Metal & Copper Roofing Blog

Why Metal Roofing vs. Shingles

How does metal roofing compare to comp? 

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The most preliminary of comparisons between metal roofing and asphalt composition shingles quickly shows one of the biggest discrepancies between the two roof materials - price. And while the cost is a huge factor for any roof decision, there are additional considerations that must be weighed when it comes to the metal vs. shingles debate.

So why metal roofing over comp shingles? Read on, friends!

1.  Metal roofs last the longest.

Metal roofs in the vast majority of applications last longer than any other materials because they are not attacked by the number one killer of roofs: the sun. The sun dries out and destroys asphalt shingle, synthetic and wood shake materials meaning all of these have a limited lifespan and will need replacing for that reason alone. And that means the higher up-front cost of a metal roof system is an investment you make once - not every 10-20 years as you will with a comp roof, a price that doubles roughly every 15 years, by the way.

2. Metal roofs are the most eco-friendly.

Metal roofs are made of recycled material, and are fully recyclable when the building on which they are installed is torn down. This "cradle to cradle" usefulness of the material means it doesn't end up as toxic waste in a landfill the way asphalt shingles do.

3. Metal roofs are the lightest.

Metal roofs typically weight between 1 and 2 pounds per square foot. The next lightest materials (like asphalt shingles) usually start at 2.5 lbs per square foot and go up from there. Concrete and clay roofs can weigh as much as 12 lbs per square foot - 10 TIMES the weight of metal! The fact that metal roofs are so light and rigid makes them the safest possible material in the event of an earthquake, and they can be used as replacement roof material in most cases without structural re-engineering.

4. Metal roofs won't burn.

Metal roofs will not catch fire, making them the safest possible roof if you're worried about sparks lighting your roof ablaze. Not many roof materials can offer such safety.

5.  Metal roofs offer more styles and colors than any other material.

Shingles, shakes, tiles, diamonds, vertical panels, horizontal panels, custom shapes - no other roofing material even comes close to the variety of looks afforded by metal roofing. No matter what architectural style you're after, metal roofing offers a profile that will look great.

So how does metal roofing compare to comp? Quite simply - it doesn't!

The only thing you need to consider is this: if price is the sole consideration in the choice of your next roof, comp is probably your best option. But if features like longevity, durability, aesthetics, eco-friendliness and safety matter in your roof decision, make sure you at least look at metal roofing before making a decision.

Download our FREE re-roofing booklet and start learning more about metal roofs, or call or click today.

Topics: benefits of metal roofing