Metal Shingles Deliver Benefits Over Other Roofing Materials
Metal shingles deliver benefits over not only asphalt, but also other inexpensive roofing materials that begin to deteriorate soon after installation. Temporary roofs are initially less expensive than installing a permanent metal roofing system, but they are certainly not the best investment. The risk of weather damage, loss of energy efficiency and cost of periodic roof repair or replacement, all add up to astronomical expenses and headaches over the long-term.
For these reasons, informed consumers are choosing metal shingles over asphalt, wood shake, clay, slate, concrete, and other inferior roofing materials.
Metal Shingles Outperform Wood Shake Shingles
For centuries wood shake shingles adorned roofs throughout the United States. Wood, being readily available and inexpensive became a good option as a roofing material. The downside was the short life span, fire dangers and intense maintenance required.
Metal shingles are manmade and impervious to weather. The organic nature of wood makes it susceptible to the unsightly growth of algae and mold. The water retained in these growths leads to shingle rot, resulting in leaking. Eventually the damage to the battens and decking requires the roof to be torn off and replaced.
Metal Shingles Outperform Clay and Concrete Tile and Slate
Metal shingles are lightweight compared to clay tiles and slate. While these are popular roofing materials in many parts of the country, the heavy weight of these materials causes excessive strain on the structure of homes. Clay and concrete tiles have additional problems. Their highly porous nature allows water to seep in, often causing them to crack and break. The issue is exacerbated during freeze-thaw weather cycles. That won’t happen with metal shingles.
Metal shingles stand up to high winds. But high winds may leave holes in a clay and concrete or slate roof, posing a more dangerous risk to the interior of the home. The shear weight of these roofs also makes them prone to structural collapse in the event of seismic activity or fire.
Slate may be more indestructible than man-made tile, but the nails that attach them are not. These nails often rust away leaving only gravity to keep them from falling. Falling slate can be extremely dangerous and may cause costly property damage.
Metal Shingles Versus Other Temporary Roofing Materials
There are several other roofing materials such as rubber and composite materials being tested in the market, but many do not have a proven track record. These materials are expensive and susceptible to fade and chalk in the heat of the sun. Investing in an untested material is risky at best.