Metal Roofing vs. Shingle Roofing: Which Material Should You Choose?

Luckily, there’s not just one answer for every building, which gives you the freedom to discover the available options, ask questions, and finally make a choice based on factual research.

Here at TruChoice Roofing, we think it’s important to give an honest comparison of everything you need to know about metal roofing systems and asphalt shingle roofing so the decision is easier for you. In this article, expect to learn about:

• The advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing
• The advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingles
• Important considerations to keep in mind before you choose

When it comes to metal or shingle roofing, metal roofing is the more complex option requiring specific techniques, experienced installers, and more pieces/parts to make it succeed. That being said, metal roofing is actually more common than you may think or notice, especially if you live in an environment with extreme weather conditions. In addition to lasting decades longer than asphalt shingles, metal roofing offers the versatility and variety of options that most other roofing materials lack. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits and drawbacks associated with this roofing material.

Shingle Roofing: Advantages, Disadvantages, & Characteristics

Shingle roofs are everywhere, and there’s no doubt that shingles are more common when compared to metal roofing. Most people automatically think of shingles when they think about roofing because it’s been the traditional choice on many homes and businesses for the last century. There definitely are many benefits to having a shingle roof installed, most of which hinge on its low upfront cost, ease of installation, and access to materials. Let’s get into more of the advantages and disadvantages of a shingle roof.

ADVANTAGES

Economical in the Short Term – As mentioned before, shingles are cheaper than metal roofing as a one-time cost (normally less than half the price of a metal roof), which appeals to a lot of homeowners. This fact alone accounts for the vast majority of shingle installs. For reference, please view the cost comparison above.

Easier to Install & Replace – Shingles require less time and labor for both installation and replacement. Shingles come prepackaged and ready to be immediately nailed to the deck (unless cuts are required). With metal roofing, you have to handle finished panels that could be cumbersome, attach the metal panels to the decking using screws instead of a nail gun, connect the panels together, and finally install the flashing (usually consists of multiple metal pieces). All of this requires more time, labor, and skill on the part of the installer.

Less Expensive Repairs – Going along with the ease of installation and replacement, shingles are also much easier and cheaper to fix in the event a failure occurs. Most shingles can be removed one at a time near the source of an issue and require fewer materials to fix. Metal roofing is more complex because the full-length panels are all connected together and more difficult to replace one at a time.

More Installers – Shingles are relatively simple and easy to install, which is why there are more contractors who are able to install shingles than metal roofing. While it’s still important to find a qualified and experienced installer, it’s generally easier for consumers to find contractors who can install a shingle roof.

Foot Traffic – The ability to walk on or put weight on shingle roofing is another reason that shingles are easier for the installers. Once they have been secured to the structure, the shingles can be walked on or used as support for the installer while providing greater traction. With metal roofing, you want to minimize how much foot traffic the metal receives, as it could dent, scuff, or buckle under pressure.

Readily Available – Depending on where you live, shingles are commonly sold at local distributors and big box retailers.

Coast-Friendly – Metal roofing and shingles can both be installed in coastal regions, but the warranty on a steel metal roof is usually not offered on a structure within a certain distance from the coast. Most coastal applications require the use of an aluminum system to receive any kind of warranty from the manufacturer. Shingles, specifically asphalt or composite shingles, are heavier and easier to replace in the event they sustain wind damage, which is a good possibility along the coast if your project is in a high-wind zone or prone to hurricanes. That being said, it’s important to know the area in which your project is located and the wind rating needed for your roof system based on that location.

More Warranty Coverage – Shingle roofing can come with a number of warranty offers from both the manufacturer and the contractor. For example, popular problems covered by shingle warranties:

• Manufacturer error
• Material defect
• Algae growth
• Maximum wind-resistance limit (based on the type of shingle)
• Contractor error

DISADVANTAGES

Short Lifecycle – Depending on the shingle material (asphalt or fiberglass), style (3-tab or architectural), and coating you purchase, most shingle roofs last an absolute maximum of 25 years. Replacements, both tear-off and second-layer shingle additions, are very common with shingles.

Higher Long-Term Cost – Shingle roofing is cheaper as a one-time cost, but it typically ends up costing more in the long-run when compared to metal roofing. As described earlier, one metal roof would outlast at least three shingle roofs, and those three shingle roofs would end up costing $9,000 more than the one metal roof.

Intrusive Install – Shingles are attached to the roof with nails that go through the surface of the shingle and into the roof deck underneath. This is a very intrusive process of creating holes in the material that could very easily compromise the structure if improperly installed.

Heavier – Though there have been advances in recent years to reduce the weight of shingles by using less of the base material, asphalt shingles are still heavier than metal panels. The additional weight can be stressful to the structure of the building and could cause problems over time.

Color Limitations – If you’ve ever looked at a shingle roof, you’ll notice that more often than not, they are very dark, dull colors. There’s little opportunity for bright, vivid, or light-colored paints like those used on metal roofing because a shingle’s base material is saturated with asphalt and then granules made of a dark granite material are added for color, UV protection, and fire resistance. It’s harder for these granules to keep a lighter color, which is why shingle roofs are darker by nature.

Fire Concerns – Shingles made today are typically Class A fire-rated but contain asphalt, a combustible material, which is a semi-solid form of petroleum. The granules added over the asphalt coating help bring the shingles to a Class A fire rating by making it fire-resistant on the surface, but if a flame or fire reaches the asphalt coating, it is more likely to combust and catch on fire. 

Low Recyclability – Believe it or not, asphalt shingles can actually be properly recycled. Despite this fact, 11 million tons of asphalt shingles still end up in landfills every year in the U.S. The problem is that many contractors and consumers are unaware of the fact that shingles can be responsibly disposed of.

Damages Easier – Shingles, especially 3-tab shingles, are damaged far easier than metal roofing, especially during extreme weather conditions such as wind, hail, and snow. Also, if an adhesive is not applied correctly or becomes damaged, the shingles can lift or even rip off one at a time. This is why architectural shingles that provide numerous layers of protection are becoming more popular.

Holds Heat – Heat rays from the sun are drawn to asphalt shingles because the dark colors absorb the warmth. This heat is held on to by the shingles and can be transferred as solar heat into the home or building. This can cause air conditioners and other cooling devices to work overtime to balance the indoor temperature, which could increase energy costs. Additionally, asphalt shingles can get damaged quicker if exposed to high heat for long periods of time.

Flaking Granules – The granules added for shingle color and protection can actually flake off of the coating and get stuck in gutters, pipes, and other places where it could create a blockage problem.

Mildew, Mold, & Algae – Have you ever walked or driven by a building that had some unsightly green or dark coating on a part of the roof? You’ve seen one of the most common problems with shingle roofing. If there is excess moisture that is unable to dry because it lacks access to the sun, it could grow mold, mildew, or algae.

Oil-Based Product – The primary ingredient of asphalt shingles is oil (petroleum), and as a by-product, the cost for shingles can swing dramatically as the cost per barrel of crude oil changes. Not only this, but oil-based products are generally non-recyclable and are manufactured from non-renewable resources.