How Do Architectural Shingles Compare to Metal for Maryland Homes?

Maryland has a humid subtropical climate, so that means hot, muggy summers, cold winters with snow and ice, heavy rains, thunderstorms, occasional hail, and coastal wind risks in the eastern areas. These conditions demand roofing that can tough out the worst that Mother Nature throws. If you’re looking at your choices in the Glen Arm, MD area, you might be wondering if architectural asphalt shingles or metal roofing will be better.

Glen Arm, MD Roofing: Architectural Shingles vs Metal

Dealing With Heat and Wet

Maryland roofs face high humidity that promotes algae and mold. We’ve also got intense summer heat that bakes materials and winter freeze-thaw cycles that can cause cracking.

Architectural shingles do provide thicker, layered asphalt with better wind resistance than the old versions, but they still absorb heat and can lose granules over time. Metal roofing, which is usually made of steel or aluminum panels or standing-seam systems, reflects heat and sheds water and snow quickly.

Durability

Architectural shingles typically last 20 to 30 years in Maryland’s climate, though unchecked algae growth or a good hailstorm can shorten that to just 15 to 25 years.
Metal roofs routinely last 40 to 70 years or longer with proper installation.

Metal can typically handle winds over 120 mph, resists hail dents, and handles heavy snow without buckling. Shingles can lift or tear in gusts above 110 mph unless nailed perfectly, and hail often cracks them.

Energy Efficiency

Metal reflects solar heat, and that means you can often lower your cooling costs by 10% to 25 %, especially with cool-roof coatings. Architectural shingles come in lighter colors for some reflection, but the darker ones that are actually more common really absorb heat and raise your attic temperatures. In winter, both choices insulate similarly when paired with good ventilation.

Maintenance

Both require occasional inspections, and shingles need cleaning to prevent algae streaks and may require spot repairs after storms. Metal needs almost no maintenance beyond checking occasionally for loose screws on the older exposed-fastener systems. Standing-seam metal hides the fasteners and rarely leaks.

Appearance

Architectural shingles provide a traditional, dimensional look and are available in many colors. You can even mimic wood or slate with them. Metal comes in standing-seam for a modern, sleek profile or in shingles that look like asphalt, tile, or shakes.

Costs

Cost remains the biggest hurdle for metal. A typical roof replacement with premium architectural shingles runs close to half the cost of a metal installation. Metal installation also takes longer and requires a skilled crew.

Long-term, though, the equation flips. If you plan to stay 15 to 20 years or more in your home, you can count on breaking even or saving with metal because you won’t have to replace the roof. Metal also qualifies you for insurance discounts in many counties due to superior wind and hail ratings. Resale value on your home typically rises more with a metal roof, too, and you’re also likely to be saving monthly on energy costs in the summer.

We can help you evaluate your choices and make the right one for your home. Talk to us today at Green Solutions Remodeling in Glen Arm, MD to get started.

Tags: roof replacement, shingles
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