Comparison between Shingle Roofing and Metal Roofing

Both shingle roofing and metal roofing are viable and practical options to select from for the next roofing project. However, there are distinct differences, benefits, and drawbacks that the two options have offered. A question like what’s the best type of roof that is perfectly suitable at either buildings or home has always been a mainstream question. And while it is very convenient to have numerous roofing options like metal, wood, concrete, or asphalt shingles, it can also be really overwhelming to weigh all pros and cons for every type of material.

Roofers who are very particular also in choosing the best option for their clients are taking different factors into consideration. Decision-making might be quite hard but probably not the work. Providing any roofing services whether installations or repairs is easy now that they are using a builders schedule software. Project management, tracking, and monitoring will be implemented more proactively.

Here in this blog, an honest comparison will be brought up between asphalt and metal roofing systems and other essential considerations that should be kept in mind before choosing.

Metal Roofing: Pros, Cons & Characteristics

Between shingle and metal roofing, the latter is a more easily complex option that necessarily require specific techniques, experienced roofers, more parts and pieces required to make it all succeed. For experienced roofers, it’s expected that these professionals must’ve been using the construction scheduling software for managing and scheduling purposes. On the other side, this type of roofing is basically more common that anyone can able to notice or think particularly when living at places with extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, metal roofing can last decades among other roof options and it also offers great versatility and a wide variety of options that other roofing materials are lacking of.

Advantages

1. Longevity – probably one of the huge differences between shingles and metal roofing is the longevity or the length of its life. For this type of roofing, it has been expected already that it will last for at least 50 years until some signs of degradation start to appear. Other different metal materials like zinc and copper are also estimated to last 100 years or more in most instances. It is also necessary for roofers to be consistently updated with any emerging latest builders trends that offer promising benefits to the service and work they provided to the clients. Certainly, there are a whole lot of roofing trends nowadays.
2. Lower Long-term Cost – As a one-time cost, metal roofing is incredibly pricey. However, it can be typically less costly in the long term since one particular metal roof that lasts for more than 60 years can outlast easily at least four shingle roofs and one shingle roof usually lasts 15-20 years.
3. Lightweight – the lightweight material that this metal roofing has possessed is definitely one of the primary benefits of it. Firstly, during the roof installation or roll forming process, roofers or installers have an easier way of handling and transporting up the roof. Secondly, it won’t weight down and set unnecessary pressure and stress to the structure resulting to more minimized frame damage. It can absolutely preserve the integrity of the building as well. What also helped the roofers in making the work much easier during the installation process is a project management software. Working and collaborating with the entire crew is made easier and more efficient. Tasks and teams are certainly best managed.
4. Weathering Performance – when being differentiate to another materials like concrete, plastic, wood, or glass, metal absolutely stands out as the firmest, durable and strongest in mild to extreme weather conditions When this roofing is properly installed, it is designed to withstand: rain, snow, high, heat, hail and ice, strong winds, and extreme cold. For roofing contractors, the complexity and pressure of having all services done successfully like installations are lessened due to the utilization of a software tool. With construction management software, every single thing is properly placed in the right place. Work organization and team supervision are best achieved.
5. Fire Resistance – Actually, this roofing type is usually noncombustible and a Class A fire-rated turning it into the most resistant in catching fire. This has become especially important in any areas that are prone to wildfires. If embers or hot ashes fall directly on the metal roof, it will catch fire less likely compare to the shingle roofing.
6. Increased Property Value – since the metal roofing has a higher one-time cost and proven to last longer in the short run, any building or house having a metal roof will have higher property value (typically runs to 1-6% higher). For roofers or roofing contractors, what increases their work value and productivity is a construction schedule software that is incredibly beneficial in terms of project management. Real-time collaboration and efficient communication is best achieved upon using it.
7. More Color Availability – probably one of the reasons why metal roofing has the biggest selling point is because it comes in various different colors. Most colors available include bright to vivid ones as well as earth tones. Manufacturers of metal coils have been partnering with reputable paint companies that expertly develop paint systems particularly designed for metal panels. Any questions related to this matter can anytime be inquired towards the roofers. To manage project, provide details and information to the clients and other inquiries are some of the most important tasks that these experts are held accountable with.
8. Low Maintenance – usually, the level of upkeep that is require to maintain metal roofs is specifically minimal. The correct installation has contributed to this area. A guide from the roofers will be handed out to the homeowners or building owners. The guide will usually consist of how to practically take care of the roof and other necessary things to discuss about.

Disadvantages

• Qualified Contractors are limited
• Oil Canning
• Increasing One-Time Cost
• Insurance Drawbacks
• More labor Intensive

Shingle Roofing: Pros, Cons & Characteristics

Everywhere, there’s roof shingles and there’s no doubt that the shingles are considered more common in comparison with metal roofing. Generally, the majority of people have the same thoughts when it comes to roofing. Once the topic is brought up, the first thing they think is the shingles. This option has been a traditional choice ever since then before the metal is introduced. Let’s dive in more into the advantages and cons of a shingle roof.

Advantages

1. Less Expensive Repairs – alongside with the ease of replacement and installation today, shingles are most likely cheaper and easier to fix during in any event of failure. Some of the shingles can be totally removed one at a given time and eventually just require a very few numbers of materials to repair. Nevertheless, metal roofing is considered more as complex due to the all-connected full-length panels that are usually extremely difficult to replace.
2. Foot traffic – roof installers find this material very easy to install for they have the very ability to put weight and walk on the shingles. Once the areas are secured already, the shingles are ready to be walked on and can be used as major support for the roofers whilst providing much greater traction.
3. More Warranty Coverage – there are a good number of warranty offers for shingle roofing coming from the contractor and manufacturer. Below are usual problems that are typically covered by shingle warranties:

• Material defect
• Algae growth
• Material defect
• Maximum limit for wind-resistance

4. Coast-Friendly – both shingles and metal roofing can be conveniently installed in coastal regions however there are differences between the two upon the installation. Steel metal roof is most likely not being offered on structures within a definite distance from the coast. It is because most of the coastal applications require the application of aluminum to receive any type of warranty from the manufacturer. That is why, the shingles, particularly the composite or asphalt, are much easier and heavier to replace in the coastal regions. It has become a necessary thing to importantly know the areas and get familiar with the region first in which the project will be located.
5. Readily Available – it depends on where the owner will live, shingles are typically sold at any local retailers and distributors
6. Easier Installment or Replacement – the shingles are requiring lesser labor and time for either replacement or installation. Shingles are typically prepackaged that made it to be immediately set up to the deck, handled, and nailed.
7. More Installers – shingles are proven to be very common in the industry. Since, it is relatively easy and simpler to install, there are many roofing contractors who are available and always ready to negotiate. Installing shingles are an easy work compare with metal roofing installation since it is rather more complex. Most of the contractors nowadays who work with a team find it easy to manage any roofing project or service they provide to the consumers. A subcontractor scheduling software is a reliable tool used by project managers in many fields. Both communication and collaboration of all crew members have been consistently improving and efficient because of this tool and also because of the implementation of construction crew management.

Disadvantages

• Increasing Long-Term Cost
• Color limitations
• Short lifecycle
• Intrusive install
• Low recyclability
• Heavier
• Flaking Granules
• Fire concerns
• Oil-based product

Key Takeaways

When building or renovating buildings or houses, a roofing system will always be the first thing to be considered about. Anyone has their own preferences but then again, there are considerations that should be taken firsthand. Different factors have to be identified first and foremost in selecting the ideal roofing material. Both options have showcased its pros and cons and it is a matter of considering either the consumer’s preferences or the roofer’s advice.