There has long been a debate over which roofing material is superior. Both have been prevalent in the construction of homes around the world for well over a century, and taking the number one and two spots for most popular roofing in the United States--but what makes one better than another?
The truth is that both are wonderful options, it's just that depending upon a variety of factors, one material may suit your needs better than another. This is especially true with things like climate and the amount of precipitation you can expect each year.
So, let's break down each material:
Breaking it down: What's the difference between Metal and Asphalt?
Asphalt Roofs
Pros
- Wide range of colors & textures
- Lightweight roofing material
- Naturally fire resistant
- Classic, attractive appearance
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Significantly shorter lifespan compared to metal
- Vulnerable to extreme heat and cold
- Prone to moss and mildew growth
- Subject to lifting due to strong winds and ice dams
Metal Roofs
Pros
- Excellent Durability
- Tons of styles
- Many colors and finishes to choose from
- Increased resale value
- Incredible longevity, can last up to 100 years
- Wide variety of metals to choose from
- Eco-Friendly material, fully recyclable
Cons
- Certain metals can be more expensive than others
- Some types of metal are vulnerable to impact damage
- Subject to natural expansion and contraction
Types of Metal
As we know, there are many types of metal that are naturally formed within the earth and many of them are used for roofing material, such as:
- Tin-An easily pliable, shapeable metal that comes in a variety of different styles and colors. It also has the benefit of being relatively inexpensive, and a pretty rare choice for roofing these days, adding to its unique appeal.
- Steel-While it is among the more expensive choices, it's also the most durable and resistant to the elements. It's best for withstanding natural expansion and contraction and won't corrode or rust. Steel also has a wide variety of colors and finishes available to match any home.
- Aluminum-Less expensive than steel, but still one of the more expensive options for metal roofing. These roofs are the most sustainable choice for metal roofing and are completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan. They are also excellent for resisting corrosion, but tend to suffer from expansion and contraction more so than other metal roofing materials.
- Copper-One of the more expensive choices, but is also a sustainable and recyclable material, with a lovely and distinct coloring. Copper can be soldered and shaped easily, making them wonderfully secure, and able to come in many different styles. Copper was a common roofing material for older homes, going back at least 100 years--and that's exactly how long a copper roof can be expected to last with proper maintenance.
- Zinc-Another expensive choice among metal roofing materials, but another fully recyclable choice, leaving less of an environmental impact. However, if you live in a region that gets a lot of hail or strong storms, zinc may not be the best choice, as the material is rather vulnerable to impact damage. The material is very pliable and can come in a variety of styles, and has a long projected lifespan--again up to 100 years.
- Seam Standing Metal-These roofs have a distinct "ribbed" or "ridged" texture and can be made from a variety of different metals, such as steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. Their design allows for easy expansion and contraction without damage to the roof structure and depending upon the metal chosen, can have a projected lifespan of up to 100 years.
Is Asphalt or Metal Really Better?
At the end of the day, it's difficult to say what type of roofing is better, because each home is different and has different needs. On top of that, each homeowner is unique in their own style and our homes commonly reflect this.
If you're looking for excellent longevity and durability, increased resale value, and a low environmental impact, metal may be the perfect choice. If you're more so looking for affordability, lower maintenance, and installation costs, or are in a HOA with specifications for roofing, you may be more inclined towards asphalt roofing.
Whatever you choose, the experts here at HomePro Match are just a call or click away to help you make the decision with a professional opinion, and help you get the roof of your dreams. Reach out today!