Asphalt Shingles Vs. Metal Roofing

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofing is good-looking, affordable, and long-lasting.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular and commonly used roofing material type in the United States. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and feature a high-performance, weather-resistant design that can be reinforced with fiberglass without altering their appearance. In addition to being one of the most attractive roofing materials, asphalt shingle roofing is strong and flexible, offering excellent protection against wind, rain, hail, ice, and extreme temperatures. Asphalt shingles are available in a 3-tab and laminated style.

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Made of a single layer of materials, this type of asphalt shingle features a thin, low-profile design capable of withstanding winds up to 60 miles per hour when properly installed. While they are very affordable, three-tab asphalt shingles are only available in one shape and size and do not offer much flexibility in terms of style.

Laminated Asphalt Shingles

Created by laminating two shingle layers together, laminated asphalt shingles are stronger and more durable than their three-tab counterpart. The layered design is better suited to withstand the elements and can hold up against wind gusts as high as 130 miles per hour. Available in a diverse range of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, laminated asphalt shingles are a practical and attractive option for many homeowners.

Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

One of the most affordable types of roofing
Easier and quicker to install than other roofing materials
Available a wide selection of colors, textures, and styles
Can make repairs without having to replace the whole roof
Low-maintenance
Fire and wind-resistant up to 130 MPH
Recyclable upon replacement
15-50 year lifespan

Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Poorly installed shingles may detach during strong winds
Color may fade over time due to sun exposure, depending on the type of asphalt shingle you choose

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is durable, wind and fire-resistant, and complements a wide range of home styles.

Metal roofing is the second most popular type of roofing in the United States and works with nearly all home styles, except those with very flat roof pitches. Available in stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, a properly installed metal roof is incredibly strong, durable, and long-lasting.

Metal roofing was previously only available in panels but has since evolved to include a shingle style that mimics the look of traditional asphalt shingles. Depending on where you live, metal roof installation can be completed over an existing roof without removing the old shingles.

Pros of Metal Roofing

Highly resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage
Highly wind-resistant with proper installation
Virtually maintenance-free
May reduce cooling costs by 10-25%
100% recyclable upon replacement
40-70 year lifespan with proper installation

Cons of Metal Roofing

Up to 3x more expensive than other roofing materials
May rust over time, especially in salt water areas
Vulnerable to hail and storm damage
Noisy during rainstorms
Challenging to repair without replacing the entire roof

Flat Roofing

Flat roofing improves energy efficiency and adds usable rooftop space.

Flat roofing is an appealing option for many homeowners because it is versatile and relatively easy to maintain. While the name suggests otherwise, flat roofing is not actually flat. It has a very low pitch — between ¼ to ½ inch per foot — that creates a slight slope and allows water to drain off the roof.

Homeowners can choose from three kinds of flat roofing: built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen roofing (MBR), or single-layer membrane roofing.

Built-Up Roofing

This type of roof is created using multiple layers, including a bottom layer of insulation board, alternating layers of tar or asphalt and roofing felt in the middle, and a top layer of gravel. As a result, BUR is thicker and more durable than other types of flat roofing materials. However, built-up roofing is typically used for commercial buildings due to its heavy weight, thickness, unpleasant odor, and messy application.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Developed in the early 1960s, MBR is a lighter-weight, cleaner alternative to built-up roofing. Modified bitumen roofing is a flexible, asphalt-based material with a mineral top coating. It comes in rolled sheets that are adhered to a base layer during installation, either with a self-stick adhesive or by heating the back side of the sheet to melt the roofing material to the base layer.

Single-Layer Membrane Roofing

Many types of membrane roofing materials exist, including plastic and rubber formations. However, the most common option for residential flat roofing is a synthetic rubber sheet material referred to as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). During installation, the membrane material is laid over a layer of insulation board, which is either glued down, loose-laid, or held in place by river rock, masonry pavers, or other ballast.

Pros of Flat Roofing

Relatively quick, minimally disruptive installation
May be more affordable than pitched roofing on large roofs
Depending on the material and installation method, can provide additional space for a rooftop patio, garden, or other use
Improved energy efficiency, especially in warmer climates if white membranes are used
Optimal placement for solar panels

Cons of Flat Roofing

Greater potential for drainage issues, such as water leaks and ice dams
Less attractive than other types of roofing materials
Few options in terms of design and style
May need to be replaced every 10 years depending on the system used

Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing

Types of Roof Materials: Pros & Cons