Comparing Metal Roofs and Shingle Roofs: Which is Better?
Take a quick study of the roofs in San Diego and you’ll find out that nearly every roof you’ll see on residential buildings is made from shingles; whether wood shake or asphalt shingles. It is hard to find homes with metal roofs, and there are several potential reasons for this situation.
Why are shingles favored over metal roofs in San Diego?
1. Cost and Durability
Perhaps, the price might be the first factor because metal roofs are costlier compared to shingled roofs. To make up for their expensive nature, they bring durability into the mix because they can last for up to 70 years. On the other hand, shingled roofs last between 40 and 50 years, and they are cheaper than metal roofs.
In a bid to make housing more affordable in San Diego, you would find that builders use shingles as the standard roof throughout the region, despite sacrificing some level of durability to gain cost-effectiveness.
2. Weather and Climate
You can also associate the popularity of shingled roofs in San Diego with the mild climate in the region. Metal roofs are favored in regions with extreme temperatures, but since San Diego hardly deals with extreme weather, and has very few occurrences of snowfall, there’s almost no need to invest in metal roofs, except for the homeowner’s peace of mind.
Metal roofs are very energy efficient and have global renown for protection from bad environmental and weather conditions, including blizzards and hurricanes and their, and they are highly sought-after in regions where these conditions are common. Again, going back to San Diego, you can easily tell why shingles are popularly used and accepted. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are affordable as well.
3. Homeowners Association
Another strong reason for the uniformity of shingle roofs in San Diego is the presence of Homeowners Associations. Most of the houses in San Diego were built based on the subdivision method under which there is a homeowners’ board or association that ensures and oversees the values of homes within a given region. The association also ensures that uniformity is maintained across the division, and they go on to dictate the color and type of roof to be installed by the homeowner.
So, once early builders have used shingles in their houses, it is almost impossible for one house to opt for different roofing material. If you have already installed shingle roofs, it won’t be possible to switch to metal roofs for as long as you remain in a subdivision that dictates the type and color of the roof to use.
Now you see why you would hardly find metal roofs in the metropolitan area of San Diego. You can expect that even in years to come when roofs will be replaced, shingles will still be the preferred material for that replacement.
Before you think that it is a terrible situation, remember that shingles also have a good lifespan, and there is an additional reason to love shingle roofs. Let’s discover it now.
4. Solar Technology
These days, solar technology is becoming popular, and we now have solar panels attached to shingles, which is another reason they are taking over from metal roofs because more people want to go solar and shingle roofs help them to do just that.
The recent solar products blend seamlessly with shingle roofs because you can now find architectural shingles with in-built solar power technology. Also, installing a solar panel on top of a shingle roof is seamless and will not cause any damage. As a matter of fact, there will be less roof leakage.
You also have a higher chance of approval when you use a solar shingle over a solar panel in a district with Homeowners’ Associations.
On the other hand, when dealing with metal roofing systems, solar panels can be installed but there is a high risk of leaks, which can damage the metal.
If you’re not sure which roof better suits your budget and housing needs, reach out for a free roof estimate today! If you’re about to start a roof replacement, consult an expert to guide you so that you choose a roof that not only suits your needs but will also be easiest and more affordable to repair or adjust in the future.