Roofing; there is a better way

Those of you with long memories know that roofing is a fixation at Ask Around.  I have long felt that there must be a better solution than covering the inhabited parts of North America with short-lived, dangerous to dispose, hard to fit, asphalt shingles.  Rumours of lifetime shingles, metal sheeting, solar roofs and whatever have mostly proven uneconomical, but I recently met my first real, newly installed, metal shingled roof.

It cost 50% more than its asphalt equivalent, looks similar and was installed over existing asphalt shingles (which did not have to be removed and dumped) but there the similarities end.  It was put in place by specially trained installers and will last more than 50 years. It is repairable and when it does eventually need to be replaced, being made of steel, it can be recycled and will have scrap value. Interestingly it's the membrane under the shingles that does the real work - the steel just protects the membrane.

Can you tell I'm impressed?  I once had to arrange for the environmentally questionable disposal of old asphalt shingles and I don't ever want to do that again.  And when I next have to replace my roof I want it to be the LAST time.  Roofing work is expensive and hard to arrange. I'm also uncomfortable living in a house while guys with boom-boxes and cleavage in the wrong places rip off the roof.  I'm glad there's an alternative.

Check the recommendation for the metal shingle roofing job here or tell us about your roofing job here. 

You can leave comments too; what's your view on the roofing debate?

 

Comments

[Johnny]

It's truly awing I like it for the better. It will genuinely assists me more. Awesome. Very nice job.

[roof shingles]

Now we have a quality roof and a smooth installation. I really love my new roof look beautiful. :)

[Louisa Sheedy]

Some may encounter confusions on choosing right roofings for their homes. Well in improving it, you really have to plan well and do budgeting. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask help from a roofer or an expert to guide you.

[Building Materials]

Steel does look good. The fact that they could install it over the exisiting is brilliant. I don't think that this idea has made it over to the UK yet but it would be something that I would look at.

[Adam Waterford]

Then you must be impressed with this one. It looks even more beautiful than the first one. And to think that they could stay long for 50 years. Wow! That is truly amazing! But if you're on a tight budget or you want to go vintage, the asphalt roof is just for you.. =)

[Helen]

We had a leek on our roof and got a so called roofer into get our roof done, he made it 10 times worst, after that we found out he was a cowboy and loads of other people had had the same problem, my advise would be to get recommendations before getting anyone in to do work. A good roofer will probably be busy and worth the wait.

[sara]

It is always necessary to get recommendations for any type of work you are wanting undertaken in your home, there are so many people who will leave you with an unfinished shoddy job. It is important to remember that just because the quote is expensive, doesn't always mean that the job will be done to top specifications.

[Rufus Underwood]

It's really hard to judge which among them is better for your home. When you're choosing a type of roofing for your home, you have to consider your local environment and climate. These aspects can help you find the best siding type for your home.

[David Copperfield]

I have to agree with you. Steel roofing has a lot of advantages compared to Asphalt. Steel is an element that could withstand almost through any types of weather. Asphalt, on the other hand, is much vulnerable and could easily be broken.

[julia]

Hi I have had the chimney breasts removed in both my front room and dining room and had the chimneys capped off, unfortunately they are leaking, I have had 2 roofers up there and they have re pointed them and they are still leaking, can you advise what this may be that is causing this.

[Doug]

The steel shingles look much better than the typical metal roofing materials.

[Clint Rowley]

I really like the idea of steel shingles for roofing. I think that it looks almost identical.

[Roofing Contractor]

Steel shingles are such a great idea to replace asphalt shingles. The cost may be a little higher, but if you check with your local government offices, you might find that the cost can be offset by an Energy Star rebate.

[Roy Slater]

I bet if you found the right roofing crew they would know how to install it for you. I wonder if it's a lot more difficult for them to install so that's why there is a difference in the price. Interesting idea.

[jobs in seattle]

Both have different use. Asphalt is better on roads.

[Ottawa Roofing]

Only difference is; if you have a steel roof you are not safe when there is lightning. Shingles are no target for lightning but the steel is. I do lots of roof and siding repairs in Ottawa Ontario and 90% of the time metal siding and roofs are discontinued, which gives the home or business owner no choice but to replace it. I prefer shingles over metal or aluminum roofing products any day.

[Ottawa Roof Repair]

Now days LifeTime Warranty Architectural shingle manufacturers offering 50 yrs warranty on all of their products. It is still half the price of the metal roof and 3D appearance is amazing. Only 3D you'll get from metal is reflection from the sun

[D]

Great post! I live on the East Coast and with the weather conditions here it seems like I need to have my roofing redone every couple of years. I have contracted many South Jersey roofing
companies and they also recommended using the steel roofing. I think I am finally convinced for next year. Thanks for sharing!

[Santo Caridine]

A roof that can last more than 50 years is very impressive. However, before you jump into sudden conclusions, the logical thing to do is to objectively weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each roof type. You may also ask the opinion of a professional roofer on what qualities to consider when choosing a roofing material.

[Ottawa Gift Baskets]

It sounds like a great solution and much more eco-friendly than asphalt. Thank you for the great post.