Replacement & Installation
Is it time for a new roof? Explore how age, materials, and your personal risk tolerance play into the decision.
FAQs
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What is the average lifespan of a metal roof?
Metal roofs average 40-70 years lifespan depending on type, with steel/aluminum lasting 40-50 years and premium copper/zinc exceeding 70-100 years, making them one of the longest-lasting residential roofing options available.
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Are asphalt or fiberglass shingles better?
Modern fiberglass-mat asphalt shingles are superior to organic-mat shingles in every way—lighter weight, better fire resistance, longer lifespan (20-30 vs 15-25 years), and lower cost—which is why they represent 99% of new installations.
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Should I choose Class 3 or Class 4 shingles?
Class 4 shingles offer superior hail protection and typically provide better value through larger insurance discounts (15-35% vs 5-15%), longer warranties, and enhanced durability, making them worth the 10-20% cost premium in most hail-prone regions.
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Is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?
Metal roofing costs 2-3 times more than asphalt shingles upfront ($10,000-$25,000 vs $5,000-$12,000 for average homes), but can be more cost-effective long-term due to 40-70 year lifespan, minimal maintenance, energy savings, and insurance discounts.
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How many bundles of shingles do I need for my roof?
Calculate shingle bundles by dividing your roof area by 100 to get squares, then multiply by three (standard three-tab shingles have 3 bundles per square), and add 10-15% extra for waste, starter strips, and ridge caps.
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How long do asphalt shingles last?
Asphalt shingles typically last 15-30 years depending on type, with three-tab shingles lasting 15-20 years and architectural shingles lasting 20-30 years, though climate, installation quality, and maintenance significantly impact actual lifespan.
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How long does a metal roof last on a house?
Metal roofs typically last 40-70 years on residential homes depending on metal type and quality, with steel and aluminum lasting 40-50 years, while premium copper or zinc roofs can exceed 70-100 years with proper installation and maintenance.
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What purpose do roof shingles serve?
Roof shingles serve as your home’s primary waterproofing barrier, protecting against rain, UV damage, wind, and temperature extremes while providing fire resistance, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
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Does a metal roof interfere with Wi-Fi or cell signals?
Modern metal roofing does not significantly interfere with Wi-Fi or cell phone signals in residential homes, as signals primarily enter through windows and walls rather than passing vertically through the roof structure.
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Do roof shingles absorb water?
Properly manufactured asphalt shingles absorb less than 1-3% of their weight in water and are designed to be water-resistant, but aging shingles with degraded granule coatings and cracked asphalt can absorb significantly more moisture, accelerating deterioration.