Metal Roofing Vs. Asphalt Shingles Roofing – The Roofing Debacle

Your roof is the most critical part of your Indianapolis home. It protects you, your family, and the inside of it from the outside elements. If you are in the market for a new roofing system, there are plenty of materials for you to choose from. Among the different roofing types, asphalt roofing systems are the most popular and has been dominating the Indianapolis, Indiana market for a long time. But smart Indy homeowners looking for the best protection for their house are opting for metal roofing.

At Blue Ladder Roofing Company of Indianapolis, we specialize in a wide array of roofing materials, including both asphalt shingles, and metal roofing. We often hear this question constantly, “which roofing material is better?”, and it is not an easy answer. There are many factors to consider, and in this article, we will take a deeper dive into whether metal, or asphalt shingles are better for your home!

What are the Differences between Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles Roofing?

Comparing the pros and cons of each of these roofing types is a great way to help you decide which one would be an ideal choice for your home –

METAL ROOF		ASPHALT ROOF
PROS	CONS	PROS	CONS
Can be installed over an existing roof	Should be installed only by professionals	Highly popular with Indianapolis homeowners	Old roof needs to be removed before installing them
Available in different materials and designs	Material and installation is higher	Comes in a variety of colors and textures	Materials are heavy
More energy efficient	Improperly installed roof can be noisy	Easier to install	Wind and hail can cause damage
Needs little maintenance	Difficult to repair	Material and installation cost is low	Algae, mold, and mildew are common problems
Highly durable		Less expensive to repair	Absorbs heat during the summers
Fire resistant		Not all are fire-resistant
Recyclable		Recyclable
Longer product warranties
Increases home resale value

Which One is Better For Your Indy Home?

The roof you pick should fit into the structural design of your house, insulates the inside from heat and cold, and increase the value of your house. Here is a detailed discussion on the two choices for roofing – metal roofs and asphalt shingles to help you decide which one is better for you.

Different Materials

Metal roofing is available in various styles that depend on the metal used, and the coating applied to it. Aluminum does not require any special coating, whereas steel needs treatment to prevent it from rusting. Other materials available in roofing are stainless steel, zinc, copper, and titanium.

Asphalt shingles are available in only two varieties – fiberglass shingles and organic. The difference between the two is their layering. Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass core covered with an asphalt layer on top. Organic shingles have a felt layer below the asphalt.

Appearance

Asphalt shingles are visually appealing as they come in many different colors and textures to meet the style of the house. Metal roofs also come in many different styles and can also be designed to imitate the appearance of wood or asphalt shingles.

Lifespan

Both asphalt shingles and metal roofs are strong materials and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. But, Professionally installed metal roofs can easily last for more than 50 years. Some metals such as copper and zinc last for 100 years or more with proper maintenance. Comparatively, the average life span asphalt shingles roof can only last for about 25-30 years.

Initial Cost

The upfront cost of an asphalt shingle roof is less compared to that of a metal roof. The cost of material and labor cost for its installation is typically lower than metal roofs. However, a metal roof can help save you a lot of money in the long term. If you are looking to live in your current house for a long time, you might end up completely replacing your shingle roof about three times over the lifespan of a metal roof.

Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingles absorb heat and will keep your home warm during the winters, making them perfect for winters. But, during the summers, they will absorb more heat, and your air conditioner will work harder to keep your home cool. Metal roofs reflect solar heat and help reduce your utility bills by around 25 to 30 percent.

Cost of Repair and Maintenance

Asphalt shingles roofs are cheaper and easy to repair as an area can be fixed without the need to replace the entire roof. Metal roofs are difficult to repair for the way their panels are connected and installed on the roof. However, when metal roofs are installed properly, they do not require any maintenance. All you have to do is check the roof and the gutters a few times a year. Asphalt roofs, on the other hand, need seasonal inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Durability

Metals are among the strongest materials that can be used to build your roof. They are also resistant to damage and fire, making them perfect for regions prone to wildfires. Even though shingles is a Class A fire rates, asphalt is a flammable material. The granules on the shingles can protect from fire, but if it reaches the asphalt coating, it will catch fire.

When comparing metal roofing and asphalt shingles roofing, it is clear that asphalt is more affordable. But, metal roofing can easily last twice as long as asphalt shingles roofs and are less likely to need repairs over time. If your budget permits, it is best to opt for metal roofs so that you can avoid major problems later and live stress-free.

Call Indianapolis’ Best Metal Roofing Company Today

Whether you are considering going with a metal roof, or sticking to a classic composite asphalt shingle roof, give Blue Ladder Roofing Company a call today to set up your free roofing inspection and estimate. During our free consultation, a trained technician can help you review all of your options, for both metal and asphalt. We can help you look at both systems, and develop a system that fits the feel and look of your home, while also adhering to your budget. There are many different roofing systems available in the market today, offering many different types of shingles, materials, colors, styles, warranties, and they all come at different price points. Call us today, or fill out an online form to schedule your free estimate today!

Blue Ladder Roofing Company of Indianapolis

9465 Counselors Row #200, Indianapolis, IN 46240

(317) 676-0301