Late at night, the unpredictable Midwest weather roars outside. Your house creaks and groans, and you catch the unsettling sound of dripping water somewhere upstairs. And so you come to the conclusion, it is time for a new roof. Do you decide on one of those fancy new metal roofs your neighbors have been raving about? Or do you stick to the classic, traditional shingle roof? Over the past few years, metal roofing has grown in popularity, but how do you know if that is the best decision for your home?
With our 30 years of experience assisting homeowners navigate through difficult decisions, the Construction Group is happy to help you make an informed choice.
Choosing the right roof for your home goes beyond purely aesthetic preferences. Our years of experience working with homeowners has taught us that several factors must be considered such as cost, durability, insulation, and maintenance.
Cost Comparison
- Traditional Roofing: Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable traditional roofing materials, costing between $3 and $5 per square foot. Other conventional materials like wood shakes and clay tiles are more expensive, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot. The lower cost of asphalt shingles, however, comes with a shorter lifespan, typically lasting 15 to 30 years. You might need to replace the roof more often, increasing the overall lifetime cost.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofs generally have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. On average, metal roofs cost between $7 to $14 per square foot installed depending on the materials used. Copper roofs are in the higher price range due to premium quality and appearance. However, it is important to consider that while this is a large upfront cost, metal roofs often last up to 70 years. Metal roofs require less frequent repairs or replacements, making them the more cost-effective option in the long term.
Durability and Longevity
- Traditional Roofing: Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and tiles are more susceptible to weather-related damage such as hail, high winds, and UV exposure. Shingles may also experience curling, cracking, or granule loss over time, shortening their lifespan compared to metal roofs.
- Metal Roofing: Surprisingly, our experience has found that metal roofs hold up against extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow, high winds, and hail better than traditional roofing. They are also fire-resistant, which makes them an ideal choice for areas prone to wildfires. They do not have the same difficulties with rot and pests as traditional roofing. As mentioned above, metal roofs typically last 40 to 70 years, depending on the material, with minimal degradation over time.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
- Traditional Roofing: Asphalt shingles typically absorb more heat, which can increase cooling costs during those hot Midwest summers. However, traditional roofs with proper insulation (like fiberglass or cellulose) can still be energy efficient. Roofing materials like tile and slate have natural insulating properties, but the insulation underneath the roof is critical to overall performance.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofs can be effectively insulated using methods like spray foam or rigid foam boards. Metal is reflective, meaning it reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption, especially when coated with reflective pigments, lowering cooling costs in warm climates. Common insulation methods include installing an underlayment, using rigid foam insulation boards, and adding radiant barriers or spray foam insulation to prevent heat transfer and condensation.
Maintenance Requirements
- Traditional Roofing: Asphalt shingles and other traditional materials typically require more frequent inspections, especially after storms. Damaged or missing shingles will need replacing to prevent leaks. Regular cleaning of moss, mold, or algae growth is necessary to maintain appearance and function. Extra maintenance results in extra costs, and neglect is often an easy trap to fall into. Yet this is when the bigger issues occur.
- Metal Roofing: On the other hand, metal roofs require relatively low maintenance. Of course, regular checks for debris, corrosion, or loose fasteners can help extend their lifespan. It’s important to ensure that protective coatings (like paint or sealants) remain intact to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in steel roofs.
- For all roofs: Annual inspections are a good idea to prevent leaks, scratches, or dents from becoming a problem. Clean gutters and trim nearby branches to avoid debris buildup. In case of minor damage or scratches, touch-up paints or sealants can be applied to prevent rusting.
Aesthetic Options
Aesthetics is still an important part of the decision-making process. Your home is your space to customize and design how you wish. If you prefer a more classic look, traditional roofing offers a variety of materials, textures, and colors. Asphalt shingles come in multiple shades, while materials like slate or clay tile provide a rustic look. Metal roofs can appear more modern and futuristic but often come in a wide range of colors and styles as well. Metal roofing can sometimes mimic traditional shingles. Whichever type of roof you choose, it is possible to achieve the desired aesthetic for your home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roof can be an overwhelming decision. In the face of high costs and maintenance requirements, the challenge of finding what roof works best is not an easy hurdle to overcome in your homeowning journey. To summarize, metal roofing does have a higher upfront price, yet it tends to last longer than traditional roofing. Traditional roofing and metal roofing are comparable in energy efficiency when insulated properly and can both provide the same aesthetic look. Yet traditional roofing does tend to require more maintenance. Metal roofing has the longest lifespan and requires less maintenance than traditional roofing.
Still overwhelmed? It is okay, needing a new roof can be an unfortunate conclusion to come to. Especially if you happened to have found a leak. The Construction Group is here to help you out! Schedule consultations or request more information today! Call us at (651) 661-4177 and let our experts help you find you what option best suits your needs.