Whether a homeowner is building a new structure or repairing the extensive damage on an existing home, he or she will eventually be forced to make a number of significant decisions regarding the home’s roof. Perhaps the biggest of these choices involves the material for the roof. For most of today’s homeowners, the automatic material of choice is asphalt. However, metal is quickly becoming a popular second option, particularly for homeowners hoping for greater durability.

Shingles: An Affordable Option For Price Conscious Homeowners

Over the course of the past several decades, the vast majority of homeowners have opted for shingles while completing or repairing their roofs. The main reason for this is the simple lower cost of shingles when compared to metal. Not only are shingles less expensive than metal roofs, they also are easier to work with, ensuring that roofs are completed in a short period of time. For homeowners lacking the financial resources necessary for metal roofs, shingles can serve as an excellent alternative. This sheer affordability likely explains why, in McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics survey, asphalt was the roofing material of choice for nearly ninety percent of homeowners.

Metal: More Expensive, But More Durable

Although shingles are still far more popular than metal roofs, an increasing number of homeowners are now opting for the metal approach. These individuals, frustrated with repairing and replacing shingles every few years, are encouraged by reports regarding the durability of metal roofs. Metal is, by nature, sturdier than asphalt, and, as such, more likely to stand up to severe weather as well as other causes of wear and tear.

Increased durability is just one potential source of savings when it comes to metal roofing. Proponents of metal roofs also believe that the material is more eco friendly than asphalt, as it can help to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling a home. This also translates to a lower monthly energy bill, which, in some climates, could be a very important consideration to make when choosing between roofing materials. Ultimately, although metal roofs cost more on an upfront basis, their durability and potential for lowering energy costs allows them to cost roughly the same as shingles in the long term.

Ultimately, there is no one type of roof that will best serve every homeowner’s needs. Those struggling to choose between asphalt shingles and metal roofs will need to determine how much they’re willing to invest in upfront roofing costs while also keeping in mind the frequency with which they would prefer to repair or replace their roofs.