What to Choose? Asphalt Shingle vs. Metal Roof

When people need to replace their roof, a question is always asked: “Which roof do I choose? Asphalt shingle or metal roof? Is one better than the other?”. The answer is: not necessarily. It depends on what you’re looking for. There are some priorities that you need to settle to find what is the right roof for your and your house.

What’s the Difference Between Asphalt Shingle and Metal Roof?

First, you need to learn the difference between these two roof types. An asphalt roof is a roof made of asphalt shingles, that typically come in sheets and get nailed onto wooden-framed wooding structures. Because of all that, this is a cheaper and easier option, but with a smaller lifespan.

The metal roofing can be screwed down or its metal panels can be locked together at the seams, so it can expand or contract when it’s hot or cold. It has become one of the most popular roofing these last years because of its chic design, and even though it’s more expensive than asphalt roofing, it has a bigger lifespan.

The Cost of Asphalt Single Vs. Metal Roof

Now that you know the difference between them, you need to know which one is better for your budget. As you know, asphalt shingle is cheaper than metal roofing, but you’ll probably need to spend some money to repair this roof since it’s very sensitive to extreme weather. Also, the asphalt roofing does not help you to save energy and it has low snow retention.

The metal roofing can be more expensive, but it has low maintenance, lasts longer, and can help you to save energy. It is harder to install and is much heavier, so be careful. Not every house can have metal roofing.

The Lifespan

Talking about lasting, you must understand the lifespan of each roofing. Asphalt shingles can last up to 50 years. Of course, any lifespan depends on the condition to which it is exposed, but normally an asphalt roofing lasts long if you keep on doing regular maintenance. The weather can make it age faster, especially rain and wind.

A metal roof can last up to 70 years, but each day its technology changes because of newer metals, so maybe you can have a roof that lasts longer than 70 years.

Which One Is Better for Your City’s Weather?

One of the most important things to take into consideration is your city’s weather. Shingled roofs can make a house feels warmer, which is not the best for someone that lives in a hot city, but can be life-changer when it comes to a cold city or a city that gets really cold in the autumn/winter.

Overall, metal roofing is better in every weather condition, because it can make a house feel cooler in warm times, and even though it can make a house feel colder during the winter, it helps to deal with snow and precipitation.

If you want to know more about the difference between asphalt shingle and metal roofs in Ottawa, check out the options that Vanity Roofing has to offer.

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