As a Minnesota roofing contractor serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, we offer high quality roofing that we believe will do a great job protecting homes and businesses.  Our specialty is metal roofing, but we understand that there are some people who would prefer the traditional popular choice, asphalt.  If you're one of those people, we would like you to take a few minutes to read this article that compares the two roofing materials. The roofing that you choose is primarily intended to protect your home from the top.  Choosing the right roofing for the home and its  architectural design is important. You don’t have to worry about choosing wrong when you are comparing the two different roofing types. Please consider these things when the time comes to have a new roof put on. Of course, you want the best for the home and the area you live in.  Taking these factors into account may help with that decision.

Metal vs Asphalt Roofing

The Weight of the Roof

A lot of people think that metal roofing is heavy, but in fact, it is lighter than asphalt shingles. Because it is so light weight, a metal roof can often be installed without having to remove the old roof.  There are building code requirements for the number of layers of roofing a home can have, and those regulations have to do with weight. When a tear-off would be required because another layer of asphalt roofing would exceed the weight limit, a lighter weight metal roofing might be fine to add without removing the old roofing.

The Warranty

The warranty on the roofing materials is going to make a difference. You want to go with a roofing material that is covered under a warranty that protects you and your roof. Of course, with both, you need to have professional installation for the warranty to remain intact. Usually, metal roofing comes with a far longer warranty due to its durability and expected lifespan. The warranty on most quality metal roofing is at least 40 years.  By comparison, many asphalt roofing companies offer a warranty of only 10 years, with some going up as high as 30.

How Long Does the Material Last?

Metal roofing not only performs better in Minnesota's climate but lasts longer than asphalt shingle roofing. If you're going to be staying in your home for more than just a few years, the expected life should probably be your first consideration.  Metal roofing also lasts longer, much longer, then shingles. You can expect shingles to last 10-30 years, while metal roofing most likely will outlive you.  There are metal roofs on homes in Europe that have been there for 100 years and are still functional.

There are many benefits that come with the look and feel of both roofing materials. You can go with a color and style that fits well with the specific home that you have. Regardless of the aesthetic of the home, you can expect to get the best that comes from either option, though the pros of metal outweigh the pros of asphalt.

Still prefer the look of asphalt shingles?  Then take a look at today's residential metal roofing.  The appearance may surprise you.  There are a number of design profiles available, including roofing that looks just like asphalt shingles.

If you want to have the right roof put on your home, speak with us here. You can learn even more about metal roofing by using the downloadable guide that we have right here on our website.

Quarve Contracting, Inc./Metal Roofing & Siding of Minnesota is a licensed home improvement contractor specializing in exterior protective solutions like metal roofing.