That’s the second most asked question about roofing, right after ‘how much will it cost?’.
There are a few variables you need to consider before you decide.
The three main ones are: Cost, Durability and Aesthetics
Cost: Again, this is generally the most common question asked. What is the upfront investment in either system? Previously I covered architectural shingles ($385-$460/sq). Steel definitely has a higher upfront cost. For the same style roof covered in my previous blog you should expect to pay $600-$800/sq depending on the company and style chosen. While the shingle market is dominated by a small handful of companies, there is more variability in metal brands. There are small local companies and large national and even international brands. As you can imagine, the costs can also vary quite a bit, but you still expect to pay 60-100% more in initial costs, on average.
Durability:
Shingles likely last 20-30 years depending on a number of factors. Shingles may come with 40 to 50 year warranties, but it is highly unlikely they will last that long. Steel can survive 50+ years with regular maintenance. The main issue with steel is often that the paint will wear off and it can be unsightly, but new paint technology has improved over the previous generation. On an exposed fastener metal roof (which is the most common type in the Madawaska Valley) it is also possible that the rubber washers can degrade and create the possibility of leaks. So while shingles are less expensive upfront, the price gap narrows the greater your time horizon.
Aesthetics:
This can come down to a matter of personal preference. I would say in general shingles look better on houses with brick and vinyl siding and steel look better on log homes or houses with wood siding. That being said, steel roofing is really making a strong move and many of the styles of metal roofing are becoming more and more appealing. Of course, steel shingles are also becoming more popular. They are very aesthetically pleasing and offer great durability, but they come with a much higher price tag.
When it comes down to it, cost and durability between a metal and shingle roof end up being similar if you prorate it over the life of the material. I think it would be fair to assume that metal would end up being slightly cheaper over a 40+ year time horizon when adjusted for inflation. This is because material and labour increase in cost. So when it comes time to replace the shingle roof in 20 years it will cost more than the original one.
That means the biggest factor is likely personal preference. Some people prefer the look of shingles over steel, others prefer steel. Some may not want a larger upfront cost. If you speak to a reputable roofing contractor they should be able to explain the pro's and con's of each in more detail, but this should give you a good starting point.
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