There’s never been a better time than now to start considering a residential roofing upgrade. Home sale statistics indicate time and time again that exterior home improvement projects are one of the best ways to increase the value of your property. 

However, when the time comes to choose a roof replacement material, the choices can become overwhelming. If you’re thinking about new roof installation in Philadelphia, don’t worry — we’re here to tell you all about the material choices you have in an easily digestible way. We’d like to highlight two great options today: asphalt shingles and metal roofing systems. Both are popular choices for residential roofs, but they each have their pros and cons. Read on to learn more about these roofing materials below!

Asphalt Shingles: Pros and Cons

As you look around most residential neighborhoods, you’ll probably see many asphalt shingle roofs. In fact, asphalt shingle roofs are quite possibly the most common roof type. Around three out of four American homes have shingle roofs. While some of these shingles are wood shakes or other more uncommon materials, most of them are asphalt. If you think asphalt shingles might suit your home, here are some pros and cons you should consider:

Asphalt Shingles: Pros	Asphalt Shingles: Cons
Affordable price per square foot	Less durable, with a 20-25 year lifespan
Easy for roofing contractors to work with	Can be more vulnerable to storm damage
Fast installation process	Tend to make homes hotter during summer
Will help your home blend in with others	Color and “texture” choices may be limited
Individual shingles can be replaced	May be less energy-efficient

Metal Roofing Systems: Pros and Cons

While both metal and asphalt shingle roofs can be made with recycled materials, that’s about where the resemblances stop. Metal roofing systems are radically different from asphalt shingles, but one of these systems might be exactly what you need. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when it comes to metal roofing:

Metal Roofing: Pros	Metal Roofing: Cons
Great long-term investment	Higher cost (especially standing-seam roofs)
Can last up to 50 years (some last longer!)	Longer and more complex installation
Easily withstands most weather conditions	Might not “match” other area homes
Promotes energy efficiency	May be too heavy/bulky for delicate buildings

The Importance of High-Quality Roofing

Whether your choice ends up being asphalt shingles or metal roofing, don’t skimp on installation and material quality. Here are a few reasons why investing in high-quality roofing material for your home is one of the most important parts of homeownership:

• Choosing the right roofing material is crucial since your roof literally keeps the elements out. You don’t want to deal with a leak now…or ever!
• Your roof isn’t a standalone part of your building. Support beams and copper flashing for roofs are connected to the rest of your home, and low-quality roof installation could wind up doing serious damage to your walls or even your foundation.
• If you’ll be selling your house soon, quality roofing materials boost sale value significantly and offer peace of mind to the next owner.
• High-quality roofing restores your feeling of pride in your property. A shabby-looking roof can cause you to feel ashamed of your home when it’s time to show it off to friends, family, and neighbors.
• The right material makes maintenance easier. Both metal and asphalt shingle roofs need regular maintenance to protect your home effectively. (Well-installed metal roofs typically require less maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs, but it’s unwise to assume that “low maintenance” means “no maintenance.”)

Schedule Roof Repair or Replacement Today!

Investing in the long-term health of your roof is just common sense. Schedule roof repair or replacement with Philadelphia Quality Roofing and reap the benefits today! Our reliable team of licensed and insured roofers will do any size job, from residential to commercial, so you can rest assured we’re ready and willing to take on your roofing project. Contact us now for a free quote!