One of the many dilemmas facing homeowners is picking the perfect roofing material for their home. If you happen to be in that phase and are considering the longer-lasting, the more durable choice between stone-coated metal shingles and traditional asphalt shingles, this article was written for you.
Affordability and availability are just two of the several benefits of asphalt shingles. However, some of the benefits of stone-coated metal shingles might win you over. When choosing between asphalt and stone-coated metal shingles, the long-term benefit is the most important thing you should consider.
What Is Asphalt Shingle?
Asphalt shingles are a roof covering that is made from asphalt. They are one of the most common roofing materials because they are cheap and simple to put on. You will find asphalt shingles in many colors and styles, so many people find them to be a good choice.
If you take good care of them, they can last up to 20 years or more. Asphalt shingles won’t catch fire, so they can help keep your home safe from fire damage.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Pros
- Cheap: Asphalt shingles are arguably the most cost-effective roofing material available, making them a fantastic alternative for those on a tight budget.
- Simple installation: They are comparatively simple to install since they are lightweight and easy to cut. Very little preparation is needed, and no specialized equipment is required. This implies that installing an asphalt shingle roof won’t take as long as it may if you choose to use another roofing material.
- Adapt to any style: Curb appeal is crucial, particularly if you intend to sell your house in the future. The fact that asphalt shingles are aesthetically versatile is one of their advantages. They are available in several styles, including premium, laminated, and three-tab models. They won’t seem out of place on many kinds of houses.
- Simple to replace: If for any reason you have to replace your asphalt shingle roof, you don’t have to replace the entire roof, but you can replace your shingles individually. Another reason asphalt shingles are easy to replace is their ease of installation.
Cons
- Low wind resistance: Less expensive asphalt shingles may be more susceptible to powerful winds, leading to their displacement and increasing the likelihood of leaks on your roof.
- Prone to cracks: Due to its small weight, asphalt shingles are more prone to cracking, particularly when subjected to drastic temperature changes. Shields may expand and compress due to extreme temperature changes, leading to fractures. Shingles made of asphalt may also split in extremely hot weather.
- Limitations to installation: Installing asphalt shingles in the winter is typically not a brilliant idea, especially if the temperature drops below freezing. This may cause damage to the shingles during installation.
- Give nothing special to look at: Asphalt shingles aren’t very distinctive in appearance, but they won’t take away from your house’s curb appeal. Your house won’t stand out as much when using asphalt shingles instead of other roofing materials like wood shingles or shakes.
- Shorter lifespan: Asphalt shingles don’t last as long as other alternatives since they are less expensive, lighter, and more prone to damage.
What Is a Stone-Coated Shingle?
Stone-coated metal roofing tiles are made of Galvalume steel sheets with acrylic paint, stone flecks, and a clear overglaze. They are one of the most recent roof materials and have quickly gained popularity to become one of the most popular.
They come in many styles, colors, and sizes to fit different temperatures and architectural tastes.
Stone-coated metal roofs are much better than regular, bare metal roofs. They don’t catch fire, use less energy, and can last over 50 years if you properly care for them. They’re also light and easy to put on. Metal roofing with a stone coating is also one of the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
Pros and Cons of Stone-Coated Metal Shingles
Pros
- Durability: The lifespan of stone-coated steel roofing is between forty and seventy years. Its extended durability places it among the best materials available. Indeed, premium materials sometimes cost more than inferior products. However, it would pay off long-term and save you from repairing your roof every fifteen years.
- Enhances curb appeal: Although maintaining the structural integrity of your property is essential, you should pay attention to its aesthetic appeal. You can use this roofing material on almost any property because of its color, pattern, and style versatility.
- Low maintenance: Roofing materials need to be maintained on a regular basis, which might cost you money in the long run. Stone-coasted metal shingles need little to no maintenance. For this reason, you won’t need to worry about damages occurring on a regular basis.
- Strong resistance to wind and storms: It makes sense that roofs are made to endure the elements. Stone-coated steel is among the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. The uppermost layer of the steel roof serves as an effective defense against even the strongest winds and storms.
Cons
- Expensive: The fact that this roofing material is so popular is not surprising, given its many advantages. However, it is costly due to its superior quality and not everyone can afford it.
- Requires an expert for installation: To install this kind of roof, you’ll need roofers with experience. You shouldn’t entrust your thousands of dollars worth of new roofing materials to just any contractor you discover.
- You may get assistance with roof replacement or maintenance from qualified roofing contractors.
Stone-Coated Metal Vs. Asphalt Shingles
Cost
Generally, asphalt shingles are less expensive upfront than metal roof tiles with a stone coating. Although metal roofs can be more costly initially, they are a more cost-effective choice over time due to their extended lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Durability
Compared to asphalt shingles, stone-coated metal roof tiles are often more resilient and long-lasting. They are resistant to damage from harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, thick snow, and hail.
Weight
This is one of the most significant distinctions between stone-coated metal and asphalt shingles. When deciding on a stone-coated metal roof, some people are concerned that the material might be heavy. However, a stone-coated metal roof weighs 1.4 pounds per square foot, while an asphalt shingle roof weighs around 3 pounds.
Maintenance
Cleaning, moss removal, and sporadic repairs are some of the routine maintenance tasks for asphalt shingles. In general, metal roof tiles require little upkeep; only periodic cleanings and inspections to remove debris are necessary.
Lifespan
Metal roof tiles with a stone coating usually last longer than asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years, metal roofs can last up to 50 years.
Purchasing a metal roof might be a preferable choice if you want to remain in your house for an extended period of time.
Market Trend
While asphalt shingles are popular in Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America, stone-coated metal tile is becoming increasingly popular in North America, Asia, and Africa.
Fireproof
Stone-coated metal tiles and asphalt shingles are readily installable and fireproof.
The decision between stone-coated metal roof tiles and asphalt shingles ultimately comes down to your own tastes, demands, market trends, and financial constraints.
Conclusion
There are advantages and disadvantages to both stone-coated metal and asphalt shingles. Stone-coated metal shingles are the roof for you if you’re sick of changing your asphalt shingles every 15 to 30 years and disposing of them in a landfill, want a longer-lasting roof, and don’t mind paying extra for it as an initial investment.
We hope this guide helps you in making the best decision for your building’s roofing material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stone-coated metal roofs better than asphalt shingles?
In most cases, a stone-coated metal roof performs better than a shingle roof due to its longevity and fire resistance, among other qualities.
How much does it cost to install asphalt shingles?
A new asphalt shingle roof typically costs between $4.25 and $6.50 per square foot of roofing space. However, prices might vary based on the warranty you select.
Your ideal warranty choice will depend on several criteria, including location, temperature, weather, building codes, and other considerations, which your roofing contractor may go over with you.
How much does it cost to install stone-coated metal shingles?
Generally speaking, stone-coated metal roofing costs more than asphalt shingles. Sometimes, it even costs twice as much!
Like asphalt shingles, the cost of stone-coated metal roofing varies depending on your roof and the design you select. However, it typically ranges from $10.50 to $18.50 per square foot.
Is stone-coated metal roofing noisy?
No, it doesn’t. When it rains, stone-coated metal roofs don’t make much noise. Because they have experienced metal roofing on sheds or barns, many people think a metal roof on a house will be loud. However, such metal roofs are usually built without insulation, only over a frame, and this causes them to be noisy.
On the other hand, buildings with metal roofs have timber roof decks, attics, and perhaps layers of insulation above them, all of which serve to reduce noise.
