When the roof on your home in the greater Kansas City area begins to show signs of age, and you are facing shingle roof replacement, how do you decide between another round of fiberglass-asphalt shingles, or metal roofing? If you are not familiar with both types, you cannot make an educated decision. Bill West Roofing is experienced in both, and happy to install whichever you choose. Since no perfect roofing material exists, each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Shingle Roof Replacement
The fiberglass-asphalt shingle is, and has long been, America’s #1 choice in residential roofing material. If your Kansas City home is currently covered in shingles, shingle roof replacement can make sense. Shingles come in a wide array of colors, styles, and prices. A shingle roof is inexpensive to lay down, but will need replacement in roughly 15 to 20 years. If you do not plan to stay in your home for more than, say, a decade, a shingle roof replacement is a good financial option.
Fiberglass-asphalt shingles install quickly, feature integrated systems with roof vents, flashing, and starter courses, and hold up well in wind and against wind-borne debris.
Metal Roof Replacement
Suppose your Kansas City home had a shingle roof when you purchased it. You are not restricted to another shingle roof replacement. Metal roofing is available in many styles and can mimic many materials:
- vertical panel
- shakes
- shingles
- tile
- slate
- copper and other natural metals
Metal roofing is far more fire-resistant than any other roofing material. It is available in a wide array of finishes and colors. Like some fiberglass-asphalt shingles, it can provide energy efficiency, helping to lower cooling bills by increasing heat reflectance.
A metal roof that serves as a shingle roof replacement will last two to three times longer than the shingles it replaced. In turn, it is a bit more expensive to install. If you plan to make your Kansas City home your family’s homestead—staying for a generation or more—consider metal roofing. Metal roofing also maintains or increases both home value and curb appeal, providing a distinctive look.
Here to Help
To learn more about your options when considering roof replacement, contact us at Bill West Roofing, where we have years of experience installing both fiberglass-asphalt shingles and metal roofing.