In Rochester, metal and shingle roofing are the most common types of roofing for homes. This is mainly because of the several advantages they offer, however, they also have some disadvantages that every homeowner must be familiar with.
In this blog post, we’ll go through these advantages and disadvantages so that if you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ll be guided on which of the two is the best fit for your roofing needs and goals.
Metal roofing
Metal roofs have been gaining popularity for homeowners in Rochester nowadays. They are made from various materials such as tin, zin, steel, copper, and aluminum. Here are the advantages and disadvantages they offer:
Advantages:
Durable. So long as they are properly installed, metal roofs can last for up to 100 years or even more. They are also highly resistant to the weather. They can even withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour.
Available in a variety of colors. Among the two most common types of roofing for homes, this type of shingle roof offers more flexibility in terms of design and color. It can be customized to any color, finish, and style to match your home’s overall look.
Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs are made up of 25% recycled materials and they are also 100% recyclable themselves. At the end of their lifespan, you won’t have to worry about them ending up in landfills.
Easily sheds snow. Because their surfaces are hard and slippery, metal roofs are basically impervious to rain and snow. This is why it’s popular in Rochester since the area gets over 33 inches of snow a year on average.
Fire resistant. During wildfire or lightning strikes, metal roofs will not spark or ignite into flames. Flying embers will also not set them on fire since their materials are noncombustible and have a Class A fire rating.
Disadvantages:
More expensive to install. Compared to shingle roofs, metal roofs will require higher upfront costs. They are typically two to three times more expensive than other types of roofing for homes.
Can be very difficult to install. Installing metal roofs can be tricky especially if you’re dealing with large metal sheets. Only a few contractors have the expertise and experience to handle them.
Can be noisy. Since they are made of metal, they can be noisy, especially during heavy rain, strong winds, or hail storms. This is why they may need good insulation to reduce that noise.
Shingle roofing
This type of roofing for homes is perhaps the most popular in Rochester. It is made up of individual shingle tiles laid starting from the edge of the roof towards an upward direction, overlapping the previous ones. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Economical. Shingle roofs usually cost less than metal roofs. Materials, labor, and installation are more affordable. They are also widely available so in case of damage, you can have them repaired or replaced right away.
Available in a variety of materials. There are many types of shingle roofs. We have asphalt, cedar shake, and even metal shingle roofs. They are also available in a variety of colors to match your home’s exterior look.
Easy to install. Shingle roofs can be installed quickly and easily. There are many roofing contractors who specialize in shingles so you have many options as to who you should hire to handle this type of roofing.
Disadvantages:
Less durable. This depends largely on the type of shingle roof you have. Asphalt shingle roofs, for instance, can last only for around 25 years while cedar shake shingle roofs can last for up to 50 years.
Less eco-friendly. Shingle roofs are difficult to recycle. Most types are also made for one-time use only so after the end of their lifespan, they will most likely end up in landfills.
Need help choosing between the two types of roofing for homes?
Roof Rangers can help! We specialize in both shingle and metal roofing. We are known for our high level of expertise and excellent workmanship in both so we can help you decide which option is the right fit for you. We are the pros that do it right the first time. Contact us today for a free consultation!
