Choosing between metal roofing and shingles can be a difficult decision if you do not understand what the upsides and downsides of each are. At Janney Roofing, we strive to help our customers choose the roofing that is right for their home. While we have the best metal roofing in Orlando, we will work to help you decide which will work best for your budget and needs.
Metal Roofing Pros
While it is true that metal roofing and shingle roofing both have diverse and stylish finish options to suit every house, you will generally find that metal roofing is much more durable than shingle roofing. Metal roofs are designed to withstand significant impact and they have a lifespan of anywhere from forty to seventy years. In fact, many metal roofs come with warranties that last thirty to fifty years so the homeowner has peace of mind. Metal roofs are much tolerant to rain and harsh weather conditions. These types of roofs can handle winds of up to 140 miles per hour which means that they can better protect your home during a hurricane.
Another serious advantage of metal roofing is that, while you may have to pay more upfront, you will likely recoup that cost over time. This is because metal roofing doesn’t have to be replaced as frequently as shingle roofing. Because they are so durable, insurance companies can even offer discounts for homes that have metal roofs installed. Adding to those savings is the fact that metal roofs are incredibly energy efficient. This means that they can retain heat during the cooler months and keep out excess heat during the summer. All of these features make it so that homeowners with metal roofs make up the cost of their roofs over its lifespan.
Shingle Roofing Pros
The most significant advantage of shingle roofing for many homeowners is that it is cheaper to install upfront. Metal roofs can be costly investments and it may not be the right choice for homeowners who are on a tight budget. This is especially the case if you are replacing the roof on a home that you do not consider to be your “forever home.” While you may be willing to make the investment into metal roofing with a more permanent home, shingle roofing offers an economical and equally beautiful option.
Shingle roofing also has the advantage of being much simpler to install. Metal roofing installation is typically a much more expensive affair because it requires a specialized tradesman to complete the job. Shingles, by comparison, are much easier. They can be installed with basic tools, and they generally do not require specialized knowledge in order to install. Because of this, they can generally be installed in one to two days. This is a massive bonus for homeowners because it means that there is less disruption to their lives. With a quick installation, they can be protected from harsh weather and potential leaks more quickly–something that is even more important in Florida.
Metal Roofing Cons
One obvious disadvantage of metal roofing is that it is much more expensive than shingle roofing. This is not just due to the fact that the metal itself is more expensive. It has to do with the fact that the cost of labor is going to be more expensive. When you pay for metal roofing, you are paying for a long-lasting product that is installed by professionals. However, that comes at a significant cost. Many homeowners may not be able to afford this cost without financing.
What makes the cost of labor so expensive for metal roofing in Orlando? The answer to this is the expertise of the tradesman. Metal roofing is a specialized material and it requires installation by someone who knows precisely what they are doing. In addition to this, metal roofing does not have room for error. This means that when it is installed, the tradesperson must make sure that they are doing everything correctly the first time or they risk losing valuable material. Because of this, the installation may take much longer which can also drive up labor costs. Going along with this, it can be difficult to find a trained and skilled tradesperson who installs metal roofs.
Shingle Roofing Cons
Shingle roofing has the advantage of being less costly upfront, but it can cost you much more down the line. This is because shingle roofing does not have the lifespan of metal roofing. It can last, at the absolute most, twenty-five years. This is not even accounting for the various repairs that you will likely have to take care of throughout the life of your roof.
Beyond this, there are also concerns about the material itself. After all, shingles are generally heavier than metal roofing. This can be a surprising fact as most people would assume that the metal would be a heavier structure, but the weight of the shingles has to do with the number of them used on a roof and the actual materials used to make the individual shingle. As a result, shingle roofs can stress the foundations of a building and cause problems over the span of several years.
Shingles are also made to be fire-resistant because they are coated with granules that cover the asphalt that the shingles are made out of. Asphalt, however, is not fire resistant and is, in fact, combustible. If the fire-resistant layer is worn away and fire reaches the asphalt, you could be in danger of having your roof catch fire.
Other material concerns have to do with the recyclability of shingles. Shingles can actually be recycled but not many people know that fact. Because of this, there are millions of tons of shingles in landfills.
Looking for Metal Roofing in Orlando? Contact Us Today
Both shingles and metal roofing have their advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of what you choose, you should always have an expert on your side to help you get the best install possible. That is where we at Janney Roofing can help. With years of experience and professionalism on our side, we can provide you with the highest-quality metal roofing in Orlando. If you are interested in learning more about us and what we do, contact us today.