Traditionally, asphalt shingles have been the go-to material for home roofing. When you consider their many benefits, that’s no surprise. They are an affordable yet high-performing solution.
While asphalt shingles remain a great option for North Carolina homeowners, the playing field has gotten bigger. Take, for example, metal roofing. While metal roofs have been available for hundreds of years, the last two decades have made the material a staple. Metal roofs are sleek and energy-efficient.
Of course, options are never a bad thing. But still, you’re left weighing the pros and cons. When all is said and done, which roofing material is right for your home?
To help you make a decision, Carolina Home Specialists has done a complete write-up of the determining factors. While there is really no wrong choice, we believe in the principle of good, better, best. So let us direct you toward the best choice for your home.
Asphalt Roofs
When you think of roofing, asphalt shingles are likely the picture that comes to mind. While most asphalt roofs are alike, you do have a few options to choose from when it comes to this material:
- 3-tab shingles
- Dimensional shingles
- Luxury shingles
Naturally, each option has its price point and installation time frame. With that being said, the pros and cons are about the same for each option. Below, we’ve outlined the good, the bad, and the process for installing asphalt shingles.
The Good
Asphalt shingles are almost always the cheaper option. Generally, they cost between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet. Plus, they are more affordable and easier to install. Likewise, repairs are also cheaper and easier. One last benefit is that traditional asphalt shingles come with a warranty.
The Bad
Despite these benefits, asphalt shingles are not the best option in every scenario. For example, if your home is in an area of high winds, we may recommend a different material. Asphalt shingles are less durable and more prone to weather damage than their metal counterparts.
These products also have a shorter lifespan than other materials. With that being said, you can still expect them to last 20 to 25 years. We think that is not a bad trade-off considering the low sticker price.
The Process
Typically, the process for installing asphalt shingles takes one to three days. To start, our roofers will clear the area and prepare the deck. Ensuring that the surface is flat and smooth will help us achieve a polished look. From there, the installation will proceed in this way:
- Installing the drip edge
- Installing the ice and water protector
- Installing the roof underlayment
- Covering joints with flashing
- Laying the shingles
- Installing the ridge caps
Step by step, this process is rather straightforward. Our team should be in and out in no time.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are versatile and can adapt to almost any aesthetic. They come in aluminum, stone-coated steel, galvalume, copper, and other materials. Furthermore, you can choose from slate, shingle, and tile profiles. That’s not to mention the variety in color. With metal roofing, the possibilities are virtually endless.
The Good
We love a good metal roof because it is beautiful and modern. Additional benefits include its low-maintenance upkeep, recyclability, and energy efficiency. Also, this material is very long-lasting. At Carolina Home Specialists, we like to say that a new metal roof is the last roof you’ll ever need!
The Bad
The main con of a metal roof is its price tag. In comparison to asphalt, metal roofing materials are sometimes triple, or even quadruple, the price. Plus, while metal roofs are very durable, they show wear and tear in cases of extreme weather. Specifically, you’ll want to watch for denting from heavy ice and snow.
The Process
How are metal roofs installed? The answer to this question varies. You see, the installation process depends entirely on the design choices you make. Metal slates, shingles, and tiles are all installed differently.
As with asphalt, metal roofs are pretty quick to install and should only require two or three days. Again, we will have to install the drip edge, ice and water protector, roof underlayment, and flashing. From there, the installation steps will depend on the situation.
Call Us to Further Discuss Your Options
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to call Carolina Home Specialists. We have installed countless asphalt and metal roofs over the years. So you can trust us to guide you through the decision. No one understands the pros and cons of roofing materials better than we do.