Replacing your roof is simply always going to be a big cost. It’s just one of those things in life. Obviously, it’s not something anyone wants to spend their money on, but it’s a necessity. Our goal is to prevent you from having to spend more money on it than is necessary.
So let’s break down how to prevent that.
Thinking Beyond the Price Tag
When it comes to roofs, many are thinking about the cheapest option they can afford right now with the money on hand. It’s important to think of your roof not as a short term purchase, but a long term investment. We need to assess maintenance and what it will cost you over time, not just today. So let’s ask – what is this roof actually going to cost me over time?
Long Term Options: Asphalt vs Metal
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt is what most residential properties have on their roof. It has about a 15–25 year lifespan and costs roughly $4–$8 per square foot. Asphalt is a good sturdy option but depending on location, weather, storms, snow, seasons, and just general wear and tear. Asphalt shingles can crack, grow moss or algae and requires some maintenance.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing has a much longer lifespan of about 40-70 years. The catch is that it costs more upfront, at about $11–$19 per square foot. Metal is a very sturdy option that truly holds up against weather, seasons, snow, storm damage, etc requiring little to no maintenance.
Metal can probably last you the rest of your entire life in your home. If you go with asphalt, it’s something that will need to be replaced down the road every 15-20 years.
Cost Reducers
On top of metal roofs requiring basically no maintenance, some insurance companies offer discounts for metal roofs because they perform better in weather conditions like hail, wind, and fire conditions. Additionally, metal is known to reflect the sun so it has the potential to lower electric costs. These are smaller factors, but just some perks to add.
Not Sure Which One Makes Sense for Your Home?
When deciding what works best for you, think about if you can afford a long term investment. How long do you plan to stay in that property? What is the condition of your current roof? For some homes, asphalt is truly the best choice. For thinking long term, go metal.
If you’re in the middle of getting estimates and trying to make sense of the numbers, you’re not alone. This is usually the point where things feel confusing!
We help homeowners throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania look at their options and figure out what actually makes sense for their home.
If you want a second opinion or just want someone to walk through it with you, you can reach out here!