Whether building a new home or repairing or renovating an older one, the rise in energy costs may have you contemplating the most energy efficient material option when it comes to your roof. An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roof among homeowners, and ranges from smaller shingle options to larger more luxurious shingle choices that look more like stone.
A metal roof is more expensive in terms of up front costs of the initial investment, yet remains the second most common roof type. The installation process of this roof class typically involves large panels that seam together or are screwed down.
So, with today’s rising energy prices, which type of roof is better for saving you money on the energy costs of running your home?
Let’s compare:
Asphalt Roofing vs. Metal Roofing: Which One Saves the Most Energy?
Both metal and asphalt do a great job of providing protection for any home or commercial building, which is why they are such popular choices. You might think they are nearly equal in their energy efficiency, too. After all, if you were to walk across a piece of asphalt or a piece of metal during the hottest part of the day, you might think that they were both similar since they’d both be extremely hot.
However, one is the clear winner when it comes to energy efficiency: metal roofing.
While asphalt roofing can absorb a lot of heat to help keep a structure cool, metal roofing offers a different approach. Instead of absorption, metal roofing’s superpower is the opposite, its reflection.
Asphalt Roofing vs. Metal Roofing: Why Reflection Matters
While asphalt absorbs heat, it doesn’t absorb it all, thus excess heat can filter down into the home and raise the temperature of the home. A metal roof however, can reflect the sun’s hottest rays away from a home or business, which can lead to energy savings of up to 50% or more. That’s a huge difference!
The other advantage of metal roofing in hot temperatures? Asphalt shingles can become weak under the sun’s rays over time, causing them to curl and become even less effective. When correctly installed, a metal roof can withstand both the extreme heat and cold better, saving you money on energy costs all year round. But installation is key, so be sure to hire an experienced, certified professional contractor to get the job done right.
What Makes a Metal Roof?
A metal roof isn’t the same thing as the tin roof you might see on barns or outdoor storage sheds. Modern metal roofing has come a very long way from the farm. Today, metal roofing comes in a variety of textures that make the roof seem as if it is made of more traditional materials, like stone, wood or even shingles. Metal roofing comes in large panels and is made of stainless steel, aluminum or copper. Pieces all fit and seal together, locking out heat and cold.
Conclusion
The obvious choice for saving money on rising energy costs this season is a modern metal roof. However, when it comes to asphalt roofing vs. metal roofing, it is important to remember that the initial cost of installing a metal roof is higher than that of installing an asphalt roof, but is worth the investment as it will also surpass it in lifespan. Be sure to weigh the factors of both energy and installation savings as you select the material option that makes the most sense for you and your budget when it comes to your roof. Whichever option is right for you, Horizon Roofing and Construction, Northville’s #1 roofing company with 25+ years of experience can help.