When it comes to roofing materials, there are plenty of options to choose from, but two stand out: asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Both are highly popular and have several advantages, but it is important to choose a material that fits well with both your local weather conditions and your personal tastes.
As a homeowner in Wisconsin, a crucial factor that you need to consider when deciding on a roofing material, apart from its durability, is energy efficiency. But why does having energy-efficient roofing materials matter? Which option is more energy efficient? In this blog post we’ll explore these questions to help you find the right roofing option for your needs.
Why Does A Roofing Materials’ Energy Efficiency Matter?
If you are in the market for a new roofing material, then you might have seen the term “energy efficient” thrown around a couple of times.
The energy efficiency of a roofing material is all about how well it helps regulate your home’s temperature. A roof that’s energy efficient works to reflect heat in the summer and keep warmth inside during the winter. This means your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard, saving you money on energy bills because you’re using less.
Which Option Is The Right Choice?
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient materials available on the market today, as a large selling point for this roofing material is its ability to reflect sunlight easily. When the sun is beating down on a metal roof, instead of absorbing all that heat, the metal (whether it’s copper, steel, or aluminum) reflects a lot of it back. This makes metal roofs especially efficient in warmer climates, where keeping your home cool is a priority.
Insulation And Energy Savings
Installing the right type of insulation beneath a metal roof, can significantly increase your home’s energy efficiency. Although metal conducts heat more quickly than other materials, high-quality installation will prevent any heat from leaking into your home.
In the winter, this will work the other way, helping to keep heat in and your home warm without overloading your heating system.
How A Metal Roof Fares In Different Climates
Different weather conditions affect how a new metal roof will fare in terms of reflectance and energy efficiency.
In cooler climates, metal roofs may not offer as much energy savings, but they’re still incredibly efficient, especially when you combine them with proper insulation. In hotter climates, the benefits are undeniable, since less heat absorbed into your home means less energy used to keep it cool. If you live in a particularly sunny or warm region, metal roofs could be a real game changer for your energy bills.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs are still the go-to choice for many homeowners, and many of the questions our roofing company receives prioritize asphalt shingles. Though these shingles have come a long way in terms of appearance and durability, they are not as energy-efficient as metal roofs.
The biggest challenge with shingle roofs, especially asphalt ones, is that they tend to absorb heat rather than reflect it. That said, shingles come in various types, and some are designed to reflect more sunlight than others. For example, leading manufacturers have started making shingles that have solar-reflective granules. However, they are still a bit behind when compared to the reflective abilities of a metal roof.
Insulation And Heat Regulation
Shingles alone aren’t great at reflecting heat, but if your roof is well-insulated underneath, it can help reduce the amount of heat transferred into your home. Good insulation can offset some of the energy inefficiencies of shingles by regulating temperature better, both in summer and winter.
How An Asphalt Shingle Roof Fares In Different Climate
Shingle roofs tend to perform better in cooler climates, where absorbing a bit of heat can actually help keep the home warm. But in hotter areas, the lack of heat reflection might increase your cooling costs.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofs: Energy Efficiency At A Glance
Heat Reflectivity:
As we discussed, metal roofs are fantastic at reflecting heat, which keeps your home cooler and reduces the need for constant air conditioning. Shingle roofs, particularly asphalt, are more likely to absorb heat.
Winter Efficiency:
When it comes to colder weather, both metal and shingles perform well with proper insulation. However, metal roofs are often a bit more efficient at preventing heat loss.
Environmental Impact:
On an environmental level, metal roofs have an edge. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and they can be fully recycled again at the end of their life.
Other Differences Between Asphalt Shingles And Metal Roofs To Consider
Lifespan Of The Material
Metal roofs last much longer than shingles, sometimes up to 50-70 years. The lifespan of shingles, however, is only around 25-30 years. That means less frequent replacement and, ultimately, fewer expenses and hassle over the life of the home.
Cost (Initial and Long-Term)
Shingle roofs have a lower upfront cost (initial cost of installation) compared to metal. However, the long-term savings you get from energy efficiency and fewer replacements with metal roofs can balance out the higher initial investment over time.
Roof Appearance (Color and Style Options)
Shingle roofs offer a variety of styles and colors, which is why they’re so popular among homeowners looking for a traditional look. Metal roofs, while once limited in style, now come in a wide range of colors and designs, including styles that mimic shingles or even tiles.
Labor Costs
Shingles are easier and quicker to install, which often leads to lower labor costs. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can take longer to install and may require specialized labor, making the installation more expensive.
Environmental Impact
As mentioned earlier, metal roofs are often made from recyclable materials, and they can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan. Shingle roofs, especially asphalt shingles, tend to end up in landfills, making them less eco-friendly.
Maintenance Needs
Shingle roofs generally require more maintenance and repairs, especially after severe weather like storms or heavy snowfall. On the other hand, metal roofs are very low maintenance and less likely to suffer damage, making them more reliable in the long run.
Get Your Roofing Project Started Today!
As you can see, both metal roofs and asphalt shingles are great options for your Wisconsin home. While metal roofs are better than shingles in terms of energy efficiency and long-lasting ability, shingles take the edge when it comes to initial cost and appearance.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll want the expertise of a professional roofing company, such as the team at Prestige Roofing LLC. We offer premier roofing services to De Pere, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to learn more about how we can help you.