeal, increase the value of your home, and look sensational.
Todd and his professional roofing team are available for a variety of roofing installations, such as metal, asphalt, cedar and torch-on/membrane roofing. Roofpro also provides professional roof inspections for homeowners’ insurance claims, detailed reporting with images, practical solutions to roofing problems, in addition to complex structural repairs that other roofing companies are unwilling to take on.
Working together with a close-knit, qualified team, Roofpro has the expertise to get any roofing project done. From installations and repairs to inspections, the experts at Roofpro have you covered.
Call us at 250-248-3400 today to find out more about our services and how we can help you!