One of the most important parts of your house, but one that gets very little attention is certainly the roof. After all, it is always exposed to the worst of the elements – rain and snow hit this part of your house the hardest, and the scorching sun in the summer is not kind to it either.
That means that you really need to have faith in your roof. In the US, roofs are made of a variety of materials, but the most common ones are asphalt shingles and metal sheets. So, have you ever wondered which is better? Roofing experts at Nu Look Home Design share their views of these two materials.
Ease of Installation
Keep in mind that both of these materials have great track record when it comes to protecting homes. However, they do have some differences which you should be aware of.
Any roof installation should always be done by professionals. This is a complex and responsible job that you should not leave to chance.
Asphalt shingles are somewhat simpler to install – the way they are installed leaves some wiggle room when it comes to precision. The overlap between the individual shingles makes working with them easier. On the other hand, metal roofs require precise assembly and a variety of precise, custom-made pieces. This makes metal roofs a bit more labor-intensive.
Consider the Cost
Due to the complexity of the installation and the durability, as well as the cost of the materials, asphalt tiles are more affordable of the two. Keep in mind, though, that even with asphalt shingles, there is a difference in quality. Still, even the high-end asphalt shingles tend to be half the price of metal roofs.
The complexity of metal roofs makes them a more expensive option – so if you’re on a tighter budget, asphalt will probably be a better option for you. However, you should be aware that you’re getting a really specialized and custom product for your money if you go the metal roof route. And it will last you longer.
Durability and Longevity
Metal roofs are actually one of the most durable options out there. In fact, only the very expensive slate roofs are more durable than metal roofs. According to some estimates a metal roof can protect your home for 50 years, or even twice as long – provided it gets enough maintenance.
On the other hand, your asphalt roof has a significantly shorter life span. The most common asphalt shingles tend to last about 20 years. The more expensive versions can extend that period to 35 years, but it’s a far cry from the durability of a metal roof.
Noise Levels
Finally, a point that not a lot of people consider when installing a roof is the noise that they can expect. As you may suspect, a metal roof is an excellent transmitter of sound. That means that sounds like the hail or drumming of the rain will be much louder than if you opt for something like an asphalt roof.
Think about your preference in this avenue, too. Although, with proper insulation, you should be able to dampen the sound to an acceptable degree even with a metal roof.
Roofing experts agree in their assessment – you get what you paid for. If you’re able to pay the extra cost, you should be able to keep the same roof on your home for a very long time. If, however, you can’t afford the top quality at the moment, you should be aware that replacement will be necessary much sooner. Choose wisely.
