Deciding Among Roofing Types? Here Are the Pros and Cons of Asphalt and Metal
Homeowners today have more choices than ever when it comes to roofing types. Gone are the days when a few types of asphalt shingles were all that was realistically available in residential. Now, homeowners are free to choose among various shingle types, tile roofing, and metal, which has recently grown in popularity in the residential space.
Should You Switch from Asphalt Shingles to a Metal Roof in San Antonio, TX?
In short, it depends on your desired aesthetic, longevity, and budget. Asphalt shingles and metal roofing are among the most popular roofing materials, especially in San Antonio, TX. Many homeowners are switching from asphalt to metal for better durability, damage resistance, and energy efficiency.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we want you to make an informed decision. Here are the pros and cons of metal roofing compared to asphalt shingles:
✅ Pros of Metal Roofing
- Long-term durability and weather resistance
- Modern aesthetics and increased home value
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
❌ Cons of Metal Roofing
- Higher upfront cost
- Loss of traditional shingle appearance
- Requires specialized installation
In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into each pro and con of switching from asphalt to metal roofing so you can decide what’s best for your home.
Con: Upfront Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of metal roofing overall is that it ranks among the more expensive roofing types available. This is especially true compared to asphalt shingles, which remain one of the most affordable roofing materials.
While more durable or impact-resistant asphalt shingles may approach metal roofing costs, you’re still likely to pay more overall to switch to metal roofing, particularly if modifications will need to be made to your underlying roofing system.
Pro: Long-Term Protection
On the other hand, metal roofing is a wise long-term investment, particularly in storm-prone areas such as San Antonio. In many cases, a metal roof will withstand a hail storm that might completely destroy an asphalt shingle roof, saving you the trouble of scheduling (and potentially paying for) a roof replacement.
And while metal roofs generally withstand small hail effectively, large hail can result in metal roof hail damage by denting and fracturing the protective coating, potentially leading to rust over time.
Pro: Modern Aesthetic
Metal roofing systems provide your home with a modern-looking aesthetic. While previously metal roofs were designed almost exclusively for function over form, new metal roofing products have been tailored to the residential market. These newer products provide endless customization options to help you get the ideal look for your home.
Con: Losing the Classic Look of Shingles
All that said, if you simply like the classic look of asphalt shingles, there really isn’t any metal roofing product that can effectively emulate this aesthetic. Asphalt shingles have been massively popular for decades, and some homeowners just prefer how they look. For many, that appearance feels more like “home”—and it isn’t a look that is possible with metal roofing types.
Pro: Sustainability
Metal roofing products are generally far more sustainable than asphalt shingles. While some asphalt shingles may be recycled or reused, ultimately they are not biodegradable as most shingles are made from petroleum products.
Metal used in roofing, on the other hand, is often already made from recycled materials and can be recirculated once again after it has reached the end of its lifespan protecting your home.
Con: Requires a Trained Specialist
Most of the appeal of metal roofing compared to asphalt lies in its long lifespan and incredible durability. However, this requires the installation to be carried out by a highly experienced professional who will avoid errors, vulnerabilities, and other weak points that could compromise your roof prematurely or negatively impact the aesthetics.
The reality is that many roofing companies simply don’t work with metal very often, which means they may be ill-equipped to provide effective solutions to challenges during the installation process. This means it’s crucial to hire a trained specialist with demonstrated experience in metal roofing.
Dolan Roofing & Construction: San Antonio’s Top Metal Roofing Pros
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our team of experts is the go-to metal roofer serving San Antonio, TX. We’re renowned for our commitment to quality and our friendly service across every project we complete.
What’s more, we’re also known for our integrity and open communication with our clients—which means we’ll be right there with you to provide you with options and help you determine if switching to a metal roofing system makes sense for your home and your financial situation.
If you’re considering a roof replacement, we’ll help you make an educated decision for your home. Reach out to our team today and schedule an initial inspection!
