When a homeowner is ready to hire a roofing contractor, the first thing to decide upon is what type of roofing material to use. In the past, many homeowners have chosen asphalt shingles, however, metal roofing is quickly becoming the roof of the future. The reason for this trend is that metal roofs last longer, and they can stand up to the elements far better than other roofing materials can.

Asphalt Shingles

For decades, asphalt has been the number one roofing product, since it can last for about 20 – 30 years under the right weather conditions. However, severe weather can erode away the surface layer of asphalt shingles making them brittle and less protective. In areas where severe winds, torrential rain, and hail are an issue, asphalt roofing may sustain quite a bit of damage during a major storm and require repairs to be made, which can be quite costly over time.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has increased in popularity since it can last up to 60 years without needing to be replaced. In many cases, the roof will outlast the time that a homeowner lives in the house. Metal roofing products can stand up the elements without leaking, breaking away or wearing out. A metal roof requires little to no maintenance during its lifespan, unlike asphalt and other roofing materials.

Energy Efficient

Believe it or not, a metal roof can be energy efficient. Since the metal reflects the sunlight instead of absorbing it, most of the heat from the sun is repelled instead of becoming trapped below the metal. This reduces the amount of heat that is transferred into the home. Needless to say, the AC system won’t need to work as hard during the summer months when a metal roof is overhead.

While asphalt shingles are more budget-friendly at the beginning, a metal roof will require less upkeep over the years and will last well beyond the lifespan of an asphalt roof. The choice may come down to the environment that the roof will be built in and the budget that is available at the time of installation. While both materials will provide an excellent covering overhead, consider the advantages that a metal roof has to offer when deciding on which roofing material to use.