History of Metal roofs vs. asphalt or shingle roofs.
Metal roofing as we know it was first developed in France in 1837. It slowly continued in development both in Europe and then in America. In 1857, the U.S. Mint in New Orleans received one of the first metal roofs in the South. Asphalt roofs or shingles started around 1901 or 1903 in the U.S. Shingles, over the decades, continued to be developed as they went from having cotton-based felt to celluloid-based felt to the current fiberglass-based felt.
What is metal roofing?
Metal roofing comes in large flat sheets, folded lengthwise in a few different pattern categories, such as flat seam metal roofing and corrugated metals. Flat seam metal roofing is on the more expensive side both to make and install but is also considered to be one of the best options available because of its interlocking seam design. In addition to the interlocking seams, the design includes fasteners that hold the smooth metal surface to the roof frame, giving these roofs strength and durability while requiring minimal maintenance.
Corrugated metals are also folded lengthwise in a repeating spacing pattern. They are generally attached to the underlying roof frame with nails or screws that are fitted with rubber washers serving as gaskets at the attachment points.
What’s an asphalt roof?
Asphalt shingles typically come in sheets, stacks, or rolls and are mainly uniform in composition and design—a ceramic granular upper surface and smooth asphalt layering over a fiberglass felt base. Typically nailed onto wooden-framed roofing structures, shingles are layered and staggered upward from the lowest point on a sloped roof.
The materials used in shingles are inexpensive, and the cost of manufacturing them is low, so they tend to be the most economical option for roof construction and replacement. Shingles are also the simplest to install and don’t require any particular skill to install correctly. Any contractor will know how exactly to work with them.
Pro’s and Con’s For Metal Roof’s
We know it’s tough to compare the two, so we made a handy table of the pro’s and con’s of each type of roof.
| Pro’s of Metal Roofing | Con’s of Metal Roofing |
| Longevity | Higher One Time Cost |
| Lighter (Yes, really) | More Labor Intensive |
| Lower Long Term Cost | HOA’s Sometimes Won’t Allow It |
| Fireproof | Insurance Drawbacks |
| Environmentally Friendly |
Pro’s and Cons of Asphalt Roofing
| Pros | Cons |
| Easier to Install and Replace | Shorter Lifecycle |
| Less Expensive Repairs | Higher Long Term Cost |
| Economical in the Short Term | Low Recyclability |
| More Warranty Coverages | Heavier |
| Readily Available | Mildew, Mold, & Algae Are Possible |
So Which One is Better?
There are pros and cons for each option, with neither option being a “true winner.” So let’s take a close look at some of the critical areas you should know about.
Cost
- Metal roofs are the more expensive option, but they have a much longer lifespan because of their durability, so they maintain a lower long-term cost.
- Asphalt shingles are quite economical, in part because the materials that they are made of are so inexpensive. But as they have a much shorter lifespan than metal roofs, they will need to be replaced, thus giving them a much higher long-term cost than metal roofs.
Durability
- There’s no doubt that metal roofs are far superior in durability. They are stronger and can better withstand severe weather. They also are more low maintenance than shingles.
- Asphalt shingles are still durable, just not as much. They are more susceptible to damage in extreme weather and have a much shorter lifecycle. Most shingle roofs last an absolute maximum of 25 years.
Environment
- Metal roofs are also the more eco-friendly option, as they are highly recyclable. They also have energy efficiency advantages, with ‘cool roofing’ metal plates that release absorbed heat in higher temperatures and retain heat in cooler temperatures.
- It is possible to recycle asphalt shingles, but it is not as common, and some types of Asphalt shingles cannot be recycled or destroyed. At Elite Services, we work with Recycled Earth to properly recycle and dispose of asphalt shingles.
Weight
- One of the top major benefits of metal roofing is that it is a very lightweight material. First, it makes it easier for the installers to handle and transport up on the roof during roll forming and installation. Second, it reduces the frame damage and preserves the building as it doesn’t weigh down and put unnecessary stress on a structure.
- Though there have been many advances in the development of shingles in recent years to reduce the weight by reducing the use of the base material, asphalt shingles are still heavier than metal panels. Over time, the additional weight can be stressful to the structure of the building and could cause problems.
Pro’s and Con’s Summary: Which one is best for me?
Both roof options will serve your house and roof well. Ultimately, it depends on a person’s specific needs. Here are a couple more questions to think about as you decide.
What is your budget?
If you have a smaller budget, then asphalt shingles would be the best choice for you. But if you can afford it, then a metal roof would be the way to go.
What is the roof design for your home?
Not all roofing options work with every roof design. So that can limit what your options are. Be sure to speak to your contractor about what options will fit your home.
Ultimately, speak with a qualified roofing expert to really decide what is going to be best for your roof. We’d love to help you in making your decision!
