Michigan

Which Roof Is The Best For Your Home in Michigan?

In Michigan, frigid winds and frozen precipitation come from all directions and it’s the roof that has to bear the brunt of that.

This is why the most common roofs installed in the state are asphalt shingles and metal roofing, mainly because they have shown great resistance against these cold climate conditions.

So if you are in Michigan and you’re in the market for a new roof, you might be wondering which of the two should you choose as well.

To help you, let’s discuss in this blog both asphalt shingles and metal roofing, their relevant pros and cons, and our thoughts about which roofing option you should go with.

Asphalt Shingles

This type of roofing system is made primarily out of asphalt and other asphalt roofing components. It has two types – fiberglass and organic – and can come in three different styles: 3-Tab, dimensional, and luxury.

Pros

  • Resistance to cold climate. Asphalt shingles, especially fiberglass, does really well in all types of weather, including cold and snow. They shed ice and snow quite easily, which is why they are perfect for Michigan’s climate.
  • Provides good insulation. Fiberglass asphalt shingles can help insulate and retain heat in the home’s interior, resulting in lower heating bills during cold weather.
  • Asphalt shingles are more affordable than metal roofing, costing around $5,000 to $8,000 only for a 2,000-square-foot roof.

Cons

  • Wear out more quickly. Traditional asphalt shingles wear out faster in harsh weather conditions, unlike metal roofs. Thus, you may need to replace them every 15 to 30 years, or even sooner.

 

  • More maintenance. Asphalt shingles will need regular roof maintenance. In addition, they can also crack during harsh winter weather which is why you may have to factor in repairs every now and again to prevent further damage.

Metal Roofing

 

A metal roof is simply a roofing system made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, tin, copper, or titanium. They come in the form of corrugated metals, shingles, slate, tiles, or standing seams.

 

Pros

 

  • Climate resistance. Metal roofing materials are perfect for Michigan as they perform exceptionally well in harsh, cold climates. Even snow and ice would slide off them easily, preventing ice dams from forming.
  • Provides good insulation. Metal is a good thermal conductor, which means it may hold more heat than asphalt shingles. They insulate homes extremely well, keeping the interiors warm and comfortable in cold climates.
  • Metal roofs are extremely durable. So long as they are properly installed, they can last for up to 70 years or even longer. You won’t have to worry about strong, frigid winds as they are highly resistant to wind damage.

Cons

  • Expensive. Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingles. The cost of installation varies by region, but the national average is between $5,300 and $14,700.
  • Since they are made of metal, this roofing system can be noisy, especially during heavy rain, high winds, and hail storms which have been common in Michigan in recent months and years.

Final Thoughts

When deciding whether you should choose asphalt shingles or metal roofs for your home in Michigan, take into consideration all their pros and cons.

If you are looking for a roof that is fairly affordable and does pretty well in cold climates, then asphalt shingles may be a good option. You just have to be prepared for regular roof maintenance and possible constant roof repairs and replacement.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a roof that can also withstand cold weather and are extremely durable, then metal roofing may be the best choice for you. However, you should be prepared to pay more since metal roofs are relatively expensive.

If you need help in deciding, contact Michigan’s best roofing contractor for expert advice and recommendations. Go with Green Homes Roofing and Solar as they also specialize in both asphalt shingles and metal roofing. They can help you decide which of the two is the best fit for you and your home.

Share The Post