Steel or Asphalt Roofing Shingles- Which is Best for Minnesota Homes?
Steel and Asphalt Roofing Shingles Compared
Asphalt shingle roofing is a popular roof for homes. Nevertheless, metal roofing shingles are growing in demand as more style options come on the market. Metal roofing shingles look like slate, tile, wood shake, and even asphalt. It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roofing shingle before you decide which to install because a roof is an important and long-term investment. In this list, we compare steel shingles and asphalt shingles in a variety of categories.
Steel Roofing Shingles
Steel shingles or a steel roof is sometimes viewed as the last roof ever needed, here is a list of the positives and negatives.
The Positives - The Advantages of Installing Steel Roofing Shingles
Very wind-resistant, and impact resistant
Longevity 40-50 years
Allows roof deck ventilation on homes that may be limited
Is lighter per square than asphalt
Fire Resistant and insurance credits
The Negatives - The Disadvantages of Installing Steel Roofing Shingles
Triple the cost of an asphalt roof
Availability
Zero algae resistance on stone coated products (dissimilar metals)
It’s a big gutter system, all about water management
Patching can involve removing entire planes, not individual shingles
Involves removing siding to be installed correctly
Requires a skilled crew
Prone to leak with exposed fasteners and complicated roofs
Cosmetic damage may not warrant replacement from an insurance company
Custom bent trims can be required
They will fade. The product still maintains performance, but may not look the best.
Algae growth can happen instantly with a stone coated steel shingle. This was 20 years of growth
An example of fade on a stone coated steel shingle
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Asphalt shingles have been the go-to product because of availability and cost. They are, by far the most popular roofing shingles on the market.
Here are some positives and negatives to think about when considering asphalt shingles.
The Positives - The Advantages of Installing Asphalt Roofing Shingles
1/3 the price of steel shingles
Consistently last 20+ years as the technology gets better
Availability is good
Algae resistant for 10-15 years with copper-coated granules
Parts and pieces are standard and universal, Jobs rarely get held up.
Credentialed or Certified installers can offer better warranties than steel, that does not prorate
Basic tools are required
Patching individual shingles is straight forward
NEGATIVES WITH ASPHALT SHINGLES
Wind resistance
20-25 years longevity
Heavier than steel
Everybody thinks they can put down asphalt shingles
The Verdict between Steel Shingles and Asphalt Shingles
To be blunt, in my opinion the value of a steel shingle doesn’t justify the cost. The math just doesn’t work. They can be 3 times the price of a standard asphalt roof and you might get 1-1/2 - 2 times the longevity. The extra cost can be validated by “the look” a homeowner may be after. Many people are attracted to the high relief panels that give an impression of a cedar shake. The misconception is this is the last roof a homeowner would need. Minnesota weather has some input for any roof on this subject!
The performance is not the downfall but the lack of luster is. Imagine a car with a good engine and a really rough paint job. . . that you can never paint again. People can look past that aspect and others cannot. The out of the box warranties on stone coated steel shingles and premium asphalt shingles are in favor of the steel shingle. In retrospect as a credentialed asphalt installer I can offer a better warranty than a stone coated steel shingle. Unbelievable but in reality here’s why. Hypothetical Example: A stone coated steel shingle and an asphalt shingle have a manufacturing defect that occurs 25 years after install. The homes are exactly the same. The asphalt roof will warrant a complete replacement if registered by a credentialed installer. Labor, materials, and disposal will be covered. Alternatively the stone coated shingle roof will be at the mercy of the manufacturer. “At our discretion” is the important phrase in warranty jargon, meaning it could be replaced. Maybe just the material and no labor will be covered. The product could prorate and only a portion of the value left will be settled on. The claim could be denied. It’s the spiel not heard often but it’s the truth.
About Rooftop Solutions
Looking for a new roof and live in or around New Richland, Albert Lea, Owatonna, or Mankato Minnesota? Maybe you just want to discuss the life left in your roof. Expect an honest and educated answer from me.
Brandon Kroeger 507-400-7663