Composite Shingles Vs. Steel Singles
Composite shingles, or shingles made from several materials ranging from rubber to tar and gravel, are a common sight on houses across the country. While less common, steel shingles are also available from professional contractors and manufacturers. Each of these shingles covers the roof and each features advantages and drawbacks that will help determine what to do with your roof. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cost
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The initial cost of purchasing and installing a roof is often the primary concern of any homeowner. This cost can range from a thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the surface area of the roof, the cost of the material and the quality of the contractor. Composite shingle roofing is one of the least expensive roofing materials and is available in hardware stores. Steel shingles, on the other hand, are not as widely available and require additional hardware during the installation process that drives up the price of both purchase and installation.
Damage and Replacement
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Once the roof is in place, it must stand up to everything the weather can throw at it. All roofing is subject to wear and damage over time and the cost of repair or replacement is high when frequent. Composite shingles are not very sturdy and, while they stand up admirably to the sun and heat, they are easily loosened, torn and even broken by high winds and tree branches. Steel handles wind without incident but may only suffer small dents from smaller tree branches and other falling objects such as hail or sleet. Because of this, composite shingles often require more frequent replacement than their steel counterparts and this makes steel more economical in the long run.
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Maintenance
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Time is money and time spent maintaining the roof can cost a great deal especially if contractors do the work. Roofing with composite shingles is open to infestation from insects carried on tree debris and open to infection from mildew and mold from leaves and stagnant water. Because of this, the roof requires regular brushing and removal of excess moisture and debris. Steel shingles are not susceptible to mold, mildew or insect infestation and require virtually no maintenance.
Longevity
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While composite shingles are a less expensive, they do not stand the test of time like steel. Because of this, manufacturers only warranty composite shingles for 14 to 20 years, while steel shingles often carry warranties of up to 50 years.
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