Roof Issue: Why Metal Is Better Than Asphalt Shingles And Tiles
By Mark Stanford
August 9, 2017 • Fact checked by Dumb Little Man
Just as there are so many types of houses, there are also just as many types of roof. Materials, design and quality vary from one roof to another. In fact, roofs can differ from one country to another.
Japanese people like edgy and pointed tiled roofs that elicit an elite vibe. There are straw roofs in the Philippines as well that can help regulate room temperature in spite of the scorching heat in the country.
In some areas of South America, some houses use the old roofing method with clay tiles. Meanwhile, Great Britain and Ireland have so many gabled roofs that look elegant.
Each roof requires different materials and these materials have distinct maintenance needs.
Roofs may be difficult to maintain because, for one, you need to climb the top of your house just to fix it. On the other hand, for some types, you have to call for a roof repairing shop and pay them just to get your roof done.
Maintaining a roof may be quite a bane but, as homeowners, we should know how to find out when it is damaged and what we need to do to keep it in good shape. If you think asphalt shingle and tiled-roof are easy to maintain, think again.
Metal roofing is currently a name to remember in the roofing industry, and this article is proof that it is much better than Asphalt Shingles and Tiles. Below, we break down the advantages of metal roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are very common to single houses and other small residential properties. It is almost one of the standard roof materials in all of America. Shingles may vary in color, texture and type, depending on the customer request and the manufacturer.
There are namely two kinds of Asphalt Shingles: organic and fiberglass.
Papers coated with asphalt are the basic composition of the organic shingles. Because of the asphalt, it becomes waterproof. Fiberglass shingles, on the other hand, can provide better protection, being fireproof and waterproof at the same time.
Just like the organic shingle, asphalt also coats the fiberglass shingle, which makes it waterproof, while its fiberglass nature made it fireproof.
Asphalts are very budget-friendly at $90 per square meter. In maintaining the roof, just check the roof flashings, shingle and the gutters and watch out for the decayed parts. Asphalt shingles are not that sturdy to withstand changing climates.
Tile
Tile is another competitive material in the field of roof materializing. It is one of the oldest materials for roofing. It is so old that archaeologists found out that Greek people in the third Millennium BC first used it.
One of its most famous kinds is the traditional clay tile that is still in the market. Nevertheless, the traditional clay tile evolved which caused the birth of other types of tiles for roofing. The list includes metal, slate, concrete and other synthetic creations.
It is undeniable that tile roofs are attractive and have many aesthetics. Traditional houses in Japan, for example, use tile flooring which makes the structure of the house appealing to the public. However, despite the aesthetic, its durability against the storms and other natural calamities may be questionable.
High winds, cyclones and tornadoes can most probably blow the tiles away if they are not as heavy as they need to be. Needless to say, tiles are weighty. With this heaviness, the foundation supporting the weight must be sturdy enough to support them. A strong base sufficient to support a tiled-roof might be costly.
The maintenance of a tiled-roof is also just as expensive as the makeup of it. You cannot clean the roof on your own since it is very fragile and you cannot walk over it. To be able to clean a tiled-roof, you may need to seek the help of experts that can do the job efficiently.
Metal
One of the rising names in the roofing industry is Metal. Houses exposed to harsh climates should have metal roofing to help them stand against calamities.
Metal is one of the safest materials to use for roofing purposes. Metal, unlike the asphalt shingle, can stand stronger against cyclones and tornadoes. Experts call the metal roof weatherproof, knowing that it can stand against almost all odds.
Metal roofing is also highly customizable. There are varieties of metal roofing designs that can fit the uniqueness of your house. Aside from these advantages of metal roof, it is also energy-efficient and affordable.
Metal roofing’s life expectancy is around 30 to 50 years, that is more than thrice the durability of asphalt shingles. As for maintenance, you have to check the roof and clean it annually. You have to make sure that the gutters are clean and there are no clusters on it. If there are some troubles, call someone who does metal roof repair so you can get satisfying services.
Takeaway
Highly consider the type of materials you’re going to use for the roof of your house. The roof is more than just a shade for your home. It serves as the ozone layer of your humble abode.
Asphalt shingles are cheap roofing materials with a life expectancy of around 16 years or less. This type of roof is also not very advisable in places with unstable climates. Tiles, on the other hand, can add some aesthetic to your house and can last to at least 50 years. However, this roof cannot assure the life expectancy of your wallet since it is very hard and expensive to maintain.
Metal roofing is the best choice among the three materials presented. Most residents should consider it, knowing that the life expectancy of metal roofing is also enough to witness your kids transcend from infancy to the adulthood, at least. Other than that, it is weatherproof, energy-efficient and affordable.
Cities that experience cyclones, most often, must consider metal roofing. Therefore, it is safe to say that metal roofing is the best choice to protect your home from the savage of nature.
See Also: Simple Guide To A Green Roof
Mark Stanford
Mark Stanford is an architecture student who loves to write about new designs and innovations. During his free time, he reads books and plays with his dog. He is planning to work on a commercial roofing contractors in houston when he graduates.