It’s Time to Replace Your Roof! Which Material Is Better for You: Shingles or Metal?
Replacing the roof on your home is one of the most important, if not the most important, investments you’ll make as a homeowner. Having a quality, durable roof installed will ensure your family and your property are protected against the elements. There are many choices when it comes to roofing materials, but two of the most common—and most heavily debated—are asphalt shingles and metal.
If you’re looking into roof replacement in North Carolina, you’ll need to know what type of material you want to use before making an appointment with a contractor. First, it’s important to understand some pros and cons of each material to help you make the best choice.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are some of the most common materials used for roofing installation in North Carolina. They are well known and trusted by both builders and homeowners because they are easy to install and maintain. Shingles are available in a wide variety of colors and textures, which allows homeowners to create a unique look.
One of the best things about shingles is that they are one of the least expensive roofing materials available. Shingles typically cost between $100 and $200 per square, or 10’ by 10’ area. Warranties for shingles are usually 20 to 30 years, depending on location and brand.
Shingles are a common choice for builders and homeowners because installation is fast and repairs are easy. However, shingle roofs don’t last as long as other types of roofing materials because of their susceptibility to the elements. Hail and sun exposure can damage the shingles and decrease the lifespan of your roof, requiring roof replacement sooner. Additionally, asphalt shingles are not easily recycled, meaning they aren’t very environmentally friendly.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing is best known for its extreme longevity. Roofs made of metal often come with 50-year warranties and can last much longer than that, all while requiring very little maintenance. Metal is often the last roofing material homeowners have to install on their house, and it typically increases the value of homes it is installed on.
Metal roofing is lightweight and stands up to the elements fabulously. It’s great at preventing leaks, is fireproof and is quite resistant to high winds. It’s also very environmentally friendly. In addition to being completely recyclable, metal roofing is energy efficient because it reflects heat and can help lower your utility bills.
However, these benefits are offset by its much higher price point. Metal roofing can cost three times as much as asphalt shingles. It’s also more difficult to repair if it does get damaged. Some people claim that metal roofing expands and contracts a lot, decreasing its long-term performance, but this often depends on the quality of installation.
Which is best?
The type of roofing material that is right for you is ultimately dependant on a number of factors, including budget and necessary lifespan. No matter which roofing material you choose, though, the quality of installation is just as important. Be sure to hire a top-quality contractor to do your roofing installation in North Carolina.
Do you need roof replacement in North Carolina? Give Carolina Improvements a call! Our home improvement experts specialize in roofing installation and repair. Call today to schedule a free in-home estimate.
Categorised in: Roof Replacement, Roofing Installation
This post was written by Writer