Metal & Copper Roofing Blog

Comparing Asphalt Shingles to Metal Roofing

After living with asphalt composition shingles long enough to deal with the headache of replacing them, many people start to look for roofing with more longevity. Comparing metal roofing to comp shingles is a normal part of the process, and we make it easy with our metal vs composition shingles comparison sheet. It's free and fast to download.

There are four big misconceptions that tend to come up during the comparison process:

  • A metal roof must be heavier than an asphalt shingle roof. Many people think so, but metal roofs are actually a lot lighter than asphalt shingles. Generally, metal roofs weigh 1.4 pounds per square foot, and asphalt shingles averages between two and five pounds per square foot. And here's a bonus of that extreme light weight - many kinds of metal rooing can be installed over existing materials (including, you guessed it, asphalt composition), without compromising the structure of the roof.

  • So many roofers prefer to install composition shingles - that must be a sign of their reliability, right? While it's true that many, many installers prefer installing asphalt shingles, it's not because they're a wonderful roof product. Instead, they're easy to install without much training - and that means just about anyone can do it. If you're looking for performance and longevity, metal roofs typically outlive asphat shingles by a factor of four - or more. No matter who installs those comp shingles, that roof will need replacing (and in most instances, long before its warranty expires). The integrity of a metal roof isn't compromised by heat and sun the way an asphalt shingle roof is, it's able to perform its job for decades longer.

  • Asphalt shingles come with a warranty - it has to be good! Unfortunately, many people find themselves shocked that a 50-year warranty is no assurance that the product will last 50 years. Just read the warranty - it will quickly show you that a clear distinction between the lifespan and product defects - and they're not the same. The warranty covers defects - not deterioration. Those 40-year shingles will need replacing in 15 to 20 years, depending on where you live, and the warranty will do nothing to help you come replacement time.

  • Metal roofing only comes in one style. While the same could be true of asphalt shingles, the statement is downright wrong when you're talking about metal roofs. There are many, many different shapes, sizes, styles, textures and colors when you're choosing a roof made of metal. 

The extra investment of a metal roof pays off in so many ways - performance, longevity, increased curb appeal and value to your home. Just the most preliminary research quickly makes it easy to see why so many people choose to upgrade to metal for their next roof.

Our website is a great source of information if you'd like to learn more about quality metal roofing. Visit our Gallery page for photos of various metal roofs or our Resources page for valuable and free downloads.

Topics: comp vs metal