When it comes to replacing the aging or damaged asphalt shingles on your roof there are two distinctly different paths to choose: installing a new metal roof or re-installing new asphalt shingles. And as with most choices life throws our way, there are pros and cons to each approach in terms of aesthetics, cost and function.
If you’re starting your research about what kind of roof you want to invest in when it comes time to re-roof your home, we’ve provided this at-a-glance list to outline the pros and cons about these two building materials: metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles. If you have any questions about any of these points, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask your questions to the roofing specialists on the Renovaction Team. We’re here to help!
Here are the most commonly considered pros and cons for metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles:
Asphalt Shingles
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
- Lower cost for materials and installation
- Quick and easy availability of most products
- Wide choice of qualified installers
- Suitable for DIYers
- More absorbant of solar heat on short winter days for savings on heating costs
- Blends in with neighbourhoods which are predominantly shingled
- More resistant to damage from hail
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
- Limited colours and predominantly in the darker hues
- Non-recyclable material ends up in landfill after removal
- Less insulating resulting in higher heating and cooling costs
- Fewer choices of patterns and styles
- Colours and sheen fade quickly
- Short-lasting (8-10 years in Ottawa conditions)
- Less durable to extreme weather
- Less water resistant
- Heavy materials
- Must be stripped entirely before re-roofing, with old shingles going to landfill
- More absorbant of solar heat resulting in more expensive cooling costs in summer
- Can’t be updated/changed without fully replacing
Pros of Metal Roofing
- Wider array of colours to choose from including light and dark hues
- A 100% recyclable material which does not end up in landfill
- Provides increased insulation for lower heating and cooling costs
- More choice of patterns and styles
- Colours and sheen do not fade
- Extremely long lasting (40-70 years in Ottawa)
- More durable to extreme weather conditions
- Higher water resistance means fewer leaks
- Lightweight materials
- Can be installed over existing shingled roof for added protection + insulation
- More reflective of solar heat for savings on cooling in summer
- Increases value of home for larger ROI when selling
- Can be updated/changed easily with paint
Cons of Metal Roofing
- Higher cost of materials and installation
- Less availability because not all building stores carry the product
- More limited choice of qualified installers with no DIY option
- Less absorbent of solar heat on short winter days which adds slightly to heating costs
- Don’t blend is as well with neighbourhoods which are predominantly shingled
- Less resistant to damage from hail
- Might not suit all tastes for potential buyers when selling
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when you’re trying to decide which type of roofing material to choose. We invite you to contact us with all of your questions and to start the conversation about which choice might be best for your needs and situation: metal roofing or asphalt shingles.
