| Before you make a decision, here's a quick | | | | the material is measured. With asphalt shingles, |
| comparison and contrast of the two most popular | | | | maintenance or roofing repair is essential. You may |
| roofing materials, metal and asphalt. Installation, | | | | opt to patch up or replace said shingles. |
| longevity, durability and cost---these are a few of the | | | | Durability-wise, metal is the way to go. You don't |
| considerations that need to be raised in the selection | | | | have worry about combustion, rusting, breaking or |
| process. I'll be discussing all four and several other | | | | algae growth. Metal roof is made up of aluminum and |
| aspects that I see appropriate for the topic at hand. | | | | galvanized steel that prevents the inception of any |
| Let's start with installation. Steel or metal roof | | | | of these. Virtually maintenance-free, this is one of the |
| installation is not an easy task. Even the DIY | | | | selling points of a metal roof. Its downside, denting. |
| aficionados would take a considerable amount of time | | | | Though it would depend on the composition; copper |
| setting a steel roof in place. Fastening must be done | | | | and aluminum dents easily. Remember, nature can |
| correctly to avoid movement, which happens when | | | | effortlessly leave her mark on your roof. Another |
| the metal expands or contracts depending on the | | | | setback is the noise it produces during rain or |
| temperature. The installation procedure is not only | | | | hailstorms. However, this can be remedied. Take into |
| complicated but dangerous, too. Note that you're | | | | account that the metal roof is installed over a solid |
| dealing with metal, its surface is slippery and walking | | | | surface and with the attic insulation as support, these |
| in it is borderline risky. In addition, most of the | | | | contribute to limit the noise that the metal gives off. |
| equipment required to properly install this type of | | | | Last but not the least is the cost. Hands down, |
| roof are difficult to maneuver. With that said, I | | | | asphalt shingles is way cheaper than its closest rival. |
| suggest you hire a professional to do the installation | | | | From the materials used to the installation itself, costs |
| for you. But with the asphalt shingles, it's the reverse. | | | | are fairly economical. But when the material starts to |
| Mounting asphalt shingles is rather simple and | | | | break, one must be ready to cough up some cash |
| straightforward, one need not have a to be a rocket | | | | for periodical repairs or replacements. Initially, metal |
| scientist to pull off this kind of installation. The | | | | roof is expensive but same will work its worth in the |
| occupants can do the installation themselves. | | | | long run. Given the lifetime of 35 to a lifetime with |
| Longevity and durability, I'll be tackling both the same | | | | minimal to none metal roofing repair, most people |
| time. With a guarantee of at least 35 years to a | | | | would choose metal over asphalt. Businessmen, |
| lifetime, metal roof trumps asphalt, the latter with | | | | mindful of their investments, would opt for the same |
| only 15 to 30 years under its belt. Actually, it is | | | | type. For them, a metal roof is considered an |
| Mother Nature who dictates the longevity of these | | | | investment that lasts a lifetime. |
| materials. From hailstorms, blizzards, forest fires, | | | | With all of these discussed, with whatever material |
| strong typhoons, high winds to powerful seismic | | | | you choose, make certain that it will serve its main |
| quakes---this is the standard where the existence of | | | | purpose that is to protect you and your possessions. |