If you've lived in a home with asphalt shingles long enough to have to deal with the hassle of replacing them, you're probably on the lookout for a more durable roofing solution. But for many people the process of comparing between various roofing materials can be complex and difficult.  2016-07-19_1451We think metal roofing is the best option for homes in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, so we're here to answer four of our most commonly asked "metal vs asphalt roofing" questions.

Q: Isn't metal a lot heavier than asphalt shingles?

A: Contrary to what many people think, no; metal is actually lighter. For the most part, metal roofing weighs about 1.5 pounds per square foot whereas asphalt composite weighs between 2 and 5 pounds. Due to its light weight, many metal roofs can even be installed on top of the current roofing material.

Q: Since so many roofers prefer installing composite shingles, they must be long lasting, right?

A: While most roofers do prefer composite shingles, this is not a sign of the material's reliability but rather of its easy installation. If durability and longevity are what you're looking for, go with metal roofing.

Because metal doesn't get worn down with heat or bad weather, it can outlive asphalt shingles by a factor of four.  A better sign of its quality is that architects (the ones who design the houses) prefer metal roofing.

Q: What about the 50 year warranty I have on my composite roof?

A: Unfortunately, just because you have a 50 year warranty doesn't mean your roof is guaranteed to last that long. In fact, most asphalt roofs wear out in less than half that time. The warranty will cover product defect, but there's a vast difference between product defect and lifespan. When the time comes to replace the old shingles, the warranty will be of no help.

Q: Does metal roofing come in more than one style?

A: Unlike asphalt shingles, which have little style variation, metal roofing comes in a wide array of both styles and colors! The sky's the limit when it comes to customizing your new metal roof.

For further information on comparing metal and asphalt shingle roofing, click here. Quarve Contractors in a Minnesota licensed exterior remodeling contractor, and we've been installing metal roofing right here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for over 30 years.  We install metal roofing in communities that include the zip codes of 55082 (Stillwater, Grant Township, Lakeland, Oak Park Heights.) and 55077 (Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake). If you're considering a new metal roof for your home, contact us today. We'll provide you with a free estimate and answer any questions you may have.