When it comes to maintaining your home’s pristine condition, your home’s roof will play an integral role in keeping various weather conditions at bay. Many homeowners situated in areas with harsh weather conditions, such as coastlines that are vulnerable to hurricanes, will use specialized roofing materials.
In most cases, towns and states will have building codes and laws regarding construction materials that can and can’t be used to ensure that your home can hold on its own against high winds, hailstorms, heavy rainstorms, and other types of weather conditions. Many countries, such as the United States, have such vast landmass that there are varying weather patterns that homeowners will need to be aware of.
There are usually two types of roofing materials (aside from flat roofing) that are quite prevalent in suburban and residential areas in the United States. This is generally in the form of metal roofing and shingle roofing. Shingle roofing is known for being one of the most widely used materials since it’s cost-effective and durable (to a certain extent). In fact, 80% of homes in the United States situated in living areas will usually use asphalt shingles.
However, asphalt shingles are also known for having various shortcomings, such as having a shorter lifespan than other types of roofing. In most cases, this type of roofing will have a shorter lifespan than half of the expected life expectancy of different types of roofing.
But as technology progresses, there are now a variety of options that you can choose from. A good percentage of homeowners are switching towards metal roofing since it’s more versatile and more reliable for harsher natural elements. Moreover, some states have prohibited using asphalt shingles since this can become a hazard when thrown at high speed by high winds.
If you’re in the process of installing a roof, should you be using metal roofing? When should you start using shingle roofing? Here are some essential things that you’ll need to consider.
Which Type of Roofing Is Better for Your Home?
Well, this will ultimately depend on a variety of factors that homeowners are aiming for. Some homeowners seek cost-effective materials without breaking their bank, while homeowners want to get the best quality materials in the market. Whatever the choice may be, there are materials aimed at homeowners with their own needs and wants.
Metal Roofing Is the Better Choice
The short answer to this question is that metal roofing tends to be the better choice in most situations. Not only is it known for being the more durable choice in this matter, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice. You’d be surprised at how metal roofing can withstand almost any natural disaster. This is why many companies are confident in giving metal roofing a warranty of around 30 to 50 years, even for homes situated in harsh weather.
Still, you’ll need to do your research since each type of metal roofing will have its own unique characteristics. Steel is often known for being the best choice in metal roofing since it’s easy to come by, cost-effective for its price, and exceptionally durable. Manufacturers will also come into the picture when it comes to durability and pricing.
It’s important to note that installing metal roofing will usually require a good amount of skill, precision, and time. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting professional help or tools that can help you expedite the installation process faster. Fortunately, efficient stainless steel marking fluids for sale can accelerate the process of installing your roof. When it comes to the installation process, time is of the essence, and it’s vital to finish the installation as soon as possible since this could inadvertently cause damage to your roofing.
Shingle Roofing Is a Cost-effective Choice
If you’re focusing on getting your roof done without breaking your bank, shingle roofing is a better choice since it’s cheaper. Compared to certain types of high-quality roofing, like metal roofs, your standard kind of asphalt shingles will usually cost around $100 to $200 on average. In comparison, metal roofing will cost about $200 to $900, depending on the quality of the product.
However, most experts would say that high-quality materials are cheaper in the long run. Shingles are known for having a limited lifespan, which means that the frequency of repairs and maintenance is more prevalent than higher-quality materials that need little to no maintenance.
You’ll need to keep in mind various factors on choosing between metal single-sheet roofing and shingles. If you’re not sure what you should pick, you can always look into your state’s or your municipality’s building codes. Remember: they’re there for a reason, and that’s to maximize your home’s safety.
Still, the general rule of thumb in this situation is that the higher the quality of the roofing material that you’ll be choosing, the higher the lifespan and durability. Higher-quality roofing also tends to be more appealing. However, most experts would suggest not trading in your roof’s functionality for a better general aesthetic since it’s your home’s first and last line of defense against harsh weather.
