If you are like most homeowners here in Central PA, your home likely has an asphalt shingle roof. It’s the most common roofing material in our area, especially for new construction, because it is affordable, easy to install, and a quick installation process.
But just because you have an asphalt roof on your house right now doesn’t mean you need to keep it there.
See how you can upgrade your home’s styling and value by selecting a premium roof like metal, slate, or wood shake.
Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roof
Metal roofing is one of the most popular alternatives for homeowners looking to switch from asphalt shingles. That’s because they are long-lasting, durable, and look great on both a farm and on a sleek, modern home.
Why Choose a Metal Roof over Asphalt Shingles?
- Style: There’s nothing like the appearance of a standing seam metal roof, and there is no way to recreate it with an asphalt roof. Plus, a metal roof can be painted any color, so if you are looking for a specific color that’s unavailable in asphalt, you will want to go with metal.
- Long-Term Value: Metal roofs can last 35-45 years without the paint chipping, fading, or flaking away. After that, you may need to recoat the roof, which will extend the life of the roof another 40+ years.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs can reflect the sun’s rays away from your house, which can reduce your energy costs in the summer.
Asphalt Shingles vs Slate Roof
While slate roofs come at a premium over traditional asphalt shingles, the benefit is that they usually last 100+ years on a roof. Most homeowners choose slate for an authentic, historic appearance.
Why Choose a Slate Roof over Asphalt Shingles?
- Want to Invest in Your Property: Let’s face it- a slate roof will outlive all of us. While an asphalt shingle roof comes with a lifetime warranty, a slate roof will last a few generations worth of lifetimes. If you have a historic home or want to make an investment in the family homestead, slate is the way to go.
- Environmental Concerns: Asphalt shingles are a petroleum product, and when your shingle roof is replaced, the shingles are taken to a landfill. Slate roofs are made from a much more eco-friendly material: quarried stone. Plus, when a slate roof is replaced, the material is recycled- usually by slate roofers who use them to repair other slate roofs.
Asphalt Shingles vs Wood Shake Roof
Wood shake roofs were some of the first roofs installed in the United States hundreds of years ago. Here in the 21st century, many homeowners try to recapture that beauty from years gone by.
Why Choose a Wood Shake Roof over Asphalt Shingles?
- Gorgeous Appearance: Nothing beats the beauty of a wood shake roof, especially as the roof ages from a rich warm brown to gray. This look is very popular in historic districts and along the Main Line.
- Strength Against Hail: Each year there seems to be a few hail storms that move through Central PA. These storms usually cause enough damage to asphalt and metal roofs that they need to be replaced. And while wood roofs may get dinged or dented by hail, the wood won’t experience as much storm damage as the others.
When is an Asphalt Roof the Best Option?
In some cases, it does not make sense to select a premium quality roofing material (like metal, slate, or wood) over asphalt shingles. Here are a few examples:
- Selling Your House: When someone is planning to sell their house in the next 5 years, it is common for them to go with a more affordable roofing option. If you are purchasing a house or plan to live in the house for the next few years, you will be able to see the return on your investment in a premium roofing material.
- Attached Housing: If you live in a semi-detached, duplex, or townhouse, you may want to go with a similar roof material as the homes next to you.
- Interested in Solar: Solar is a popular investment for Central PA homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills. At Joyland, we install DecoTech solar systems that integrate directly with your asphalt roofing system.
Consider All Your Options for A New Roof
As your home’s roof nears the end of its expected lifespan, don’t just choose the exact same roof. Use this as an opportunity to upgrade your home’s appearance, increase your home’s value, and invest in a different style of roof.
To find out what roof options are best for you, check out our guide to roofing materials or contact us and schedule a free roof consultation.
Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor License (HIC) # PA124258