Choosing the right material for your roof: Asphalt Composition vs. Metal Roofing

As a homeowner one of the big considerations with choosing the best roofing material for your home is how long you are planning on staying in your home.  If you are in your ‘forever’ home you may want to consider a metal roof.  Metal roofs can be made from various materials, such as steel, aluminum, or copper. Metal roofs are known for their longevity, often lasting 40-70 years or more with proper maintenance. The manufacturer warranty on a metal roof typically says that the paint will not chip, fade or rust for up to 40 years.  Metal roofs generally require less maintenance but may need occasional checks for corrosion or loose fasteners. Metal roofs often have reflective coatings that can help reduce energy consumption by keeping the home cooler. Metal roofs have a higher initial cost but can offer long-term savings due to their durability and energy efficiency. Metal roofs are available in various finishes and profiles, offering versatility and contemporary appeal.

In contract, Asphalt composition roofs typically consist of layers of asphalt-saturated fiberglass covered with ceramic granules. They are algae resistant and take about half the time to install as a metal roof.  Asphalt composition roofs have an average lifespan of 20-30 years. Most of the composition roofs that we do at Rock Creek Roofing have a manufacturer warranty of 30 years or more, which is transferable when the home is sold one time.  Asphalt composition roofs may require periodic inspections, repairs, and replacement of damaged shingles. One of the benefits of asphalt composition is the cost, this type of roof is considerably less expensive than a metal roof.

A few of the companies that we like to use for our roofing materials are:

IKO – www.iko.com      

NuRay Metals - www.nuraymetals.com             

Pabco – www.pabcoroofing.com