Deciding Between A Shingle Or Metal Shed Roof: What You Need To Know
January 25, 2021
Whether you are purchasing a new shed or replacing the roof on an existing shed, you have options for the kind of roofing material to use. For sheds, the choice is generally either an asphalt shingle such as the traditional three-tab shingles or upgraded Owens Corning™ Oakridge™ Architectural shingles we offer here at Sun Rise Sheds™ or metal roofing.
Each option has benefits and limitations, affecting everything from durability, cost, maintenance, and environmental impact. Todays blog post reviews the pros and cons you need to consider for both a shingle roof on your shed and metal roofing.
Opting for Asphalt Shingles
Frequently, sheds are purchased to match or coordinate with the style and color scheme of the main house. As many homes have an asphalt shingle roof, it is not surprising that many homeowners opt for an asphalt shingle roof on their shed as well. Before making that choice, however, you should consider the pros and cons of shingle roofs.
The Pros of Shingles for Your Shed Roof
Color & Style
Asphalt shingled roofs come in a range of colors that can match the shingles on an existing home. There are two styles of shingle roofs, architectural and three-tab. Both are available on sheds to match the roof of the home.
Expense
Shingle roofs are typically more affordable than metal. Installing roof shingles made of asphalt is significantly less expensive than installing a metal roof.
Maintenance
A shingle roof on a shed is easy to repair and replace. When there is a leak, only the damaged section needs to be replaced. Because no special equipment is needed, installing roof shingles during a repair is something you could even do yourself.
The Cons of Shingles for Your Shed Roof
Durability
Although shingled roofs may be inexpensive to install, they last only 10-15 years. Therefore, when factoring in the roof's true cost, you should also calculate the cost of replacing the roof over the life of the shed.
Weather-Resistance
Asphalt shingle roofs tend to be sensitive to high heat and rapid swings in temperature. Hot sun bakes shingles, making them brittle. Because shingles absorb heat, sheds with shingle roofs will be hotter in summer, an essential consideration if you plan to spend a lot of time in the shed. Finally, shingles can be susceptible to breaking off in high winds.
Environmental Impact
Being petroleum-based, asphalt shingles' manufacture process is fraught with negative environmental impacts. Also, asphalt shingles are mostly not recyclable, so they end up in landfills, creating more pollution.
The Pros of Metal Roofing for Your Shed
Marveling Over Metal Roofs
Metal roofs have long been associated more with commercial and agricultural structures than with residential homes. However, that is changing as more homeowners become familiar with the benefits of metal roofs both for their homes and their sheds. Metal roofs can work well on both wooden and metal sheds.
Color & Style
Thanks to advances in coatings, metal shed roofs can come in almost any color a homeowner likes. So, you can opt for a color that matches the roof on your house or go for a pop of color to make the shed stand out.
Durability
Metal shed roofs can last 40-70 years before needing to be replaced. Metal roofing comes in different thicknesses. Thicker metal roofs last longer than thinner ones.
Metal roofs do not rust, no matter how much precipitation falls on them. Most importantly, metal roofing is also fire resistant, making it a safer choice, especially when storing anything flammable.
Weather-Resistance
Because metal roofs reflect the sun's rays, the inside of the shed will stay cooler in the summer. In winter, snow simply slides off metal roofs rather than building up and adding weight stress to the roof support system. Finally, metal roofs are resistant to high winds.
Environmental Impact
Metal roofs are 100% recyclable. Because metal roofs can be recycled indefinitely, they are the most environmentally-friendly shed roof option.
The Cons of Metal Roofing for Your Shed
Expense
The initial cost to install a metal roof is higher than an asphalt shingle roof. However, when comparing true costs between asphalt and metal, you need to factor in the cost of asphalt shingle roof replacement over the shed's lifetime.
Maintenance
Metal roofs are easy to maintain. However, when they need to be repaired, entire sheet metal sections will need to be replaced. Professionals best do such repairs. Also, the coating on metal roofs can scratch off, requiring occasional touch-up painting.
Weather-Resistance
Metal roofs can be dented by hail. However, dents from hail are mostly cosmetic and do not impair the roof's longevity or functionality.
Ready to Customize Your New Shed in Des Moines? See Sun Rise Sheds First!
Whether you need a shed for storage, a workshop, full-featured potting shed, or a space for backyard entertaining, you'll want to make sure its roof will protect you and your things for the life of the shed. And here at Sun Rise Sheds, we only use the best corrugated metal roofing and shingles available when crafting our premium pre-built sheds.
When shopping for a new shed, visit our conveniently located outdoor showrooms around the Des Moines, Iowa area to see what we have in stock. Or, contact us to get started building your custom shed from the ground up today!
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