Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

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Roofing technology and techniques have seen drastic improvements in recent times – and metal roofing has quickly risen to become the clear choice for roofing thanks to its incredible durability and longevity.

If you’ve spent any time looking into installing a new roof, you’ve likely been floored by the sheer amount of different options available to you. When deciding between Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles, there are many things to consider. Shingles are undoubtedly the most popular roofing material today because they are easy to maintain, cost-effective, weather-resistant, and reliable. Continue reading to learn all about metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles.

The History of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are originally an American invention, first used in 1901. They can attribute a lot of their popularity to a movement by the US National Board of Fire Underwriters to stop using wood shingles on roofs in the 1920s, which was very successful.

At first, almost all shingles were organic. Cotton rag was commonly used as the base material until the 1920’s when economic and wartime stresses caused the prices of cotton rag to increase, prompting manufacturers to seek cheaper alternatives.

Eventually, manufacturers landed on asphalt – the perfect temporary roofing material. It is incredibly cheap for them to mass produce, and it needs to be fully replaced at least 3 times in every home’s life cycle, designed to be a temporary solution. Perfect for the roofer that wants to guarantee himself a lifelong customer, whether you like it or not!

Metal Roofing is Everything Shingles Wish They Were

All our metal roofing, called substrate, is made from Galvalume, a German technology, that emulates galvanized steel and is coated with a mixture of zinc and aluminum and siliconized coating to protect against corrosion and rust.

More About Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

Galvalume metal is perfect for accents on your office building, rustic and modern style homes, and even stores and restaurants. The Galvalume metal itself has more of a matte finish and it just has a bit more subtlety than the traditional shiny metal roof panels.

Metal roofs made with Galvalume metal are coated with a unique mixture of zinc, aluminum, and silicon coating to help resist scuffs, scratches, and anything that may hurt your metal roof! This incredible mixture helps the Galvalume metal resist rust and corrosion much better than traditional galvanized steel, giving it a longer lifespan on average.

It costs far less to maintain your metal roofing as well. If you want something like asphalt shingles to last forever, you will need constant maintenance and upkeep. Wind will cause some shingles to flap up over time, and water will eventually seep into any place it can. A metal roof is nearly wholly maintenance-free; the only thing you may have to do from time to time is spray it off if it ever gets dirty!

The Army Corps of Engineers did studies that found a properly installed metal roof can last for up to 100 years, while asphalt tends to hit its limit at about 20 years, give or take.

Top Advantages of a Gator Metal Roof

Sustainability and recyclability of Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

One fantastic upside of choosing a metal roof is that almost every piece can be recycled again and again after it’s served its lifespan as a roof, making them a far more sustainable choice than asphalt shingles. The ability to reflect heat and sunlight makes metal roofs a far more energy-efficient roof as they block the majority of the outside heat from transmitting anywhere close to your home. The clear winner in the metal roofing vs asphalt shingles is metal roofing.

Asphalt shingles also have a drastically shorter lifespan than metal roofing. Consequently of that American landfills receive on average 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles every year. To make matters worse, asphalt shingles are petroleum-based, further increasing dependency on fossil fuels and polluting landfills.

     
 
 
        
   Kisha Jones 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and easy process. Love my new roof. Took care of everything for us. Would recommend!
  
 
       
   Terry Reid 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After a lot of struggles with the insurance company and The roof medic team being there. They did a great job
  
 
       
   formanopinion 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Very pleased with our experience purchasing a roof from Gator. They responded to my initial inquiry lightning quick and had someone out within a couple days to assess the roof and lay out our options. We came to an agreement that same day and less than two weeks later the roof was delivered and installed. The work crew was fast and cleaned up nice before they left, I could only tell they had been there because we had a nice new roof afterwards. The price was right, the service was excellent, and the quality is as advertised. Would go with them again if I ever need another roof, and recommend them to anyone searching for someone to handle their roof needs.
  
 
       
   Marty League 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great company to work with! our experience went very smooth, our sales rep was very kind and flexible. They communicated with us throughout the whole process and did a phenomenal job. We are very happy with the outcome and we are glad we chose Gator Metal Roofing
  
 
       
   Marty L 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is BBB. We are very happy with the whole experience, our roof looks amazing, the customer service was excellent. We are so pleased with our decision to go with a metal roof, and so happy we chose Gator Metal Roofing
  
 
       
   Jesse Case 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
I was asked to post two five star reviews. Here is my second:

Roof looks great. Product is a bit pricey, but I’m thinking it will be a good investment. There is confidence in a roofing company that specializes and only deals with metal.
There was some disconnect between when the crew would arrive. As a technician, I get that set backs happen. However, It’s always a good idea to keep your customer informed. My roof was put on in one day and I caught the crew that night as they were leaving. Thankfully as there was an issue we needed to address.  A hole in the roof from a newly installed range hood. They covered it with a trash bag until I bought a proper vent and they could come back to install it.
2 weeks later and they came back to install the vent.

Again, some slight miscommunication and issues, but end of the day I have a beautiful metal roof now. I do suggest this company.

Edit: The roof is holding up fine. I asked the company to come back out and get rid of the tube of caulking the contractor had wedged between my roof vent. They never called back. Clearly didn’t care to make it right.  Time has passed and the caulking has exploded and hardened into a ridiculous eye sore.  I should have just climbed up myself when I told them, but I didn’t feel that was on me to do as a paying customer. I will attach photos of the mess they left behind that I honestly can’t do anything with.
  
 
       
   Shawn Theodore 
 13 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great job. Came when he said he would. Went above and beyond fixing my roof. Send videos and pic through the whole fix from beginning to end. I highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   ronald dunsmore 
 14 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good product. They got the house and the detached garage done in 1 and 1/2 days very pleased with them.
  
 
       
   Kevin Condrey 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Gator Metal Roofing did a great job from start to finish installing my new roof. The sales team was very professional and explained everything about the process. The company offered reasonable financing options. The installation crew was really hard-working and courteous. The crew leader made sure I was satisfied with the new roof and thoroughly answered any questions I had. I strongly recommend Gator Metal Roofing to anyone thinking about installing a new metal roof. They made the whole process really smooth and I am so happy with my new roof.
  
 
       
   Gerri H 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is BBB. Gastor metal roofing did the best job ever. My roof looks beautiful. They kept us informed from beginning to end of service. Everyone was so kind and concern about our needs and wants. We are very satisfied and excited about our new roof. We are at peace, no fear of rain anymore. I chose the dark grey and it is beautiful . The crew that put on the metal roof was so professional and cautious, they cleaned up everything before leaving. Everything is totally to our satisfaction.