When it comes to roofing, there are an astounding amount of different options available from metal roofing to asphalt shingles, to others in between. We came to realize this when our solar contractor told us we needed to replace our roof before we could get our roof-mounted solar panels installed. Roofing was not on our Upcoming Sustainable Projects lists for our home, but solar has been a dream for years and we were finally ready to move forward this year!
And the contractor wasn’t just pulling our legs about needing a roof replacement; we had no leaks (thank goodness), but several portions of the roof were visibly squishy, for lack of a better term, when he walked on them. We’re up on our roofs (we have three different levels for the house) all the time to clean gutters, look at our garden, clean gutter some more. LOL, you know the drill. And we never noticed the squishy portions of our roof.
So amidst a couple stressful, weird spring storms with hail and some extremely high winds, while we didn’t have power, we started our research before diving into this (hopefully) lifetime purchase of installing a new roof on our forever home. Currently, our asphalt shingle roof is around 13 years old. It was replaced (per the previous owner of the house) in 2010. We thought roofs lasted at least 30 years, but apparently roof longevity also depends a lot on how it’s installed.
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Two Popular Roofing Options
There are a lot of options available to the homeowner: clay tiles, metal, shingles, including asphalt shingles and wood shingles. Two of the most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles and metal roofing; there are others, but these are the ones that are search focused on and the ones available in our area. While both materials have their pros and cons, one of the biggest factors that most homeowners consider when decided on the type of roof to install on their home is the cost. The cost comparison between metal and shingle roofing in most of our research, including all the questions we asked our roofing contractor, was strictly the installation price, with no other considerations factored in.
Shingles are more common for roofing; this is due to the fact that shingles are easier to install and are an affordable roofing product. Asphalt shingle roofs are probably the majority of what you would see in the residential roofing around your neighborhood. However, the shingle material comes with a number of environmental costs. Shingles are made from petroleum, which is a nonrenewable resource. The production of shingles also involves the use of chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment. In addition, shingles have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced every 15 to 30 years.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, is often touted as a more environmentally friendly option. Metal roofing is made from recycled materials and is itself recyclable at the end of its life. The production of metal roofing also involves fewer chemicals than the production of shingles. While metal roofs are more expensive than shingles, it has a much longer lifespan and requires less maintenance than shingle roofs, which can save homeowners money in the long run.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Types of Shingles
There are three main types of asphalt shingles available for a homeowner: strip shingles, architectural shingles, or luxury (top of the line) shingles. After having our sales presentation pitched to us, we were surprised to find out that shingles can actually be warrantied for up to 50 years after installation; we’d never heard of having a shingle roof installed that lasted as long as metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are still a viable option for roofing because the companies have made many product improvements to include reduction of algae growth (which can cause your shingles to discolor or streak), increased hail and weather resistances, and a wide range of color options.
Environmental Costs
When it comes to shingles, the environmental costs are significant. Shingles are commonly made of a mixture of products, including asphalt, which can be a by-products of oil refining. Recycling asphalt shingles into asphalt pavement is sometimes an option at the end of the roof’s lifecycle. But asphalt shingles are not easily recyclable everywhere (they are not in our small rural town). I found out too late in our research to try to discover where our old shingles might be taken for recycling.
This means that when a shingle roof needs to be replaced, most old shingles will end up in a landfill. The manufacturing process of shingles also produces a significant amount of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Asphalt shingles are made by passing the base layer through a roofing machine while layers of hot asphalt and other surface materials are absorbed by and coated on the base layer.
In addition, the manufacturing process of shingles requires the use of toxic chemicals, such as tar and asphalt cement, which can harm the environment and human health. Additionally, the shingle installation process often involves the use of adhesives and sealants, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. I never thought of this, but all that rain water on our asphalt roof was filled with those color-adding ceramic-coated minerals. These minerals and chemicals can leach into the soil and water, causing pollution and health problems.
Production and Installation Costs
When it comes to production and installation costs, asphalt shingles are generally less expensive than metal roofing and are widely considered easy to install by roofers. According to HomeGuide, shingles cost between $300 to $500 per square installed, whereas metal roofs can cost between $500 to $1,600 per square installed. Since the production of asphalt shingles utilizes fossil fuel petroleum-based by-products, we did not consider asphalt shingles an eco-friendly option for our home. But we were worried about the cost difference between metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs, with all of our research seeming to point the average cost of a metal roof to be significantly higher than shingles.
Metal Roofing
Types of Metal Roofing
The two main types of metal roofing options provided when considering installing a metal roof are standing seam and ribbed. Standing seam means that the fasteners are concealed, more similar to than installation of shingles than metal. Ribbed metal roofing refers to the exposed fasteners used to connect the metal roof panel to the roof decking and/or framing. Since ribbed metal roofing is more “standardized” and comes in the same 36″ wide panels, it is most often the choice of roofing installers. Standing seam was not even offered in the sales pitch provided by our roofing company.
Environmental Cost
Metal roofing, on the other hand, has a much lower environmental impact due to it being made from recycled materials. At the end of its lifespan, a metal roof is also completely recyclable. This means that metal roofing does not contribute to the landfill waste problem, nor does it utilize any additional virgin materials in the manufacturing process. Our metal roofing quote was for 100% Recycled American Made Steel, which is the most recycled metal in the United States.
The manufacturing process of metal roofing also produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to shingles. In addition, the installation of metal roofing does not require the use of toxic chemicals, making it safer for the environment and human health.
Metal roofing is also more energy-efficient compared to shingles, which can help reduce carbon emissions and save on energy costs. Metal roofing reflects the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the building. This means that less energy is required to cool the building, reducing the carbon footprint. Overall, metal roofing has a much lower environmental impact compared to shingles. While shingles may be cheaper in the short term, the long-term environmental costs make metal roofing a better choice for those who care about the environment.
Production and Installation Costs
While metal roofs typically cost more than their asphalt counterparts, it can be a more economical option in the long run due to the metal’s durability and energy efficiency. Metal roofing can last up to 50 years or more, whereas asphalt shingles typically last between 15 to 30 years.
In terms of production, metal roofing is often made from recycled materials, such as aluminum or steel. This can help reduce the environmental impact associated with mining and processing new materials. Metal roofing is also 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan, instead of ending up in a landfill.
Installation of metal roofing often involves fewer chemicals and adhesives compared to shingles, which can lead to lower VOC emissions. Metal roofing can also be installed over existing roofing materials, reducing the need for disposal and transportation of old materials. Because of the concern for our roof decking “squishiness,” we would have to remove all of our shingles to inspect the decking before a metal roof could be installed. Overall, while metal roofing may have a higher upfront cost, it can be a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option in the long run due to its durability and recyclability.
Durability and Lifespan
When it comes to the durability and lifespan of roofing materials, metal roofing is the clear winner. Sure, asphalt shingles have been modified with copper and the addition of chemical additives to help make them last as long, but metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more without any additives, while asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 30 years. This means that metal roofing can last two to three times longer than shingles, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
In addition to their longevity, metal roofs are also much more durable than shingles. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and wind, without sustaining damage; heavy hail will dent a metal roof, but our contractor confirmed that the minimal/light hail we’ve experienced thus far this year would not dent a metal roof. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who live in areas with extreme weather.
Another advantage of metal roofing is that it requires very little maintenance, with maintenance including inspecting for damage following extreme weather and making sure the exposed fasteners (if there are any) remain fastened. Unlike shingles, which can become damaged and need to be replaced over time, compared to metal roofs which are extremely durable and resistant to damage. This means that homeowners can save money on maintenance and repairs over the life of their roof.
Overall, the durability and longevity of metal roofing make it a smart choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly roofing option.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Maintaining and repairing a roof can be a significant expense, so it’s essential to consider the costs associated with each roofing material.
One of the main advantages of metal roofing is that it is highly durable and can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Metal roofs are also resistant to damage from wind, hail, and fire. In contrast, shingles are more prone to damage from severe weather conditions, which can result in costly repairs.
Another factor to consider is the cost of repairing a damaged roof. Metal roofing is relatively easy to repair, and in most cases, only a small section of the roof needs to be replaced. In contrast, repairing a damaged shingle roof can be more complicated and expensive, as it may require removing and replacing multiple shingles. It’s also essential to consider the cost of routine maintenance. Metal roofing requires little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, while shingle roofs require regular inspections and repairs to prevent leaks and other issues. Overall, while metal roofing may have a higher upfront cost than shingles, its durability and low maintenance requirements can save homeowners money in the long run.
Aesthetics and Resale Value
When it comes to choosing between shingles and metal roofing, aesthetics is an important factor to consider. While asphalt shingles are the most popular “normal” choice, homes with metal roofing have a sleek, modern look that has become popular in recent years. There are many different metal roofing options and varieties when it comes to colors and styles, including metal shingles that mimic the look of traditional shingles. Additionally, metal roofing can be painted to match the color of your home or to create a unique look.
Another important consideration is the resale value of your home. According to a report from Remodeling Magazine, homeowners who instal metal roofs have an average of 85.9% return on investment when they sell their home. This is significantly higher than the 76.7% average cost recouped for homes with asphalt shingle roofing.
However, it’s important to note that the resale value of your home will also depend on other factors, such as the overall condition of your home, the local housing market, and the quality of the installation.
Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles
Our roofing contractor provided us with three quotes for our roofing installation, two asphalt shingle quotes and one metal. The average cost of all three quotes was approximately $17,500 USD, with the lowest, base offer being about $15k and the most expensive, premium offer at approximately $19k.
After weighing the pros and cons of metal vs asphalt roofing, we decided the right roofing choice for our little sustainable homestead was to install metal roofing. This should be the only time in our lives we have to make a decision like that since metal roofing lasts longer than base-level asphalt shingles. And honestly it was a really easy decision. The premium metal roofing options we chose added up to be less than $4000 USD more expensive than the cheapest asphalt shingle roofing option, and only about $1500 USD more expensive than the premium asphalt shingle installation. Nowhere near the cost disparage we thought we would have to wrestle with.
We decided to choose metal since metal roofs offered the best sustainability, durability, longevity, and cost efficiency. We should have our installation complete this month and I will be able to share photos and provide updates on how to maintain a metal roof. AND after our metal roof is installed, we can proceed with getting our roof-mounted solar system installed!!!!
Choosing your Roofing Materials
In conclusion, after examining the costs and environmental impacts of these two common roofing materials, we decided to move forward with metal for our roofing project. While new shingles were slightly cheaper to install compared to the cost of a metal roof, metal roofing has a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance, making it our choice of roof to last a lifetime.
Additionally, metal roofing is made from recycled materials and is recyclable itself, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. It is also important to note that metal roofing requires fewer chemicals in production and installation, further reducing its environmental impact. While shingles may be easier to install, they require more chemicals and produce more waste during installation and removal.
Overall, when considering roofing costs and environmental impacts of your new roof, metal roofing is the superior choice. Not only is it more cost-effective in the long run, but it also has a smaller environmental impact due to its recycled materials and recyclability, as well as its reduced use of chemicals during production and installation.
