Stone Coated Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles

The two most popular roofing materials on the market today are asphalt shingles and stone-coated metal. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so weighing those benefits against any disadvantages is important before making a final decision. This article highlights the differences between these two roofing materials (in no particular order), so you can learn more about them before deciding which option is best for your home.

Their Resiliency

One thing that both materials have in common is that they are both very resilient, which is a good thing because a weather-resistant roof is important in any residential or commercial property. When it comes to asphalt shingles, they can withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour without any problems. However, if you live in an area with hurricanes, the shingles may not withstand the high winds and heavy rains associated with these storms. Stone-coated metal is even more resilient than asphalt roofing shingles because it has been tested at over 200 mph winds and shows no signs of wear (withstanding these winds for up 70 years). As long as you live in a milder climate where hurricanes and other powerful storms are infrequent, stone-coated metal, and asphalt shingles make perfect options.

 Installation

These two materials have completely different installation processes, which means that one may be easier for you to install than the other. For instance, the Technonicol asphalt shingles are installed horizontally, meaning that when you install them on your roof, they are attached from left to right (if your home faces north). That is, they are easier to install with a ladder by simply attaching them one by one before moving down the roof line. Stone-coated metal is installed vertically, meaning the opposite of asphalt shingles. When installing this material, you will attach them from right to left (if your home faces north), making it easier if you install the roof yourself. The downside to a vertical installation process is that it may be more difficult for specialty contractors and roofers with limited access to your roof.

Dimensional Stability

The two roofing materials differ in terms of dimensional stability, or how well each material maintains its shape over time (especially in extreme weather conditions). Asphalt shingles have much less dimensional stability than stone-coated metal, making them less likely to maintain their shape as they age. For example, if you live in an area where winters get cold, asphalt shingles may crack when the temperature drops and warm air is pushed out of the cracks. That is because asphalt shingles are not as strong as stone-coated metal, so they are not designed to withstand these low temperatures.Stone-coated metal roof tiles have much more dimensional stability than asphalt shingles, and this is because it has been engineered to withstand the strain associated with freezing temperatures.

Cost

The cost of each material also tends to differ depending on where you are located because the cost can vary based on location and labor costs. On average, asphalt shingles could cost anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot, which is not an impressive price for a new roof. Stone-coated metal, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from .50 to $2.00 per square foot, meaning there is a more dramatic difference in cost between these two materials. Due to their vertical installation process, the main reason for this dramatic difference in cost is that the installation process of stone-coated metal takes more time and effort than asphalt roofing shingles. Keep this in mind when deciding between asphalt shingles and stone-coated metal for your roof.

Longevity

While asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years, stone-coated metal has a lifespan of more than 50 years. Knowing each roofing option's cost and longevity is important because it can help you determine if the investment will be worth it in the long run. Yet another reason why stone-coated metal is more expensive than asphalt shingles is that it lasts longer than asphalt shingles, and its durability adds to its longevity when installed properly.

Venting Options

 Asphalt shingles have many different venting options in addition to automatic vents, such as ridge caps, chimney flashings, and flue collars. Stone-coated metal, however, does not have any additional venting options other than the automatic vents built into the roof. If a home has a chimney or an attic with a water heater or other mechanical components, asphalt shingles may be a better option because they can more easily accommodate these features.

Fire Resistance

 Asphalt shingles do not burn when exposed to fire but can melt and warp when exposed to very high temperatures. People often associate asphalt shingles with home fires because many homes that burned down were made out of asphalt shingles, first put on the roof and then on the walls. Stone coated metal, however, does not burn easily and cannot melt or warp when exposed to very high temperatures. That means that stone-coated metal is a safer material for homes than asphalt shingles, especially if you live in an area known for hurricanes or tornadoes that can cause extreme fire damage.

Weight

Another difference between these two roofing materials is that asphalt roofing shingles are less heavy than stone-coated metal roofing. Asphalt shingles, made from synthetic materials, weigh about 30 pounds per square (PSF). However, stone-coated metal roofing weighs between 55 and 70 PSF. This weight difference is a major factor in installation time and labor costs. Because of this, asphalt shingles are generally cheaper than stone-coated metal roofing in many areas of the country.

These are the important differences between asphalt roofing shingles and stone-coated metal. These differences may influence your decision to choose stone-coated metal over asphalt shingles if you need to make an immediate replacement. But if you have time to make an appropriate comparison between the two materials and think you may need more information, read this next post to learn more about how they differ. And remember, no matter which material you choose for your roof, it is vital that your roof is properly installed by a qualified contractor whose license has been properly inspected by the state or local fire department. When a licensed contractor installs your new roof, it guarantees that all standards set by code are applied, and all installation requirements are followed.

Other Articles Related to Your Search