The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

When you have to have your roof redone, your natural instinct for roofing options may be to go with asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles may be the most popular type of roofing material around, they may not give you the overall aesthetic that you are going for. If you want a more industrial look on your home or if you want to add a little bit more character to it, then you may want to consider something like metal roofing instead of asphalt. Here are some differences between metal and asphalt. 

Metal Is More Expensive

Asphalt shingles cost about $70-$160 per square foot while metal roofs cost about $120 up to $900 per square foot, which is substantially more. Because there is such a distinction between the low and high price range of metal roofs, it can be a bit confusing. Different factors in the cost of your roof are ultimately determined by the type of metal that's put on your roof, the pitch of your roof, and the part of the country that you live in. If you go with a super expensive type of metal and you have an extremely steep pitch, then you are going to be on the higher range of things. 

Asphalt Lasts Longer

One of the many benefits of metal roofing is that it lasts much longer than asphalt roofs or other materials. For instance, asphalt roofs typically only last 15-30 years on average whereas a metal roof can last over 50 years. So, while you may be paying more for your roof upfront, you won't have to replace it for longer, which means it may be a better investment. 

Metal Is Better for the Snow

If you live in a part of the country that's notorious for getting a lot of rain and snow, you may get worried about your roof when you're in the midst of a big storm. Metal is better for the snow because the snow will slide right off of it without sitting on your roof for very long, which lowers the chances of damage. 

You Can Have Both

If you don't have it in your budget to do your entire roof in metal, then you can use it as accent pieces. For instance, a lot of homeowners will just cover the area over their porch in metal or do metal awnings on the side of their house. This look will still give you some of the character and benefits of metal without the hefty price tag. 

To learn more about metal roofing, contact a roofer near you.