This is a question that Madison homeowners often ask, and with good reason.
Choosing the best roofing solution for your home can be a complex decision that needs to take into account a handful of important things, including your budget, your aesthetic preferences — and how long you plan on staying in your home.
This last point can be a surprising one to homeowners, as what’s “best” is often contingent on whether you’re looking to stay in your home long-term, just for a few years, or are planning on selling soon. And this is where working with a reputable, honest roofer can be a big benefit. Your roofer isn’t just the contractor that installs your roof. They should also be your partner in selecting the roofing solution that works best for you.
That all said, let’s take a look at the major pros and cons of both asphalt and metal roofing in order to give you a better understanding of each product.
AN ASPHALT ROOF MAY BE THE BETTER CHOICE WHEN …
You’re looking for a more affordable upfront option.
- The lower upfront cost of asphalt roofing can be a big factor in the decision-making process, but it’s important to understand that there is an immense range of cost for both asphalt and metal roofing.
- If metal is of interest, a good question to ask your roofer is whether there is a quality metal roofing system in your price range. In other words — get educated before making any decisions!
You want to choose from a large variety of colors and styles.
- Styles include 3-tab, architectural, luxury, and impact-resistant shingles.
- When it comes to color, GAF offers 60, in all.
- For some homeowners, color and style can be really important as they’d like their roofing to pair well with the aesthetic of their home and landscaping.
Sound absorption — especially when it comes to rain or hail — is another benefit of asphalt roofing
- Asphalt shingles dampen sound, even without the help of insulation.
- That said, modern-day metal roofs, like GAF TimberSteel, can be surprisingly quiet thanks to GAF’s quality roof deck, underlayment and insulation. And, DECRA metal roofing is stone coated for a more quiet roofing system.
- Fire resistance is another benefit of well-made asphalt roofing.
- For instance, GAF shingles, including the GAF Timberline collection, are certified for Class A fire resistance — the highest possible rating.
- That said, metal roofing is also an excellent choice for fire resistance, so no matter which type of material you choose, as long as you’re having a quality roofing system installed, you should be in good shape regarding fire resistance.
⠀THE CONS OF ASPHALT ROOFING
- Asphalt roofing typically requires more maintenance and repair, as compared to metal roofing.
- It is typically less eco-friendly than metal roofing.
- As per our point about maintenance, asphalt shingles are more easily damaged by wind, hail, moisture, and debris.
The life of an asphalt roof is shorter than a metal roof. Other than price, this is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a roof replacement. But here’s the thing, if you’re planning to move within the next 10 years, you might not care about that longevity. If you’d like to learn more about roof longevity, you can check our articles on both asphalt and metal roofing.
A METAL ROOF MAY BE A BETTER CHOICE WHEN …
You’re looking for a roof replacement that will last for decades.
- The lifespan of a metal roof is one of its biggest benefits. An asphalt roof can last anywhere between 15 to 50 years, with the longer lasting options being premium roofing that comes with a higher price tag.
- Metal roofing, specifically steel (galvanized or galvalume) roofing, can easily last 50 to 70 years, giving you a much bigger bang for your buck. On average, metal roofing can last up to three times longer than asphalt roofing.
An eco-friendly choice is important to you.
- When it comes to sustainability, a metal roof is the way to go as they are typically 100% recyclable, and can be made of recycled materials.
- This is a huge benefit to the environment when compared to asphalt roofing that is responsible for over 11 million tons of landfill waste each year.
You’re looking for top-level durability.
- Metal roofing does a better job than asphalt roofing of standing up to the elements — including snow, high winds and hail.
- Since it’s a non-combustible material, metal roofs have a Class 4 fire rating.
- Well-made metal roofing can withstand earthquakes, and provide reinforcing strength to a home.
You’re seeking the most energy-efficient option. There a couple of major areas where a metal roofing system delivers energy efficiency …
- Reflectivity, which is the roof’s ability to reflect heat.
- Thermal emittance & emissivity, both of which measure how well a roof’s surface can cool down. That said, there are differences between the two. Thermal emittance is related to roof-cooling through emitting thermal radiation. Emissivity measures how effectively a roof releases absorbed heat back into the environment.
- You want the option that offers the lowest-maintenance. There is a higher chance of maintenance and repair with an asphalt roof due to the lower durability of the materials used.
THE CONS OF METAL ROOFING
- Higher upfront cost
- Possible cosmetic denting from severe hail, depending on the type of roofing installed and the severity of the hail. That said, GAF TimberSteel roofing is UL 2218 Class 4 listed for extreme durability (the roofing has been tested against a two-inch steel ball).
- They can be more complex to install, which means there might be less qualified roofers to handle the project.
- Noise Factor: depending on the type of metal roofing system you have installed, there may be more noise as compared to an asphalt roof. That said, DECRA metal roofing is stone-coated for a quieter roof, and GAF’s metal roofing system ensures that the TimberSteel roof provides a quiet experience.
- Metal roofing can expand and contract due to temperature change, so they require a specific fastening system to prevent issues like buckling.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you have questions about roofing, or would like a complimentary roof inspection — with no strings attached — feel free to get in touch with us anytime. We’re always happy to help, even during the winter months!