WHY A METAL ROOF IS BETTER THAN ASPHALT SHINGLES

Creating More Sustainable Homes

What is the one remodeling choice that makes your home more energy-efficient, saves you money, and helps the planet? Simple. All you have to do is choose better roofing materials.

Metal or Asphalt

Imagine you just installed new asphalt shingles on your home. You’re excited because 1) you have a new roof and 2) it makes your home complete and more secure. Did you know there is a better roofing option out there? It’s more durable, has greater longevity, and is a more sustainable option for the planet - metal shingles.

We are going to walk you through the pros and cons of both asphalt and metal shingles to help you decide what fits your lifestyle needs and wants best.

Why Asphalt Shingles are Out

There is no denying that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market right now. Easy installation and affordability make them an attractive option for homeowners everywhere. While asphalt shingles provide many benefits, their evident disadvantages are too severe to ignore.

Pros of Using Asphalt Shingles:

  • Asphalt shingles can last up to 15-30 years, but Colorado’s weather can cut longevity in half
  • Average installation time is fast: 1-2 days for a 1600 square foot residential home
  • Several colors and styles available
  • Asphalt shingles are more affordable than other roofing products on the market

Cons of Using Asphalt Shingles:

  • Multiple problems can occur if installation is done improperly including,
      • Your roof looking uneven
      • Asphalt shingles that are different colors, missing, or damaged
      • Stains on your roof, a common sign of leakage
      • Using the wrong nails to attach your shingles
      • Missing the protective layer underneath your shingles to prevent early aging, peeling, and leakage
  • Excess granule loss can hurt the appearance, strength, and durability of your home
  • Colorado has large seasonal weather shifts in temperature from day to night on a daily basis
    • Average temperatures during Colorado winter’s range from 16°- 54°F
    • Weather fluctuations cause expanding and contracting, which can crack asphalt shingles
    • On average, Colorado has about 300 days of sunshine a year. Extended UV ray exposure damages protective layers of shingles, causing warping and cracking
  • Asphalt shingles are detrimental to the environment
    • Made out of petroleum products, asphalt shingles creates carbon emissions from manufacturing and landfills

Environmental Impact of Asphalt Shingles:

What happens to asphalt shingles when you get your roof replaced? Where do they go? About 10 million tons of torn-off shingles end up in U.S. landfills every year. 10 million tons! That’s about 30 times as heavy as the Empire State Building. If they can’t be recycled into new asphalt they will sit in landfills waiting 300 years to break down. This creates enormous amounts of carbon emissions not only from asphalt manufacturers but also the landfills processing asphalt shingles. One way to recycle asphalt is by repaving roads, but while possible has many roadblocks. Not only is the process expensive, there is a lack of facilities available to recycle asphalt shingles. This non-renewable material isn't a sustainable product for the Earth or your home. It is important to not only think about roofing material but also what this roofing material means for the planet and future generations to come.

Why Metal Shingles are In

The new, slick-looking metal roofs put your home above the rest. Endeavor Exteriors works with a phenomenal company, EDCO. With over 75 years in the industry, EDCO knows quality and can guarantee that almost all their products are 100% recyclable - a statement no one else in this industry can make. This greener, more sustainable product is the way of the future.

Pros of Using Metal Shingles:

  • EDCO metal shingles are set to last 50 years or more (2x as long as asphalt shingles)
  • Metal is non-combustible so it cannot catch on fire
  • Products are currently made with a minimum of 25% recycled materials
  • Metal shingles are highly energy-efficient due to their reflective nature, lowering cooling costs for your home
  • EDCO has a lifetime, non-prorated warranty on products and labor for the best customer experience possible

Cons of Using Asphalt Shingles:

  • Hail can dent the steel
  • Rain can sound louder on metal roofs (Extra installation can prevent this)
  • More expensive to install than other materials
  • Takes longer to install (Roughly 2-3X longer than asphalt shingles)

Environmental Impact of Metal Shingles:

What happens to your metal roof when it gets replaced or damaged? If left in a landfill, steel can take 50 years to decompose, while aluminum can take 200-500 years. Luckily, there are two eco-friendly ways to reuse or recycle your metal roof. First, consider reusing it for fun DIY artwork. This can include making wall or yard art out of your old roof or even creating magnetic boards. A fun and eco-friendly way to reuse your old material. Another great option is recycling your metal roof. Since metal roofs are currently made out of a minimum of 25% recycled materials it's easy to recycle your material into a new roof for someone else. You might also be able to make some money from recycling your scrap metal. Colorado Iron & Metal Inc. offers to pay out cash for scrap steel weighing 500lb minimum.

IT ALL STARTS WITH ENDEAVOR EXTERIORS

With all the facts laid out, it’s time to pick the right company to help you with your roofing project. But look no further because Endeavor Exteriors is here to cater to your needs. With a one-of-a-kind customer experience designed just for you, this team can not only give you the home of your dreams but an amazing experience throughout the project. Our manufacturers understand the importance of creating environmentally friendly products that promote a more sustainable future for everyone, while never sacrificing quality. Endeavor Exteriors provides clear and consistent communication throughout your whole project and offers real-time updates with our extraordinary technology. This allows for complete transparency throughout your project. Your experience is the most important part of the project. We understand the investment, time, and trust you give us to complete your home projects. We are always striving to deliver a better service, better experience, and a better industry. Endeavor Exteriors will leave you excited with your result and ready to use us again for your next project. Let Endeavor Exteriors help make your home greener, one roof at a time. Author: Makenna Peters