Metal roofs usually last up to 50 years. The main metal used is aluminum and steel. They are popular for homes, businesses, and the like. Some disadvantages of metal roofs are the fact they are expensive, noisy, and can dent. The metal roofing can also dent if the nail used is weak or the nail head gets hammered too much. They wear out over time, which requires repair.
With many issues in mind, it’s important to select a superior quality metal roofing material over asphalt shingles. The two are very different in many ways. So, what are the differences between the two roofing materials?
Asphalt shingles tend to be more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Meaning that they are most susceptible to developing leaks under a hot roof. Depending on the location of the metal roofing seams, heat can seep underneath the asphalt shingles causing water ingress which then causes problems like blistering or warping. The metal roofing materials of asphalt shingles tend to develop what is called “hot spots” where the heat is concentrated at the seams creating hot spots and leaks. Although you can prevent most of these problems from occurring by avoiding poor installation practices, leaks still happen. When this happens, a leaky roof could present a serious problem to your home’s structural integrity.
Roofing engineers will typically recommend metal roofing materials in this situation. To begin the process of repairing or replacing your damaged roof, an engineer will first assess the extent of the damage. This will be done by inspecting the roof, taking photographs and videos of the condition it’s in. It is important to have all of the information available before the engineers begin the process of installing new roofs. This includes information on the types of materials needed for the repair or replacement of your roof’s.
Asphalt shingles are not the only type of material used on roofs; they are just the most common. There are other materials that may be used but they are less commonly used because they are more expensive to install and tend to deteriorate at a faster rate than asphalt shingles do. One of the main differences between the two types of materials is that asphalt shingles tend to be lighter in weight, which makes it easier for them to be installed without too much difficulty. They are also resistant to moisture, which makes it easier to maintain the roof. In fact, asphalt shingles are so resistant to damage that they are sometimes used as an alternative to expensive slate tiles in high traffic areas.
Another difference between the two is that asphalt shingles are far less likely to experience the corrosion that metal roof panels may occur. Asphalt does not corrode easily, and it is quite resistant to corrosion from weather and water exposure. But, if your roof is made out of metal, you are much less likely to experience this problem. This is because asphalt is a much more flexible material and therefore the wear and tear is spread across a larger area.
The biggest problem that metal roofs encounter is with respect to snow and ice penetration. Asphalt shingles are simply not designed to handle the snow and ice penetration. Asphalt shingles come off easily when they become wet, which is why they are typically used on the outside of homes and businesses. Snow and ice can easily penetrate through these shingles and end up in your gutters and downspouts. This can create major water damage and expensive repairs.
There are several other common roofing issues that can occur if you don’t pay attention to proper coating. Most people don’t realize that the metal roof is at risk for corrosion if it is not properly coated. You may have noticed areas of discoloration or rusting from weather exposure. These areas may need further investigation to determine if they are the result of corrosion or simply from natural wear and tear. If you find discoloration or rust in an area of your metal roof that is coated, you should contact a roofing specialist to have the area re-coated with an appropriate coating.
Metal roofs are commonly installed poorly and cause leaks. Poor installation practices include missing or overlapping seams, not securing the seams to the structure of the roof and not using the correct pitch to seal the seams. In addition, metal roofs that are not sealed or have leaks are extremely prone to damage from snow, rain and extreme temperature changes.
When roofing professionals examine your metal roofs, they will perform a visual inspection in order to pinpoint the issues with the roof. If these issues are not visually noticeable they will also conduct a deeper inspection. During the inspection the roofer may ask you some questions regarding the damage to your metal roof and how severe the damage is. This will give the roofing professional an idea of the best way to repair the issue or whether they need to be replaced.
Metal roofing shingles will last longer than asphalt shingles if they are properly maintained. However, these roofs must be properly inspected and maintained by a professional once a year to ensure they are still sound enough to withstand heavy snow and high winds. Asphalt shingles last much longer, but they also need to be replaced after a few years of neglect. Proper maintenance of metal roofing provides great benefits that can definitely make the difference when looking for affordable home improvement costs.