Metal Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing: Making the Right Choice for Your Property
Introduction
Welcome back to the Wilks Metal Roofing blog! Choosing the right roofing material is a crucial decision for any property owner. In this post, we’ll compare metal roofing with traditional materials like asphalt shingles, tiles, and wood shakes. By understanding the key differences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, budget, and long-term needs.
Durability and Longevity
When it comes to performance over time, durability is a major factor to consider.
Metal Roofing
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Longevity: Lasts 40–70 years with proper care.
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Durability: Withstands harsh weather, including heavy rain, hail, and strong winds.
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Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, which reduces long-term costs.
Traditional Roofing
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Asphalt Shingles: Lasts 15–30 years; more susceptible to cracking and erosion.
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Tiles: Can last up to 50 years but often break and need regular maintenance.
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Wood Shakes: Offer 20–40 years of use but require high maintenance to prevent rot and pests.
Energy Efficiency
Efficient roofing can lower your heating and cooling bills year-round.
Metal Roofing
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Reflectivity: Reflects solar heat, which may reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
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Insulation: Helps keep indoor temperatures stable throughout all seasons.
Traditional Roofing
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Asphalt Shingles: Absorbs heat, potentially raising cooling costs in summer.
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Tiles: Offers natural insulation but can struggle in extreme climates.
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Wood Shakes: Insulate fairly well but are not as efficient as metal.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability matters—especially for eco-conscious property owners.
Metal Roofing
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Recyclability: Made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life.
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Sustainability: Reduces landfill waste and supports green building practices.
Traditional Roofing
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Asphalt Shingles: Hard to recycle; often end up in landfills.
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Tiles: Made from natural materials but require high-energy transport.
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Wood Shakes: Use natural wood, which may impact forests if not sustainably harvested.
Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
Looks matter—your roof should complement your home’s style.
Metal Roofing
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Variety: Wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to suit any architecture.
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Customization: Choose from standing seam panels, shingles, and more.
Traditional Roofing
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Asphalt Shingles: Limited style options; generally offer a basic look.
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Tiles: Stylish but heavy and costly to install.
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Wood Shakes: Rustic charm, but not ideal for every design.
Fire Resistance
Safety is a top priority when selecting roofing materials.
Metal Roofing
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Non-Combustible: Excellent fire resistance, which can lower insurance premiums.
Traditional Roofing
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Asphalt Shingles: Flammable and vulnerable during wildfires.
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Tiles: Fire-resistant but may crack under high heat.
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Wood Shakes: Highly flammable unless specially treated.
Cost Considerations
Upfront and long-term costs vary significantly between materials.
Metal Roofing
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Initial Cost: Higher upfront investment.
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Long-Term Savings: Lower maintenance, fewer replacements, and energy savings offer strong ROI.
Traditional Roofing
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Initial Cost: More budget-friendly initially.
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Long-Term Cost: Repairs and replacements can add up over time, increasing the total cost of ownership.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roof means weighing multiple factors—durability, energy savings, environmental impact, safety, aesthetics, and cost. While traditional materials may be less expensive at first, metal roofing offers long-term value that’s hard to beat.
If you’re ready to explore your metal roofing options, reach out to Wilks Metal Roofing today. Our team is here to help you make the best choice for your home or business.
Stay tuned for more helpful posts from the Wilks blog—your trusted resource for roofing insights and expert advice.
