The Differences Between Asphalt VS Metal Roofing

As you can imagine, we get a lot of Texas homeowners that would like to replace their older asphalt roofing shingles as replacement becomes a necessity. When folks just like you and I are considering a new roof, often a metal roof choice becomes an option to consider. Having said that, we have put together some ideas and considerations when choosing between a Asphalt or Metal Roof including the following considerations: Rust, Cost and the dreaded least favorite of all, complete loss or interference of your Cell Phone reception. This is something that most homeowners never will think about.

Cost of Asphalt VS. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing vs asphalt roofing shingles comparisons photo

This is the biggest factor for most homeowners to consider between the two roofing choices. Let’s say the asphalt shingle roof replacement cost is $10,000 and the metal roof cost double (or more) at $25,000 +, this is most often the case that homeowners are often experiencing. Some will not mind paying the extra money that it takes to install a metal roof because that is what they have been desiring for some time.

The labor to install the two roofs is very different from one to another due to the skill level and experience in working with the two products. For instance, an asphalt roofing shingle is flexible and can be made to fit in many applications where as a metal roof panel is totally rigid and requires a much different set of skills and tools to fit in the same area of application. It is often common that roofers that have installed asphalt shingles in the past, will attempt to install a metal roof resulting many mistakes in installation resulting in an voided warranty. There is also a big difference in the cost of materials between the two products as well as the many options between the two roofing products as well.

$10,000 Asphalt vs. a $25,000 + Metal Re-Roofing Job Long Run Cost Comparisons

GAF Timberline HD Lifetime Asphalt Roofing Shingles (weatherwood color)

This is where asphalt roofing shingles wins in my opinion. If a metal roof is going to cost you double or more, are you going to recoup this money in the long run? The short answer is yes and no and here is why: In the past, the asphalt roof will last anywhere from 12 – 25 years on average. That was in the past, today, GAF is offering a lifetime warranty on their asphalt composition roofing shingles replacement . This means, a longer replacement life if you install their lifetime asphalt roofing shingle warranty product.

Metal roofing products such as galvalume, offer a 25 year metal roofing warranty and other metal roofing products can range from 25 – 50 + years. We have even seen some lifetime warranties offered by metal roofing manufacturers as well. The reason for this range in warranty span, is RUST. These roofing panels are coated with paint or coated with a galvanized coating called, Galvalume. If they were aluminum or copper, they would never rust, however the cost would be 3 -5 times + the cost of an asphalt roof that can offer a lifetime warranty.

Having said all of that, here is some quick math thoughts for comparisons:

Should I go with a Lifetime Asphalt Roof @ $10,000 vs. a 25 – 50 Year Metal Roof @ $20,000 +? A quick math comparison quickly reveals that an Asphalt roof at half or less of the price offers the longer warranty of a metal roof, what are your thoughts? Form a cost effective perspective, the asphalt roof is less expensive in the long run if you go with the Lifetime Warranty that GAF is offering.

Rusting VS. Weathering Longevity Issues

Before and after metal roofing applied coating

This is where metal roofing wins big time in my opinion. When an asphalt roofing shingle gets weathered and old, it will experience granule loss and lose its structural integrity and start to fail and come apart.

Those ceramic granules are adhered to the shingle with asphalt petroleum based adhesive. As these shingles age they lose this protective coating leaving the underlying asphalt and fiberglass base to crack and become quite brittle.

No matter what one might put on top of this asphalt shingle, the base has become so deteriorated that it can no longer support anything that is coated on the surface of it. This is why roofing contractors  will re-coating metal roof over asphalt shingles.

Both of these buildings were built at the some time. Notice the roof on the left how it is faded as opposed to the roof on the right. Click to enlarge photo.

Fading Issues With Metal Standing Seam Roof Panels at Hwy 6 & 290 in Houston TX

On the other hand is the metal roof. When it starts to age the most common issue is loss of the painted or coated surface such as galvalume or Kynar 500 paint coating. When these factory applied coatings start to fade, they leave and expose the metal surface underneath to the elements. The most common response to this exposure of most metal products is surface rust.

This metal roofing panel often still holds its structural integrity and only exhibits unsightly surface rust as long as it has not been exposed for a lengthy span of time.

With this metal roofing panel still intact with only surface rust, it is the perfect candidate to be sprayed with a new fluid applied metal roof coating. This coating is completed sprayed on and has a warranty for 10 -25 years. So another words, for a “fee” you can extend the life of your roof for 10 – 25 years. Please note that I said… “for a fee”.

The Myth Of The Forever Metal Roof

Galvalume Standing Seam Metal Roofing

When I get a call from a Texas homeowner seeking a price on a metal roof, there seems an instant connection that by installing a metal roof that it will be the last they will ever install. This is clearly not the case as the manufacturer warranties range anywhere from 25 years to lifetime. Even with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, you will eventually have to replace that roof after your warranty is claimed with the manufacturer due to the coating failure.

The metal roofing manufacturer typically will prorate the warranty claim that you have against them and either offer a small portion of the original price back to you or offer a discount on the replacement materials. The metal roofing manufacturer will not offer any labor money to replace the rusting and or falling metal roofing panels.

The same goes for asphalt roofing shingles should you ever need to file a warranty claim against them as well. After you have contacted them, they will come out and assess (look at) your asphalt roofing shingles and take an assessment on the service life that is left. The asphalt roofing manufacturer will make a settlement offer that is either a partial credit (rebate) towards new replacement roof shingles, or a possible cash value settlement. Either way with metal or asphalt roofing, you are going to be out of pocket some time down the road when either the warranty period ends or a claim needs to be filled due to failure.

Cell Phone Reception Interference

cell phone reception issues associated with a metal roof

This is an area where most Texas completely forget to consider and is one of the most frustrating to find out onee the new metal roof is installed. Oh my and no fun.

Something to think about, when you have a metal roof installed on your home, you now have installed a shield that stops some of your cell phone signal from coming into your home. What you have now created is what is called the Faraday cage effect.

One of the ways around this is to install a signal booster that has an outside antenna to receive better reception. Sometimes this works and sometimes this will not depending on your existing reception situation. If your signal is already poor or marginal, you will probably have none with an addition of a metal roof replacing your non interfering asphalt roof.

Asphalt Roofing VS Metal Quick Points

• Cost differences
• Warranty differences
• Cell phone reception issues
• Rusting issues
• HOA approvals
• Installation cost

Final Thoughts on Asphalt VS Metal Roofing

You have to choose between which roof is better for your home when you consider the cos, rust and possible cell phone reception issues associated with a metal roof. If you are liking that standing seam ribbed metal roofing look, then by all means go with that type of roof. Keep in mind that you are going to pay 2-3+ times more without really getting much longer of a warranty out of a metal roof. Should you decide on the Asphalt roofing shingle, you be saving money up front and in the long run if you get the lifetime warranty shingle that is offered by GAF.

Thank you from all of us at Texas Home Exteriors as we have you have enjoyed this Asphalt VS Metal Roofing blog post. Please feel free to make your welcomed comments below.

Texas Home Exteriors Roofing Crew

Here is the short version to that question; between $195 – $395 per sq per 100 square foot area, now we’ll go into more information on this is determined. Homeowners across the country often ask, “what is the cost range to replace my roof?” This is a great question as there are a variety of factors that need to be considered when determining the cost of a roof replacement.

In this post, I will do my best to provide answers to help you understand how determine approximately how much your roof replacement will or should cost Keep in mind that the answers and information provided reflect my direct and personal experiences as well as considerations for location of this experience as my company Texas Home Exteriors services the Southeast Texas, Houston Texas and East Texas metro areas.

During my time serving the greater Houston, southeast Texas metro areas, my company has observed an average roofing replacement cost at around $7,500 and ranging from around a low ball bid (estimate) $6,500 for a composition (asphalt) shingles on upward to over $30,000+ for high-end slate or metal roofing shingles.

Four Factors Included in Roof Replacement Cost:

1 – Size of Roofing Area

Roofing Companies and Contractors determine pricing cost for roofing on a per square measurement basis. A square is 100 square feet, which is referred to “1 square” in roofing terminology (or lingo), of roof surface area. For example, a 10′ x 10′ roof surface area equals a 100 sq. ft. thus the size would be one square (abbreviated as 1 sq.). This 100 square feet (sq. ft.) section of roof, in roofing terms, is equal to one roofing square (or 1 sq.). The measurement of your total roof surface area determines how many squares of roofing shingle area for the roof as well as the amount of roofing materials that will be needed to complete the job. It is important that each and every roofing slope of the roofing area be measured and calculated individually and added to your over total squares for a more accurate cost.

One Story Two Slope Gable Roof 6/12 pitch

For instance, let’s say we are calculating a simple two slope gable roof. The front slope is measured at 25′ x 50′, by multiplying these two numbers we get the square footage of that section equaling 1,250 sq. ft.

Now let’s say the back slope is the same 25′ x 50′ section for another 1,250 sq. ft. We would then add these two numbers together, the front slope of the roof is 1,250 sq. ft. plus the back slope of the roof is 1,250 sq. ft. for a total of 2,500 sq. feet of roofing area for this particular roof example.

It is necessary then to add 15%-20% (depending on how simple or cut-up the roof is) to the 2,500 sq. ft. total for waste, starter and ridge (2,500 x 15% = 375). Now add those two numbers together, 375 sq. ft. + 2,500 = 2,875 sq. ft. for the grand total square footage of roofing area for this roof.  I recommend rounding this number up to 2,900 sq. ft. then multiplying it by 100 to convert to a square for a total of 29 squares.

In the Houston Texas metro area, roofing companies and contractors will charge anywhere from $195 – $395 per square to replace most roofs (this is for a standard 1-2 story with a roof pitch of 5/12 or less). So, let’s say, with this 29 sq. roof, a contractor provides you with a bid of $275 per sq. ($275 X 29 = 7,975), the total roof replacement cost would be $7,975. Note that this price should include all that  has been outlined in our Best Roofing Shingle Practices.

2 – How Many Layers of Roofing Shingles will Need to be Removed?

Understand that if your roof has only one layer of roofing on it, then the replacement cost will be lower per square than one with two or several layers of roofing. Typically for each additional layer, you can expect to pay an additional $25 per square for removal. So with one additional layer on your 29 square roof, expect to pay an extra $725 ($25 X 29 = $725) to remove one layer, note that this price includes haul off of the shingles to the landfill or recycling center (for two layers of roofing, you would multiply the $725 x 2 paying the $725 twice for an extra $1,450 on this 29 sq. ft. roof and so on with each layer).

One and Two Story Home 8/12 – 12/12 Pitch Cut-Up Complex Roof. GAF Timberline Roofing Shingles – Weatherwood Color

3 – Pitch / Difficulty of the Roof

The pitch of any roof will determine the labor cost due to the difficulty, the steeper the roof, the more difficult thus more costly the replacement will be. Keep in mind , if the roof pitch is greater than 5/12, you can expect to pay an up-charge based on the steepness and difficulty of the specific roof. Why is this necessary might one ask?

You can expect to pay roofing contractors an up-charge on a roof with a greater pitch because the pitch of the roof is steeper. This makes the roof installation more difficult to work as it makes it more difficult to walk on thus a more dangerous job for the roofing crew as well as more difficult to control the materials from sliding off the roof during installation so more safety issues come into play for the workers as well as liability, these roofs require more skill as well as greater attention to detail.

With a higher pitched roof, the entire roofing process will take longer overall so expect an installation on a steeper roof to take a longer time to be completed. This is what you will find roofing contractors calling a labor difficulty up-charge. These types of roofs are also cut-up roofs that have more waste in materials and will increase the overall cost as well.

Notice the roof on the home in the image to the right, this roof displays GAF Timberline roofing shingles on what is referred to as a “cut-up and steep roof” in the roofing industry. On the other end of the spectrum is the small gable roof photo above, it has simple non-steep roof that is easy to walk on and is non cut-up. The cost on this simple roof would cost less to replace than the more difficult steep and cut-up roof.

4 – Shingle Material Choice Affects Roof Replacement Cost

The most common roofing material used in the United States is a shingle that is laminated composition (or asphalt shingles). These type of shingles are used on about 80% of homes across the country. The use of composition shingles is primarily due to the affordability and replacement cost of this type of roofing shingle. Composition asphalt roofing shingles are made from a fiberglass mat which is then coated with asphalt (tar) and colored mineral granules making the shingles waterproof. These shingles typically come with a 30-year warranty. And now shingles like GAF Timberline Lifetime Roofing Shingles provide a lifetime transferable warranty from the manufacturer.

There are a variety of other roofing materials to choose from like wood, metal, tile, composite and slate. When considering these types of roofing material, keep in mind they are much more costly options so the cost of your roof replacement can increase very quickly from double to even three times or more.

These types of roofing materials cost much more, so naturally the total price of the roofing project increases. Also, keep in mind that the installation of wood, metal, tile, composite and slate roofing material is more expensive and often require special tools and skill for installation. For even more information, you can read Bob Villa’s article on How To choose a Roof for Your Home.

Some of  the more expensive roofs like metal come with a 50 year warranty which is often transferable to the next homeowner. Asphalt composition shingles like GAF come with a lifetime warranty option. There are many roofing shingle choices to choose from and to consider when requesting roofing estimates. Keep in mind that if you have HOA or POA (Homeowners Association HOA or Property Property Owners Association), who may require you get approval before installation of your new selection of roofing shingles and/or color, so be sure keep this in mind and check with them before proceeding with your roof installation.

Quick Review and Conclusion

In the greater Houston Texas metro area, the cost for a typical roof replacement can range anywhere from $195 – $395 per square for removal of one layer of shingles, replacement of rotted wood found under the shingles, installation of the tar paper, installation of new GAF laminate composition roofing shingles, flashings and a ridge vent. This is for a standard a 1-2 story home without a steep pitch (5/12 or less pitch). This is the guideline we use here at Texas Home Exteriors Inc.

Roofing Storm Chasers – Scams

Roofing Advice Downpayment and Storm Chasers

Over the years, I have heard numerous horror stories of homeowners giving a roofing contractor a down-payment only to never hear from them again. Please, do yourself a favor and do not give a deposit or any money up front to an individual or roofing company saying they will replace your roof and are needing money up front to buy roofing materials.

Any good, reputable, local, established roofing company or contractor should not need any money upfront to purchase materials. They should have open lines of credit established at their local roofing supply yards, like ABC Supply.

One other thing you should be aware of and concerned about is hail-damage storm chasers scams,  the BBB warns about the numerous amounts of complaints they receive every time a hail storm comes into town from roofing contractors. If you think that your roof has any kind of damage from hail or wind storms and you are wanting your homeowners insurance to inspect it and pay for the damages, we recommend using a local roofing contractor who can provide references. Be wary of door knocking storm chasers and any roofing companies from out of town.

These guys may be willing to work with your insurance company to get them to pay for your new roofing replacement cost but you will be glad that you selected a local roofing contractor if there are any issues with your roof and you should need to call them to honor your warranty in the instance such as experiencing a leak sometime after the roof is installed and the crews are long gone. 

Roof Replacement Cost Web Links

Roof Calc – Roofing Calculator

Homewyse – Cost to Install Shingle Roof

Fixr – Costs Roof Replacement

Improvenet – How Much Cost Replace Roof

Home Cost Helper – Cost New Roof

Zillow – Cost Replace New Roof Shingles

Roof Repair Cost

See the Angie’s List’s roof replacement cost article for more information as well. You will find the prices and opinions in their article similar and supportive although I have included additional information, recommendations and references not provided in their website article.

Final Thoughts on Roof Replacement Cost

I hope that you have enjoyed and found this roof replacement cost post informative in helping you to make an educated decision. This will affect your roof replacement decision for your Houston Texas metro area home.

If you are looking for estimates for replacement of a roof, please be sure to get a few estimates from at least three different roofing contractors to compare what they are offering as well as service and cost comparison which will help you evaluate which contractor will give you the best roofing installation for your money.

Keep in mind that a low bid (estimate) is often missing items that will affect your roof replacement cost and the overall quality of the roof. Please, stay away from the low bidder as this roofing contractor will cost you more money in the long run.

Decra Shake XD Metal Shingles in Pinnacle Gray Houston Texas Home Exteriors The Woodlands

Time to replace your roofing shingles? As a roofing contractor I find many of today’s Houston Texas homeowners considering stone coated metal roofing shingles as a roof replacement option. A good many of Texas homeowners in the southeast Houston Texas metro area realize that replacement of their composition asphalt roofing shingles needs to be done every 10-15 years. If you are a homeowner in Texas, “I need a new roof” is as common as “I need an oil change”, well almost.

Texas Summer Heat and Roofing Shingles

Because of the intensity of our hot South TX UV rays (ultraviolet rays), the standard composition petroleum based asphalt (tar) roofing shingles become baked and brittle over time baking in the hot Texas sun. If you look closely at roofing shingles, they will begin looking like a road map of Texas with cracks and lines going in many different directions. What is occurring is the protective granules, common on composition roofing shingles, become loose and often ending up in gutters or on the ground.  As the shingles loose granules, it leaves the petroleum based asphalt (tar) naked and exposed to more UV rays thus accelerating the deterioration of the roofing shingle leading to leaks and phone calls to roofers for roof replacement bids.

Time To Rethink Asphalt Composition Roofing Shingles

Instead of getting yet another composition shingle composition roof that will last 10 – 15 years, it may be time to consider a stone coated metal roof option.  Below is a quick bulleted list of facts as to why a southeast Texas homeowner may want to consider Decra Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles over traditional roofing shingles.

Stone Coated Decra Shake XD Metal Roof in antique Chestnut for your Houston, Spring, The Woodlands TX Texas Home Exteriors The Woodlands

Benefits of Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles

• Last 50 years or more
• Resist hail damage than composition roofing shingles
• Steel based shingle gives unparalleled strength
• Increase Energy Efficiency savings
• Produce air circulation under shingles
• Provide fireproof characteristics
• Aesthetically Unparalleled Beauty

Energy Efficiency Savings with Stone Coated Metal Roofing – Reflectivity/Emissivity 

Stone coated metal roofs manufactured by Decra and Metro reflect much more of the solar radiation that is usually absorbed in your attic and home with standard composition petroleum based asphalt (tar) roofing shingles. Here in Texas, granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of the solar radiation instead of absorbing it.

In southeast Houston Texas annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted metal standing seam roofing or stone coated coated metal roof is by far the most optimal way to reduce energy consumption from your roof.  These reflective roofing shingles and can re-emit up to 75% of absorbed solar radiation (heat) that otherwise would have been absorbed into your attic and into your homes interior.

Decra Metal Roof Systems Villa Venetian Gold by Texas Home Exteriors for Houston, Spring, The Woodlands TX Home Improvements

Unparalleled Beauty of Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles

Composition roofing shingles are aesthetically pleasing however they only go so far from a thickness and depth perspective. That is because standard asphalt roofing shingles can only be so thick due to the fact that they are petroleum based and have almost NO structural value. Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles have a Steel Base with PLENTY of structural value.

Decra Metal Roof Styles include beautiful options with look of Tile, Villa Tile, Shake, Shake XD, Shingle and Shingle XD

Having said that, the floodgates are wide open for any creative roofing shingle style imaginable because metal roofs have lots of structural value. You can now have a Stone Coated Metal Roof with a variety of looks like Terra-cotta, Spanish Tile, Mediterranean-Italian Tile but without all of the weight and drawbacks of tile roofs and at the same time, all of the benefits of Stone Coated Metal Roofs.  

Roofing shingles that were once limited due to thickness now are granted the freedom to express themselves. Now roofing shingles can have all of the dimension homeowners want thanks to the steel base and protection of the steel being covered with mini crushed stone can create any color you can imagine!

Decra Stone Coated Metal Roof Shingles in Pinnacle Grey for Houston Home Roofing Replacement from Texas Home Exteriors in The Woodlands

Stone Coated Metal Roofing Shingles The Envy Of The Neighborhood

When you drive up to any home in the southeast Houston Texas area you will notice two main things on a home, the roof and the siding on the home. Often the roof has composition roofing shingles. Why not be the envy of your neighborhood and maybe even the first to take advantage of an energy efficient stone coated metal roof?

I cannot tell you how many homeowners have expressed to me how much better their home looks with a metal roof, how often they get complements and improved efficiency. Homeowners realize 15-25% energy saving every year while also enjoying the peace of mind of not having to change their roof for over 50 years! Keep in mind that it is important to hire a roofing contractor that is proficient in installing metal roofing to avoid costly mistakes on your home. Texas Home Exteriors is proficient in correctly installing any of the stone coated metal roofing products mentioned in this post.

Energy Efficiency Savings of Stone Coated Metal Roofing – Air Space/Circulation
Watch for My Next Post – More on Energy Efficiency Savings of Stone Coated Metal Roofing – Air Space/Circulation

 Stone Coated Metal Roofing Estimate

Missing roof kick-out flashing

Roofing Shingle Components

I cannot stress enough to homeowners the importance of kick-out flashing and how often it is overlooked.  Kick-out flashing is a small piece of metal flashing that diverts the water away from an intersection where a side wall and roof line meet.

It literally kicks the water out and stops it from traveling under and behind the siding. Kick-Out Flashing is at the end of any sidewall flashing and serves as an end to properly kick the water away from traveling behind siding. This missing kick-out flashing is very common problem with vinyl siding due to the lack of cooperating manufactured components.  

Missing Kick-out Flashing

The photo to the right showcases missing kick-out flashing on the roof where it meets a sidewall. Note how there is no flashing where the roofing shingles end at the fascia and meet the sidewall.  The lack of flashing allows mold to grow due to water getting behind and the wood or vinyl siding. This is a common problem here in Houston and southeast Texas.

Corrected Kick-out Flashing

Kick-out flashing installation

First, the rotted wood as seen in the photo has to be cut out and replaced.

After the rotted wood is replaced, the kick-out flashing needs to be installed under the roofing shingles, behind the siding and then end in front of the siding to expel and drain all water properly.

Here in Houston Texas we receive nearly 4′ (48″) of rain per year! This correctly installed Kick-Out flashing will ensure that no water gets behind the siding and roofing shingles to cause mold and rot issues.

Instead that water, should be kicked out from going behind the roofing and siding.

Kick-out Flashing Example  

Completed Roofing kick-out flashing job

This is a Stucco Siding job with correctly installed kick-out flashing.

This photo showcases how to stop water from entering under the roofing shingles and or siding long after the crews are gone.

As with any roofing shingle replacement job done by a reputable contractor, the correct components are the key. When a roof is being replaced, often a company will not replace some essential components/flashings to save money.

If you are receiving roofing replacements bids or estimates, look for a list of components such as, pipe jacks, valley flashings, drip edge, sidewall flashings and ridge vents.

All of these should be replaced when changing your roof to insure no leakage for many years to come. That way when it is raining hard in the middle of the evening you can rest assure that any leaks will be non existent!

I truly hope that you have found this article most helpful and informative when it comes to proper re-roofing installation techniques. Texas Home Exteriors.