Although you will have to comply with your local regulations, you have a lot of choices in the material you can choose for your home’s roof. However, most homes will either have a metal roof or a shingle roof. Many people have trouble deciding which of these they want because they are not sure which one is better. So, in order to help you make your choice, we will discuss both of these options.
Roof Shingles
The most common choice for roofs on people’s homes is asphalt shingles. An asphalt shingle roof is the easiest type of roof to afford, and it is also easy to install, maintain, and replace. This means both labor and materials are generally quite affordable.
The downside of this type of roof is that asphalt shingles deteriorate more quickly than metal. These shingles can easily suffer from water and wind damage in addition to moss buildup, cracking, and chipping.
However, even though this type of roof may not last as long as a metal roof, you may be able to get a warranty on your roof for up to 25 years. Although, in order for your warranty to remain effective, you will probably be required to keep your roof maintained. This can cost a bit with this type of roof because it is more likely to leak than a metal roof. Although, they do have the advantage of generally being easy to maintain or repair since the people repairing or maintaining the roof can generally easily walk on the roof due to its textured surface without damaging the roof.
Metal Roof
Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular. However, it does require more labor to install. Once it is installed, though, it is very sturdy and can last up to 50 years, or if you choose a premium material such as copper or zinc, it may even last up to 100 years.
You also have a lot of options with a metal roof. You could get a metal roof that looks like a shingle roof or choose a smoother option, among others.
For materials, typically, contractors will use steel to avoid problems with corrosion or rust. However, you could have materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.
Typically, these materials cost more but provide better protection.
Metal roofing is light and also fire resistant. This makes this type of roofing less likely to sag or collapse. In addition to this, a metal roof will often keep snow or ice from building up to the point where it might be dangerous.
Another advantage of metal roofing is that you won’t have to worry about moss building up or about cracks or leaks. This means metal roofs avoid a number of the problems that cause shingle roofs to be costly to maintain. Metal roofs are costly to install, but after installation, they require very little maintenance for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Both of these types of roofs have definite advantages. Shingle roofing can be a great choice for people who are looking for low-cost installation. These roofs may not last as long as metal roofs, but they can last for decades, especially with a good warranty.
Metal roofs may cost more upfront, but for those who do not mind the expense of initial installation, they can last for up to 50 years or more with premium materials with very little maintenance.
Contact Us
For help deciding what type of roof is best for your home or to schedule an appointment, contact North Shore Roofing. With over thirty years of experience, our fully licensed and bonded team is ready to help you. Call us at (978) 977-3816 and connect with us on Facebook.
