Metal Roofs vs. Shingles Continued

This discussion needed another post! Our re-roofing booklet explores the topic of metal roofs versus composition shingles at length. And that's because it's one of the most common questions we hear and also because metal roofs are superior in almost every way, so it takes a while to go through all of the benefits!

This is an excerpt from our re-roofing booklet and it focuses specifically on the impressive-sounding and ironclad-appearing warranties that come with many comp roofs:

"Warranties are the most confusing aspect of the roofing material study. Many homeowners make the mistake of concluding that the length of the manufacturer’s product defect warranty is the same as the life expectancy of the product covered. This is absolutely not the case (see photos of “40 Year” and “50 Year” roof materials after less than 20 years of exposure, pp. 14-15).

There is little, if any, connection between the warranty period and the lifespan of most roof materials.

In the case of asphalt shingles, manufacturers currently refer to their various models by their warranty period. Until about 20 years ago, asphalt shingles were classified by weight. The purchaser knew that the heavier a shingle was the longer they could expect it to last. That is no longer the case.

Technical changes in the manufacturing processes of asphalt shingles in the last 25 years have led manufacturers in a new direction. They’re now reluctant to publish the weights of their products in their sales literature and have replaced the weight designation with the length of the warranty period instead. Asphalt shingles that used to be classified as heavy, heavier, heaviest, (good, better, best) are now classified as “30 Year,” “40 Year” and “50 Year” shingles. This serves to distract builders and their customers from the technical details of the shingles construction. It implies that the manufacturer is promising many, many years of trouble-free service. This simply is not true, and interestingly enough, recently, almost all the asphalt shingle manufacturers raised the length of their warranty periods on most of their products, while at the same time making no changes to the composition of the shingles themselves. Evidence is everywhere that these products will not last."

Interested in learning more? Our re-roofing booklet is filled with relevant and valuable information just like these and covers other popular roofing materials too. Learn the ins and outs of the re-roofing industry before you buy your next roof - download our FREE re-roofing booklet today!

Comparing Metal Roofs and Asphalt Composition Shingles

For 30 years now, I've been asked to compare asphalt composition roofing shingles to metal roofing. The answer today isn't any different that it's always been: metal roofing just makes for a better, more expensive roof. As with most things, you get what you pay for. The primary differences between comp and metal roofing become apparent with just a bit of research:

• Metal roofs are lighter and stronger.
• Metal roofs are made of a higher percentage of recycled material and can actually be recycled again if the house was ever torn down, while asphalt shingles are made from petroleum products and are rarely, if ever, considered for recycling. The vast majority of torn-off comp shingles end up as toxic waste in a landfill.
• Metal roofs come in more shapes, colors and configurations than any asphalt shingle, which come as just that - shingles. Metal can be long vertical panels, horizontal panels, shingles, shakes, diamond shingles, tiles and more.
• Metal roofs don't decay in the sun like asphalt shingles do, so they can typically outlast asphalt roofs by decades.
• Metal roofs are much better at staying on in high winds precisely because they don't decay in the sun and so they retain their as-new performance usually their entire light.
• Metal roofs can offer a big selection of reflective finishes and their vented roof assembly makes them more energy efficient.

On top of these obvious features, metal roofs look better, remain incombustible and are often the lowest maintenance option available to anyone considering purchasing a new roof. The difference in price, which can range anywhere from minor to considerable, is more than compensated by the improved quality and performance. For anyone planning on staying in their home long-term, it's really a no-brainer. Want to know more? Read about the benefits of metal roofing here, or download our FREE re-roofing booklet for an extensive discussion of comp shingles and other popular roofing materials, plus a pricing formula, installer checklist and more.

Eco-Friendly Metal Roofing on a Budget

We're starting a Q&A section here on the blog, and here's our first question and answer to start us off. If you have a burning metal roofing question, ask us in the comments sections and we'll post an answer!

Q: We’re going to need a new roof soon, but most of the roofs I’m being shown are made from petroleum products. We'd like to re-roof with something ecologically responsible, but we’re still budget conscious. What re-roof material options do we have?

A: If “green” is a theme that’s important to you and your home is in need of a new roof soon, metal roofs will probably be the answer. Benefits of metal roofing include:

• High recycled content (green factor)
• Extreme light weight (easier, faster and often cheaper installation)
• Permanence and durability (increased life-cycle)
• Beauty (multiple profiles, materials and colors to suit any architectural style)

Another bonus? Many metal roofs can be installed right over your existing roof (depending on the material), which reduces tear-off costs and waste that would end up in a landfill.

Many of our metal roof materials, including finished steel and finished aluminum shakes and panels, are available with Energy Star certified finishes, which offer additional energy efficiency. And all of our metal roofing offer assemblies that dramatically reduce the amount of heat accumulated in an attic or ceiling area - another highly energy-efficient trait.

And because your new metal roof system will likely last as long as your home with little or no maintenace, the higher up-front costs of a metal roof pays off in the long run. Plus, we're offering great spring specials right now on select metal roof systems. If you're planning on staying in your home for the duration and it's time to consider a new roof, stop the re-roofing cycle once and for all with a new metal roof - and enjoy the satisfaction of being eco-friendly at the same time! Find us here.

Metal Roofs for Lower Utility Bills

Check out this interesting little article about lowering your utility bills with a new metal roof. And if you're ready to re-roof, and want the extra perk of upgrading to a metal roof to lower utility bills, call us or visit us online today for a free estimate!

Here's an article excerpt - and yes, if you're wondering, we've got painted aluminum roofing and at a great price right now!

"Painted aluminum roofing is particularly energy efficient because of the heat-blocking low-emissivity natural aluminum underside surface."