Discover the Durability of Metal Roofs Compared to Shingles

Here at Ferguson Roofing, we understand that you’re always looking for the best options when it comes to improving your home. That includes your roof – which you know is a big investment. Since there is not always an obvious choice to make, we’re offering our knowledge to help. Let’s start by comparing traditional asphalt shingles to metal roofs. What kind of benefits do each offer? Read on to find out more.

Early Roofing Materials

If we were to look back in time, we would see that roofing became a necessity for humans to avoid harsh elements overhead. As it turns out, performance was the key factor that shaped them to be what they are today. According to Architect Magazine, “wood and slate shingles and clay tiles were the predominant roofing choice until the mid-19th century.” Asphalt and metal became more popular within the next century.

Why Choose to Install Roofing Shingles?

Let’s start by defining roofing shingles. These are flat, overlapping materials that cover one’s roof to keep water from entering a structure. Many different materials like asphalt or metal can be used depending on its ability to be waterproof. The main items to compare asphalt shingles to metal roofs include pricing, durability, and appearance.

Pricing –

When considering the cost of shingles, you can be confident in the fact that they will be cheaper to install than a metal roof. It is also true that, if damaged, each individual shingle tab can be replaced. We’ve previously mentioned in “Signs That Your Roof Needs to be Replaced” that your roof is a major investment and that most homes have shingles.

Durability –

Ferguson Roofing offers 3-tab roofing shingles, architectural shingles, specialty shingles, and green solutions. When it comes to durability, wind is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. 3-tab shingles can typically withstand 60 to 70 mph of wind while architectural shingles hold up in 110 to 130 mph. Offering a 15-year workmanship warranty on our full shingle roof installations with a limited lifetime product warranty through the manufacturer, Ferguson Roofing has you covered.

Appearance –

Shingles can come in many different colors to match the rest of your home or to help you stand out in the neighborhood. They also come in a variety of shapes. According to our friends at CertainTeed, architectural shingles have “distinctive, (and) often dramatic, appearances.” 

Why Choose to Install a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs have been gaining popularity for homeowners as they look for more durable solutions and greener options. In “Why Get A Metal Roof?,” we explain how people assume that a metal roof will attract lightning because of all the electricity it conducts. The truth is that they are just as likely to be struck by lightning as any other kind of roof. Here are other factors to consider about a metal roof.

Pricing –

In order to purchase a metal roof, there is a need to invest more money upfront. A metal roof can cost 3-4 times the amount of a traditional asphalt roof. However, if you include the extended warranty of 40 to 50 years, and consider the cost of asphalt shingles rising as crude oil costs rise, you will save more money in the long run.

Durability –

Metal roofs are known to be “permanent” solutions for roofing because of their high resistance to the elements. Instead of using nails for installation, metal shingles or panels are screwed down. This alone gives them a higher wind warranty than asphalt shingles.

Appearance –

Ferguson Roofing uses products comprised of Galvalume, which is a metal mixture of aluminum and zinc. This will not rust because there is no steel in its makeup. The most popular solutions for residential homes are metal shingles or standing seam panels.

The standing seam roofing solution is customized for fitting your home. It is comprised of interlocking vertical metal panels. With no exposed fasteners, it offers a seamless panel system for your roof.

With the advancements in metal roofing, you can achieve the desired look for your home using traditional asphalt shingles or metal shingles. Metal shingles have been manufactured to resemble traditional architectural asphalt shingles or even slate roofing!

The Best of Both Worlds: Metal Shingles

If cost isn’t an option and you still can’t decide, choose the best of both worlds with metal shingles! Designed to look like an asphalt architectural shingle or a wood shake roof, these are actually lighter in weight. While asphalt shingles can weigh up to 300 lbs. per square, metal shingles are closer to 150 lbs. per square. This option will be easier on your home’s structure. They even have a Class 4 Hail Resistance, which qualifies them for an insurance discount.

If you are considering traditional asphalt shingles or a metal roof in St. Louis, our professional roofing specialists have the quality products, experience and knowledge to install or repair a roofing system for your home or specific project. Make sure to call your friends at Ferguson Roofing at (314) 521-6917.