Is Metal or Asphalt Better for your Greensboro Roofing?

Here at Xterior LLC, we have been completing Greensboro roofing projects, as well as home improvement projects throughout the Triad for decades. We install both metal roofs and asphalt roofs. Which option is better for your home? There is no one right answer. Let’s compare these two roofing materials, so you can determine the right roofing system for your needs.

Metal and Asphalt Roof Styles

First, you have to love the look of your roof. Beyond the function, think about driving home every day after work and pulling up to your house. Which option makes you excited to see your home? You don’t want to hate the look of your next roof. It will protect your home for many years. At one time, a metal roof wasn’t super stylish. It was best for commercial roofing, since it was more about utility than appearance. Your only options were huge brown or beige slabs of metal. Frankly, metal roofing got a bad (but deserved) reputation as an eyesore. Today, metal roofs rival other roofing options in terms of style. You can get metal roofing in large panels, but you can also find smaller shingle-like options. Our roofing company takes pride in offering so many different metal options. We even have metal that looks like other materials, such as cedar, clay, or asphalt. If you are looking for something unique to give your home personality, metal is the way to go. (While you’re at it, we can spruce up your vinyl siding or windows to complete the unique look!) Of course, asphalt and metal both come in a broad range of color options. Many people think of asphalt as rough black shingles, but in reality, you can choose from many colors to match or complement your home’s siding, brick, or stone. During your free consultation, we can show you examples of all color and style options. If you aren’t sure what you want, we can also make recommendations based on the current look of your home. Our team is well-versed in designing homes that look great. Check out our gallery of completed projects here.

The Longevity of Your New Roof – Metal versus Asphalt

When it comes to longevity of your new roof, there is no competition. Metal roofs can last decades longer. It’s one of the biggest benefits of using metal for you roof replacement. A metal roof should last over 50 years. It is probably the last roof you’ll ever need, as long as you hire a high-quality roofing contractor like Xterior LLC. That’s not to say that asphalt roofs are low-quality. They can still last approximately 20 years when properly installed. Asphalt is widely-used, budget-friendly and durable. Just keep in mind that you may have to replace an asphalt roof a few times during the same lifetime of a metal roof. The metal roof may have a higher upfront cost, but in the long-term, the cost may not be much higher. In both cases, do your research and always work with a roofing company that focuses on the latest roofing installation techniques and top-of-the-line products. When we install roofs, we go above and beyond the industry standards. For example, when installing metal roofs, we use larger screw heads and silicone gaskets instead of rubber gaskets. This helps prevent roof damage so your roof lasts longer. Keep in mind that here in North Carolina, we have to be prepared for large storms with high winds. Metal roofs do tend to hold up better, especially with the use of roof closure strips. This is a step that some Greensboro roofing contracting teams ignore. However, roof closure strips prevent wind from getting under the metal panels and pulling them off, even in hurricane winds. These strips will also prevent moisture problems and stop wildlife from crawling under your roof panels. If you do need a repair, metal roofing can be more expensive. With asphalt it is easier to repair your roof if you lose a shingle or two. Roof damage with a metal roof can take longer to repair and cost a bit more. Metal roofs also provide a layer of protection against fire. While they won’t completely stop a fire, they are more fire resistant. Because of this, and the resistance to wind damage, mold and insects, a metal roof could actually decrease your insurance premiums. Speak with your insurance company to learn more about how much you could save if you install a metal roof. Speaking of insurance, our free estimate will include an inspection of your current roof. If you have storm damage, part or all of your new roof may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Some asphalt shingles are fire-resistant as well. If this quality is important to you, our team can help you choose the asphalt style that gives you extra fire protection.

Which Roof Type to Choose for a Greener Home

Is it important to you to have a green home? If so, a metal roof might be the best choice for you. In general, metal roofs are made with more sustainable materials and can help you decrease your energy use. When you choose metal for your new roof, you can work with completely recycled materials. You probably won’t need a new roof for many decades. However, someday when the roof is replaced, this metal can be recycled again. It is a sustainable material today and in the future. A metal roof is a great selling point when the time comes. Buyers will pay a premium if they know that the roof will last many more years. Additionally, keep in mind that metal roofing can help keep your home cool in the summer, which is when most North Carolina homeowners deal with higher energy bills. It is a complete myth that metal roofs make a home an oven. They actually reflect the sun. Not only is this great for the environment, it is also great for your wallet. How much can you save? This depends on your existing roof, the amount of shade your home gets, and other factors. During your consultation, we can speak with you about what you can expect if you switch to metal.

The Roof Installation Process for Metal and Asphalt

The installation process for your new roof depends on whether you choose metal or asphalt, as well as other factors. To start, we have to consider your roof shape. Both residential roofing materials can work with your home or on a commercial structure, no matter what kind of existing roof you currently have. However, the installation process is different if you have a flat roof versus a heavily peaked roof. If your roof is extremely steep or has many design elements, this can also affect the roof installation process for both metal and asphalt. Regardless of your roof shape, we’ll begin with removal of your current roof. We’ll remove your old shingle roofing before we install your new shingles. It is critical to check the structure beneath the roof to ensure that no leaks have caused mold or other damage to the wood, before installing a new roof. You want to be certain that your new roof isn’t covering some structural damage that could cause a major issue in the future. Metal panels are a bit more difficult to install. That’s why it is important to hire a roofing contractor with experience. Our roofing company has been in the home improvement business for more than 45 combined years. We provide roofing service to both residential and commercial properties. So, we have the right experience needed to ensure your roofing project is completely on time and on budget. More importantly, we can ensure your roof is installed correctly the first time. When you hire the Xterior team, you don’t have to worry about dealing with leaks, mold, pests, storm damage, and other common roof problems due to poor craftsmanship.

Metal and Asphalt Roofing Costs

One of the biggest differences between metal and asphalt roofing is the upfront cost. As a homeowner, you may be wondering which option is best for your budget. The answer isn’t as simple as you may think. The upfront costs for a metal roof system are higher. The material itself is simply more expensive. The panels are also more difficult for our team to install. Asphalt costs, on average, about three times less than metal. For both metal and asphalt, your exact cost will depend on the specific style and color you choose, as well as your roof size and special considerations. If you need any vinyl siding or window replacement done at the same time, this will also increase your costs. Although upfront costs for a metal roof are higher, the long-term costs may be lower. As noted, metal roofs often withstand storms better, which means lower repair costs. They last decades longer, so you’ll need a roof replacement less often. And of course, they can help lower your energy bill and insurance costs. Over time, getting an asphalt roof might actually be more expensive. Our experts can guide you through the decision-making process to determine which is best for your situation.

Paying for Greensboro Roofing – Your Financing Options

If the upfront costs of a metal roof or even an asphalt roof seem scary, don’t worry. We have financing options for qualified homeowners! Roof financing allows you to meet your roofing needs without worrying about your bank account. Qualified homeowners can even get access to our no-money-down financing programs, which means you don’t have to spend a single dollar today to get a new roof. We’ll walk you through the process so you understand your interest rate and monthly payment obligations. If our roof financing plans are not for you, we also recommend calling your lender to learn about home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. These are two helpful options if you need residential roofing services and have some equity built up from making regular mortgage payments. Whether you finance your roof through us or pursue another financing option, we can take on the project. We even work with insurance companies if you need to put in an insurance claim. Our team can take lead with the insurance paperwork and communication. We speak their language and can ensure you don’t pay out of pocket if you are covered by insurance.

Professional Roof Services for Greensboro and Surrounding Communities

No matter what type of roof you choose, always hire a professional installation team like Xterior LLC. Uninsured contractors can put your home at risk. Did you know…

• If someone is hurt on the job, you could be liable if they are uninsured.
• Any problems that occur during the job, such as damage to other parts of your home, might not be covered, so you have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
• The contractors might not be installing the roof properly, which means you may be facing major roof repairs in just a few years along with damage to other parts of your home.
• Your own insurance may not cover repairs you need in the future if the work was done by an individual who does not have the training to install roofs properly.
• Unprofessional teams can easily disappear with your money halfway through the project or even before the project starts, and they very rarely provide contracts to protect you.

This is just a short list of reasons you should always choose an insured, professional roof contractor. Ask to see the paperwork. Any legitimate contractor will be happy to show you their proof of insurance. We not only provide our insurance information, but also draw up a contract so you know the exact costs of your project upfront. There will be no last-minute surprises. As a BBB-accredited, local company, we will always be available, should you need us for future projects. Our focus is on providing professional, reliable, budget-friendly options for your roofing needs. We are proud to be an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. That means that we can offer you some of the best warranties in the roofing industry. Also, make sure the team you hire is the team who will actually be doing the work. Sometimes, you’ll meet one person and they’ll turn around and hand off the project to someone else. Here at Xterior LLC, we oversee your project with our professional team. We want to make sure that the work is done right and that you’re completely satisfied with the results. Are you ready for a free consultation about your roof project? Fill out the form above and a member of our team will reach out with more information. Or, give us a call at 336-329-3667.

For informational purposes only.