When it’s time to replace your old and deteriorated roof with a new one, the number of alternatives available can be overwhelming. Due to their reliability, value for money, and ease of maintenance, shingle roofs are the most popular roofing material.

However, there is now a range of options to explore, including metal, which is the second most common roofing material due to its resilience, endurance, and broad range of styles.

Both metal roofs and shingle roofs are excellent for you, but one may be more suited to your needs. But which one is the best roof for you?

So, we put them up against one other—shingle roof vs metal roof—and compared everything from aesthetics to value for money and ease of maintenance to help you make an informed decision.

1. Both Have a Variety of Finishes to Suit Any Type of Home

While shingle roofing has more of a classic appearance, they are now being manufactured to resemble the looks of granite, wood, as well as tile. Shingle roofing can be found with scalloped edges. These are ideal for residences based on Victorian designs, or with a terra cotta appearance, which can be perfect for Mediterranean homes.

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The color pallet is diverse, and there are a variety of finishes to choose from, ranging from slightly worn too subtly variegated.

On the other hand, metal roofing has been shaped of crenelated tin panels or standing-seam metal that resemble barns or sheds. But, in addition to tin, metal roofing in copper, aluminum, galvanized metals, and even zinc has made great strides.

Metal roofing is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and shake types, to complement less rustic, more elegant constructions ranging from Californian contemporaries to East Coast Victorians.

Because either shingle roof vs metal roof might give you the style you desire, don’t let aesthetics be your deciding decision; instead, just choose a product that will function optimally for you and your home.

2. Metal Roofs Are Sturdy and Long-Lasting

Metal roofs can withstand practically anything Mother Nature can hurl at them. This is why they typically come with 20- to 40-year guarantees and life expectancies of 35 to 65 years. Metal roofs, on the contrary, are also prone to some issues: Severe hailstorms, rainfalls, or falling tree branches can damage metal roofs. 

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Due to their inherent imperfections, shingles have a shorter life expectancy. Algae and fungus can develop in the presence of standing water. Ice dams may cause splits and crack, and temperature variations between day and night can shorten the lifespan of your shingle roof.

Warranty coverage on shingle roofs ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on the geographical location, surrounding environment, as well as weather patterns.

3. Shingle Roofs Are More Affordable

A metal roof will last longer, but the cost will be higher at the time of roof installation. Metal roofs can cost anywhere from $150 to $850 for 100 square feet of space, whereas shingle roofs might cost anywhere from $120 to $220 per 100 square feet. Because it is a more specialist job, its installation will cost you more in metal.

You might be able to recuperate some of the expenses of a metal roof in the future since you won’t have to replace or repair it again and again. Homeowners with metal roofs may also qualify for insurance discounts. Installing a new metal roof on your primary residence may potentially qualify you for tax credits.

Finally, because metal roofs are extremely energy-efficient, you can save money in the long run on your energy bills.

4. Metal Roofing is Eco-Friendly And Energy-Efficient

Metal roofs are regarded as a more sustainable option than shingles because they are mostly constructed of recyclable materials and can be reused over and over again.

Metal roofs are also much more energy-efficient due to their reflective characteristics, which can prevent heat from being transferred to the inside of the building. Customized paint coatings might help you save even more money on your cooling expenditures.

Shingles, on the contrary, need to be replaced and repaired more regularly than metal roofs. It is estimated that approximately 20 billion pounds of old shingles end up in landfills in the United States each year. Furthermore, because shingles are made from hydrocarbons, they enhance our reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Shingle Roofs Are Easily Installed or Repaired

Professionals only need simple instruments and a little domain expertise. In other circumstances, shingles can be put in a day or two, sometimes directly over the previous layer. Metal roofing often necessitates the use of a more trained and experienced tradesman.

Due to the fact that the job is more meticulous and leaves less room for error, it will take much longer than shingle roof installation. Some lightweight metal materials, on the other hand, may be able to be put directly over an existing roof structure in good condition. This streamlines installation and avoiding the expense of pulling down the old roof.

Similarly, shingle roofs are way easier to repair than metal roofs. Roofing manufacturers don’t promote do-it-yourself works because they may violate the warranty, but shingle sheets are easier to deal with than metal sheets because they can be trimmed to size and refitted to the rooftop with ease.

Metal roofs are more difficult to replace separately simply because of the way the metal panels are connected, and often necessitate a complete panel replacement.

Final Thoughts

Metal roofs are really not better to shingle roofs, and shingle roofs are also not better than metal roofs. Your choice of roofing material is determined by your design preferences, budget, environmental concerns, as well as long-term objectives.

Determine either you want a metal roofing system or a shingle roofing if you need a new roof for your home. This comprehensive guide about shingle roof vs metal roof will assist you in determining which option is best for your budget, design choices, and all other factors.