The roof is the pinnacle of your home, in more ways than one. A good roof can make all the difference in how your home stands up to the test of time, weather, and extreme events like fire and storms. We repair and install both shingle and metal roofing, so let’s go over some of the basic features of each.
The first thing most people want to know when looking to replace, repair, or build their roof is the cost. Upfront, a metal roof will typically cost you more than a shingle roof. This is due to the more specialized and time-consuming nature of the installation of the roof. Shingles are easier and quicker to install meaning they cost less.
However, metal roofing is more durable and you’ll recover that expense in the long run due to decreased maintenance costs. While still susceptible to damage and general wear and tear, metal is much tougher. It stands up better to hail and fire, or even just general weather occurrences like wind, heat, and rain. While maintaining a shingle roof is fairly simple and not too expensive, metal roofs simply require less to begin with.
In maintaining a shingle roof, you have to check on the flashings, the sealants, and the adhesive periodically to make sure they remain intact and waterproof. You also need to ensure that there aren’t any spots where water can get through or remain standing, which will affect the integrity of not just your roofing material but the roof itself. With a metal roof, you need to keep an eye on many of these things as well. But in this case, most sealants and flashings are either covered by metal or made of metal and designed to channel water away from these spots and off your roof. Rubber and adhesives are covered and not exposed to the sun so they will last longer.
Some people mistakenly believe that metal roofs would be hotter in the summer, but in fact, the opposite is true. Metal is reflective so the heat is not absorbed nearly as much as it is in asphalt shingles. This means that with a metal roof your home will be easier to keep cool in the summer, saving you money on energy bills. The same feature that makes a metal roof cooler in the summer (and a shingle roof warmer) will make the house more difficult to keep warm in the winter since the heat is not absorbed. But in West Texas, this isn’t an issue for most of the year. We don’t have freezing temperatures every year, and when we do they typically don’t last very long. Meanwhile, summers are long and very hot around here, so a metal roof would be the best-fitting option for the area.
Metal roofing is also generally a more eco-conscious option. The panels are often constructed with recycled materials, and they are easy to recycle and reuse. Also, due to their durability, they cause less waste since the roof doesn’t need to be replaced as often and the materials can easily be recycled.
Lastly, when considering the looks and what you find appealing, your options are nearly endless. Shingles of course have their classic layered look, and metal roofs are typically made with solid-colored corrugated panels. But shingles can resemble wood, tile, and slate; the same is true with metal, and they can even be made to resemble shingles! With the wide variety of options, you might want to consider the looks after you determine what your other preferences and priorities are.
And for that, Hailstorm Roofing and Construction is more than happy to help. Whether you need to repair or replace your roof, we can take care of it. And whichever roofing style you choose, we remain dedicated to excellence in both materials and service. Reach out to us for all your roofing needs, whether it’s pricing, options, or installation.