Metal roofs combine longevity, durability, energy savings, and increased home value—and they look great, too. Chosen for good reason by corporations and companies for many years, metal roofs have recently become more attractive as the variety of colors and styles has increased. Homeowners and businesses that prefer the look of regular shingles or wood shakes—or even ceramic tile—will be pleased to know there is a metal roof style for them, too. Metal roofing is a great choice for customers who are environmentally aware—as well as for those who like to save money. The roofs are both energy efficient and durable, and some kinds are made from recycled metals. Because metal roofs aren’t oil-based, they’re considered better for the environment than typical shingles, both at time of processing and at time of disposal. Metal roofs reflect instead of absorbing heat, so they can save clients on both cooling and heating costs, given a proper amount of insulation. By helping buildings retain their inside temperature, metal roofs can reduce utility bills up to 15% monthly—which adds up nicely over the lifespan of the roof. Another advantage of sheet metal roofs is that they last many years longer than traditional roofing choices, and require less maintenance. They are also fire resistant, which is especially important in wooded or dry regions, and they resist much of what else Mother Nature can deliver—including hail, snow, and wind, as well as sparks and embers. Many forward-thinking homeowners choose metal roofs as an investment in the future of their home. A properly installed metal roof will last for decades, and many come with a lifetime warranty. When it’s natural life is done, metal roofs can be at least partially recycled, rather than disposed of in a landfill. With a triple win as an environmental, cost-effective, and fire-safety option, a metal roof is a difficult option to beat.

Because roofs are so visible, their appearance and curb appeal are important to both business owners and homeowners. Shingles offer a variety of colors, patterns, textures, and styles to complement a building’s exterior. Despite an increasing number of other choices, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material choice, by far. One reason for this might be tradition, but another is the price point, as shingles are usually less expensive to buy and install. Additional considerations in deciding on shingles and the type of shingle are the architectural style of the building, the size and pitch of the roof, and the warranty offered. Despite an increasing number of other choices, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material choice, by far. One reason for this might be tradition, but another is the price point, as shingles are usually less expensive to buy and install. Additional considerations in deciding on shingles and the type of shingle are the architectural style of the building, the size and pitch of the roof, and the warranty offered. The three main types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. 3-tab asphalt shingles are popular due to their affordability, and in many established residential neighborhoods, they are the roofing material of choice. They give a clean, horizontal appearance to a building, and each individual shingle typically has varying color tones. Dimensional asphalt shingles are noted for their durability. As the name suggests, they have a multi-dimensional appearance and texture. This makes them stand out more than the classic 3-tabs, and gives the impression of wood shakes. Dimensional shingles have bypassed 3-tabs in overall popularity, and are seen as a more modern look. They also come in a wide variety of colors, so owners have a lot of leeway in choosing a contrasting or complementary color to top their buildings. Luxury asphalt shingles vie with natural slate or wooden cedar in terms of appearance, but they’re much more affordable than either—and easier to install. Although they are more expensive than the other two asphalt options, they also offer greater durability. Luxury asphalt shingles are especially popular with commercial building owners and homeowners who have period-style properties.