Time to Replace Your Roof? What Roof Type Is Best for Toledo Homes?

For Toledo residents, the decision to get a new roof can be difficult when trying to decide between metal and traditional roofing materials. As the first line of defense against the natural elements, your roof is the most important surface of your house. Before choosing the best roof for your home, perform some online research and speak to professionals in your area. Gathering information on both roofing types will help you determine which material is best for your home and climate.

Asphalt-Shingled Roofs – What are Shingled Roofs?

Asphalt-shingled roofs are the most popular roofing type in the country. The traditional roofing material is composed of asphalt-fiberglass shingles, nailed onto the roof in layers. Shingles can be replaced as damage occurs.

Lifespan

The materials are durable and can last from 10 to 25 years, depending on the climate. These roof types do require frequent maintenance to check for missing shingles and water damage. Evaluating the roof on a regular basis is necessary to ensure that water intrusion doesn’t cause deep wood damage. With proper maintenance, these roofs will last up to 25 years.

Maintenance

Inclement weather can often damage the shingles, causing them to blow off or lose surface pieces. Hail, snow, and ice can cause cracks or holes in shingles. If the damage is found quickly, it can be repaired without severe damage to the roof.

Costs

Shingled roofs are the least expensive roofing type for upfront costs. However, the long term, the roof will cost the homeowner more money for frequent labor, replacements, and repairs.

Energy Efficiency

Shingled roofs are great at keeping heat in the home during winters. In the summer, shingles absorb the sun’s heat and increase the home’s internal temperatures. If you live in a hot climate, asphalt roofs may raise the cost of air conditioning bills in the summer months.

Metal Roofs – What Are Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs are created from a variety of different metals, including copper, steel, and aluminum. The metal is then painted and covered with a durable coating to protect against the elements.

Lifespan

Metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 70 years. Metal roofs do not rust or cause water damage. Metal panels require proper maintenance to ensure they do not lift, mold, or rust. Durability is a selling point, and many manufacturers offer 50-year warranties.

Maintenance

Keeping up with a metal roof involves removing debris, washing off potential fungus, and ensuring metal chips aren’t present on the roof. Scratches or lifted metal can cause the roof to rust and lead to a decreased lifespan.

Costs

Metal roofs can be expensive upfront but reduce costs in the long-term. The homeowner can perform most of the maintenance the roof needs, which reduces overall costs. Metal roofs also require less frequent replacement, saving money over the course of a home’s lifespan.

Energy Efficiency

In the winter, metal roofs work to keep the home warm, but not as efficiently as shingled roofs. In the summer, metal roofs work better than their counterparts, reflecting the sun’s heat to keep homes cooler.

Making the Decision

The decision between metal and shingled roofs is a personal one. If you are in the market for a new roof, contemplate the pros and cons of each style. Do you live in a cold climate that never has heat waves? Shingled might be best. Do you live in the south, where it’s warm 10 months out of the year? Maybe metal would be better. Speaking to local professionals in your area can give you a good understanding of the roofing needs for your climate.

Metal Roofing Myths

As a side note, it’s important to address common myths associated with metal roofing. Many homeowners in Ohio don’t consider metal roofs because of negative aspects, most of which aren’t true. Before deciding on a roofing type, be sure to understand the real advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Common Metal Roofing Myths

Metal roofs attract lighting – Metal roofs have the same chance as traditional roofs, statistically, of lightning strike. The roofs can be safer than shingled roofs if lightning strikes them, because they are not flammable.

Metal roofs are loud – In past decades, yes, metal roofs were loud. It was one of the biggest complaints, so companies have fixed the problem by installing extra layers of sound-absorbing materials. Sound is no longer a problem.

Hail will damage metal roofs – Metal roofs are coated with durable dent-resistant products to prevent hail damage. Unless your region encounters the storm of a lifetime, you won’t have to worry about hail.