If you’re looking to build or replace an existing roof, you’ll need to decide what material to use. Every project is different, with a range of priorities and restraints. Here, we explore the relative advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems.

Asphalt shingle roofing: the advantages

1. Affordable, with a relatively low upfront cost;
2. A variety of styles and colours for traditional and contemporary homes;
3. Light-weight and easy to install, by roofers and those skilled in DIY;
4. Low installation costs.

The disadvantages

1. Asphalt roofing needs replacing, usually between 12 and 20 years of age;
2. Regular maintenance is required;
3. Cheaper asphalt shingles are prone to wind uplift;
4. Poor attic ventilation can damage asphalt shingles;
5. Installing the shingles in temperatures below zero can cause damage;
6. Extreme heat can cause asphalt shingles to discolour and crack;
7. Asphalt shingles, made from petroleum, are not environmentally friendly.

Metal roofing: the advantages

1. Built to last, typically between two and three times longer than asphalt and up to 70 years. High-end products featuring zinc can last a century;
2. Lightweight, and therefore easy to install and it won’t place undue strain on the building;
3. Giving effective and reliable protection from extreme weather conditions;
4. Environmentally friendly, as they’re ecologically safe and can be recycled;
5. An affordable long-term solution, costing less than slate;
6. An attractive roofing system with a wide choice of colours and textures.

The disadvantages

1. Upfront costs for metal roofing are more than asphalt shingles, but much less when calculating the full life of the roof;
2. Some rolled metal roofing systems can be noisier in the rain.

In summary, metal roofing outperforms asphalt shingles in every single aspect, with the exception of upfront costs. However, metal roofing is less expensive than asphalt when considering the full-life cost of the product and the wider benefits it delivers. Metal roofing offers long-term good value, protection against the weather, is easy to install, attractive and environmentally friendly.

Metrotile uses the highest quality steel to produce a high-quality steel roofing system, which looks similar to traditional tiles, whilst outperforming other products on the market. For further details please contact Metrotile, by completing our contact form or by calling us between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 01249 658 514.