If you are a homeowner looking to do a Bay Area roofing project, it is likely you will be debating over which roofing material will make the best option for re-roofing your home.

In today’s residential roofing market there are a variety of roofing materials to choose from, such as asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, clay tile, or metal, and all of the choices can be overwhelming if you do not know where to start! Likewise, depending on where you are located and the price of labor for a roofing installation, it can also be difficult to decide upon a Bay Area roofing contractor to get the job done at the best price.

The good news for homeowners is that with some diligent research into the various roofing materials available, it is easier to narrow down your options, as well as help you in finding the best Bay Area roofing company for your home and your budget. With that being said, let’s take a closer look into two of the more popular roofing material options, metal and asphalt shingles, and compare the differences between them.

Metal Roofing and Shingle Roofing

First and foremost, one of the primary differences between a metal roof and a shingle roof is the cost, both in terms of the price of the material as well as the cost of labor and installation. The reason is that metal is considered to be higher in quality than other roofing textiles, since metal roofs require specialty skills and know-how when installing, as well as extra equipment than a traditional roof installation.

Whereas a material like asphalt shingles require less technical and more conventional set of equipment and process of installation, thus reducing the upfront cost. Since asphalt shingles are relatively affordable and easy to install, they remain one of the more popular roofing material options for Northern California homeowners. Believe it or not, asphalt shingles also come in a variety of styles and colors, which you can match to the specific style of your house.

What’s more, asphalt shingles which are properly installed have a lifespan of up to 15 years and only take a couple of days to install!

A metal roof however, is exceptionally more durable than a roof with asphalt shingles and can last up to 3 times longer without needing to be replaced.

Another benefit associated with a metal roof concerns the fact that it really is a valuable investment for your home; in fact, the installation of a metal roof can even increase the resale value of your home while helping lowering the annual cost of your energy bills! As previously mentioned, a metal roof requires a Bay Area roofing contractor who is equipped with the specialty knowledge and equipment necessary for the technical job of working with metal, and this is the main reason metal as a roofing material is so much more expensive upfront, compared to materials like asphalt shingles.

But remember, the old adage, you get what you pay for, is often true! So even though it may seem unappealing to pay so much more for the expert installation, a professional Bay Area roofing company is the only way to go-no matter what material you choose for re-roofing your home!