Introduction

According to Mark Roemer Oakland, the material you choose for roofing your home can affect how your home feels, looks and also have a significant impact on the overall cost of construction. That’s why it’s crucial to assess all the pros and cons of roofing materials before choosing them. Asphalt shingles continue to remain the most popular choice due to their low cost, but metal roofs are also becoming popular day by day.

The Factors

Let’s look at the factors that would help you decide whether to choose asphalt or metal roofing for your home:

1. Cost – Metal roofing can cost significantly higher than asphalt shingles, sometimes, up to a factor of 2-3 times. Typically, the cost of asphalt roofing costs between $2-$6 per square foot whereas the cost of metal roofing typically costs between $8-$16 per square foot. 

Additionally, it’s costlier to install metal roofing compared to asphalt roofing due to their weight and size which makes the installation process trickier. Thus, if you are on a tight budget, asphalt roofing would be the better choice.

2. Lifespan – Metal roofing is more durable than asphalt roofing. Thus, you can expect a longer lifespan from metal roofing. On average, the lifespan of asphalt roofing is about 40-50 years whereas the average lifespan of metal roofing is about 40-70 years. 

Asphalt roofing is susceptible to bad weather, especially wind and precipitation, and requires regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

3. Maintenance and care – Asphalt shingles are easy to maintain but require frequent maintenance since they can slip, fall off, and disintegrate after years of wearing due to bad weather. Now, replacing asphalt shingles or sliding them back into place is not much of a hassle but it is still recommended that you consult a professional roofer for added safety.

Metal roofs require less maintenance than asphalt shingles, especially if a high-quality metal is used and the work is done by a skilled expert. However, they can still become susceptible to corrosion if subjected to long-term bad weather and not installed correctly. 

4. Installation – Asphalt roofing is much easier to install than metal roofing and you can do it yourself if you have decent DIY skills. However, it is always recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor when installing metal roofing since they are much heavier, bigger, and require precise placement due to having an interlocking edge system.

If you still want to DIY, you should hire a few extra hands and review the instruction manual thoroughly to ensure a smooth installation.

5. Resale value – Typically, houses with metal roofing tend to have a higher resale value due to the longevity of the materials. However, the age and maintenance quality of asphalt roofing also plays a part in determining the overall value of the house.

Conclusion

Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you install asphalt roofing if you want your home to feel warmer overall and install metal roofing if you want your home to feel cooler during warmer climates.