Choosing between a metal roof or asphalt shingles is a big decision. The choice you make will have a significant impact on the roof’s performance and longevity, as well as the overall look and value of your home.

As roofing contractors in Austin, TX, we know how important the right roof is to keep your home safe in our unique climate. To help you make the best choice for your home, let’s take a look at what factors to consider when choosing between asphalt shingles and a metal roof.

Understanding Austin’s Climate

Austin has long, hot summers, intense sunshine, high temperatures, and occasional heavy downpours. These weather patterns make it hard for roofing systems to properly regulate your home’s indoor temperature or protect it from the elements.

Your home’s roofing type should ideally be able to:

• Use heat reflection to minimize heat absorption, keep homes more relaxed, and reduce energy consumption. Reflecting heat is particularly important in Austin, where temperatures can soar above 100°F for extended periods.
• A durable roof will protect your home and minimize the need for costly repairs. It will also resist damage from intense sun, heavy rain, strong winds, and the occasional hailstorm.
• Help reduce cooling costs by minimizing heat transfer into your attic and living spaces.
• Stand the test of time by providing longevity and durability.

Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofing is a long-time favorite for homeowners due to its easy installation and low-cost materials. Typically taking the form of sheets, stacks, or rolls, shingles are made of a ceramic top layer, with asphalt covering its fiberglass base. Roofing contractors nail these shingles into wooden roof structures in a pattern that moves up from the roof’s lowest point.

There may be better choices for a home in a climate as hot as Austin. Those affordable materials are often cheap to produce and have a much shorter lifespan. The result can be more maintenance or even a roof replacement sooner than you anticipated.

High winds, hail, and extreme temperature fluctuations can damage shingles, requiring more frequent repairs or replacements. The intense sun and occasional storms in Austin can also impact asphalt shingles, leading to curling, cracking, and granule loss.

Asphalt roofing also tends to soak up heat much faster than metal. Because asphalt shingles don’t reflect the sun’s rays well, the heat will likely be trapped in your home’s attic and upper levels.

Traditional asphalt shingles are petroleum-based and contribute to landfill waste. While some eco-friendly shingle options are available, they are generally less common and more expensive.

Metal Roofing

With Austin’s scorching temperatures and intense sunlight, homeowners need roofing options that withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. For many Austin homes, metal roofs are the right decision—the reflective nature of metal helps to bounce out a great deal of the sun’s rays.

The protection from the heat can also be a big help to your overworked air conditioning unit. When homeowners choose a metal roof, it often means significant energy savings. In a study by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, data shows up to a 25% reduction in cooling costs when choosing metal roofing over asphalt shingles. That’s nothing to sneeze at in this climate, as it can mean hundreds of dollars in yearly savings.

Metal roofs also excel in longevity. That’s because they’re highly durable even in the worst weather conditions, often lasting 40 to 70 years. Metal roofing withstands fire and extreme conditions like wind and hail. That means you’ll be comfortable and safe in your home no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

Lastly, metal roofing is typically built from high-quality recycled materials, which can lessen the environmental impact and carbon footprint of a roof replacement.

Different Types of Metal Roofs

Although nearly all metal roofs will get the job done, each material type has pros and cons. Let’s examine the three most common types—steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc–-and what you can expect.

• Steel – Thanks to its strength, durability, and affordability, roofing made from galvanized steel is an excellent choice. Steel roofing materials also come with a protective zinc layer, which helps reduce corrosion. Plus, steel is one of the most accessible types of metal roofs to install, which can be a big help to your budget.
• Aluminum – Lightweight aluminum roofing is known for its resistance to corrosion and high capacity for heat reflection. It also comes in many styles and colors, making it easy to get the visual look and curb appeal you want. While it is a bit more expensive than steel, the increase in durability cuts down on maintenance over time.
• Copper and Zinc – Metal roofs made from copper or zinc aren’t quite as common as steel and aluminum, but they offer a unique look without sacrificing exceptional longevity. Over time, copper roofing develops a warm patina, which gives it a unique and distinctive look. Zinc roofing is also very durable and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent option for homes in coastal areas. Both copper and zinc roofing are more expensive than steel and aluminum roofing, but they can last centuries with the proper upkeep.

Making the Right Choice for Your Austin Home

Metal roofs are commonly chosen in a scorching climate like Austin because of their superior performance. The benefits of metal roofing include significant long-term savings on energy bills, and homeowners can rest assured knowing they’re the right choice for a sustainable future.

Considering Roof Repair, Replacement, or Maintenance?

With all the effort you’ve put into selecting the correct type of roof, shouldn’t you also invest in properly installing it? At RoofsOnly.com, our team of qualified roofing contractors in Austin handles everything from minor repairs to complete replacements. We have deep experience in roof repair in Austin, roof replacement, emergency roof replacement, and roof maintenance. We work with roofs of all types and always comply with Austin’s building codes for safety. Our team is based in the Austin area and can help you choose the type of roof that works best in this climate.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your roof replacement in Austin with our skilled technicians. We will assess your roof’s condition and discuss the best options for your home or business. RoofsOnly.com provides reliable, professional roofing services in Austin, TX. We are a locally owned family business and want to ensure Austin-area residents receive the best possible service.