Your roofing system is one of the most important features of your home; it protects your family and investments year after year and is able to withstand harsh weather conditions. If you’re choosing to replace or install a new roof on your property in Springfield, IL, Sutton’s is the number one choice for homeowners and their projects. We offer asphalt shingles primarily. The asphalt shingles that Sutton’s offers through GAF offer a lifetime warranty. They have a fiberglass mat construction and offer an unlimited wind rating. When you compare that with what some metal roofing manufacturers are offering, it brings more clarity. That is because metal roofing is very popular right now. But is it actually better? Keep reading below to see which metal roof lasts longer and which material is right for your home.
Metal Roofing VS. Asphalt Shingles
What makes metal roofing and asphalt shingles different from one another? While both are great solutions for covering your roof, there are major differences that homeowners need to be able to distinguish before settling on a certain product. Metal roofing consists of large flat sheets of metal that have interlocking seam designs, creating a smooth surface with standing seams on your home’s roof.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are made of an upper surface covered in granulated ceramic, with smooth asphalt layering on the fiberglass base. This material usually comes in bundles or rolls that are then nailed to your roof’s decking system and layered over each other. While both materials offer benefits, there are certain pros and cons we have distinguished below.
Metal Roofing: Pros
Over the past several years, metal roofing has become more prevalent. The claims made are that metal simply lasts longer and will be maintenance-free. While metal may last longer in some instances, it is not necessarily maintenance-free. Metal can get blown off in storms just like asphalt shingles. Metal can get dinged up in a hail storm. Painted metal can fade or even flake in some instances. In other words, we haven’t seen enough time go by to determine if metal really is a better option. Plus, many metal roofing manufacturers refrain from offering a “lifetime warranty.” That’s because we need more time.
Contrast that with an asphalt shingle that does come with a lifetime warranty, is oftentimes easier to install, and is manufactured to withstand hail and wind. Plus, our partner, GAF roofing materials back their products with a fifty-year warranty in writing. They are saying that if the shingles are properly installed, their product is built to last fifty years or a lifetime.
Metal Roofing: Cons
Before choosing metal roofing for your home, it’s important to know the disadvantages of such materials that could impact your design. Compared to asphalt shingles, metal roofing is much more expensive and includes a challenging installation process that requires a highly trained team of experts. Metal roofing systems are often lighter than asphalt roofing systems. Some roofing contractors will install the metal over the shingles. We never recommend a layover application whether it’s metal going over shingles or shingles going over shingles. That’s because we want to make sure the roof is secure at every level. That starts with a clean, dry, sturdy deck.
Asphalt Shingles: Pros
We recommend asphalt shingles for a variety of reasons. Some homes simply look better with asphalt shingles than a metal standing seam roof. Today’s shingles offer HD colors that compliment the home’s exterior. Plus, the durability is perfect for our climate here in the Midwest. Metal roofing is going to be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. At Sutton’s, we take ventilation seriously and ensure your asphalt shingle roofing system that we install is the last roof your house will ever need.
Which Material is Better for Your Roof?
Sutton’s roofing can install either a standing seam metal roof or a shingled roof. We tend to steer our customers towards asphalt shingles because we believe in the product. Metal roofing products haven’t had enough time to substantiate the claims the industry is making and in some instances have already had significant issues. Metal roofing is more expensive for the materials and the installation but doesn’t necessarily last any longer. Still, if you are set on a metal standing seam roof installation, we will gladly offer you an estimate. Sutton’s has been roofing homes since 1946. We have learned quite a bit in that time, so give us a call at 217.528.3911 if you have any questions regarding your roofing system.
