Is Metal Roofing More Durable Than Shingles on Long Island?
Yes, metal roofing is more durable than shingles, especially on Long Island, where coastal winds, salt air, and heavy snow loads affect a roof’s durability.
If you need a new roof installation in Suffolk or Nassau County, a metal roof is worth considering, but there are also plenty of reasons to choose a traditional shingle roof. Let’s compare both, and see which is right for your needs.
Metal Roofing is Significantly More Expensive Than Shingle Roofing
Metal roofing is more than twice the cost of asphalt shingles per square foot. This can make a full roof installation prohibitively expensive for the average family, even when considering benefits like durability and longevity.
The cost of a metal roof is driven by materials and labor. Most of Long Island’s residential roofing industry is built around asphalt shingles. Metal roofing requires specific knowledge with some overlap into commercial roofing. The average labor rates are 20% to 30% higher for metal roof installation.
Metal Roofing Lasts Longer
The higher cost does come with one crucial benefit. Metal roofing lasts much longer than shingles.
- The average metal roof can last for 40+ years on Long Island. With a professional installation and regular maintenance, a metal roof could last up to 70 years.
- An asphalt shingle roof will last around 15 to 20 years, or up to 30 years if it’s a premium installation with architectural/designer shingles.
While this might seem like metal is the obvious winner, you should consider how long you intend to stay in your home. If you expect to stay in the same home for life, then a metal roof might be a good one-time investment. However, if you intend to move up, or even downsize later in life, the additional cost spent on a metal roof might not pay off.
Wind Resistance: Metal vs. Shingle Roof
Wind resistance is one of the primary reasons that metal roofing lasts longer than shingles. Nor’easters, heavy coastal winds, and even the salt and humidity in the air can reduce the longevity of standard asphalt shingles. Metal roofing, especially standing seam metal roofing, is designed to withstand all of these environmental factors.
However, it’s important to consider that when people compare durability, they are usually comparing the best metal roofing systems to the most affordable shingle systems, which is unbalanced.
Modern shingles are designed to resist high wind speeds and can exceed the required uplift standards on Long Island. Owens Corning® Shingles, for example, comply with ASTM D7158 and can resist uplift at wind speeds of 150 mph.
Get a Free Consultation and Roof Installation Estimate from Renew Roofing Solutions
The choice between a metal roof and shingle roof isn’t clear-cut. Yes, metal roofing is typically more durable, but when comparing value and your unique scenario, it might be better to choose an architectural shingle roof that offers class-leading wind resistance and 20+ years of reliable protection for your home.
You don’t have to decide today. The best way to choose a roof that suits your home is to talk to a licensed roofer on Long Island. The team at Renew Roofing Solutions is ready to help.
Compare your roof installation options in Suffolk or Nassau County by calling our team at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702 today.