There is a lot to consider when picking a roof for your house, given that you’re subject to blazing hot summers and stormy weather in Knoxville. You’re left with two main options when it comes to residential roofing: choosing the expensive metal —or the cheaper shingle roofing. Each has its pros, but which is going to be best for you? Well, it all depends. Do you need something that’s going to last forever or something a bit easier on the budget? Let’s see what roofing material for Knoxville climate work and your home lifestyle.
Metal Roofing
Getting metal roofing is a whole different ball game than shingles. When it’s installed, the metal panels lock together for a super strong, weather-resistant shield made of tough materials such as galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. If you’re considering this option, read more about why metal roofing is a smart investment for your home to understand its long-term benefits.
Pros of Metal Roofing:
Durability of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can last over 50 years. Yeah, you read that right. Once done, you are good for half a century. It doesn’t wear, like shingles, so you don’t have to worry about the roof going bad on you anytime in the near future.
Weather Resistance
Metal roofing remains untouched in storms, heavy rain, and high wind which are common in Knoxville. It’s also fire-resistant, reducing the risk of fire spreading in your home. For more information on how metal roofs withstand harsh weather, check out our guide on storm season roofing protection in Knoxville.
Energy Efficient
Metal roofs reflect sunlight in the hot Knoxville summers, which helps keep your home cooler. It means energy costs for air conditioning are cut down.
Low Maintenance
After installation, metal roofs require little maintenance. All you need to do is occasionally clear debris or check for damage. Read our homeowner’s guide to identifying roof damage early to ensure your roof stays in top shape.
Environmental Impact
Metal roofs are made from a lot of recycled things, and those can be recycled again when the roof is done. If you’re environmentally minded, this has a green checkmark.
Cons of Metal Roofing:
Higher Metal Roofing Costs
While metal roof installation is initially more expensive than shingles, the long-term savings are significant. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, explore how much metal roof replacement costs in Knoxville, TN.
Difficult to Repair
Metal roofing is harder to repair and more expensive when it’s damaged than other types of roofing. Even the minor might require a special contractor to fix them.
Limited Contractors
Metal roofs are different from usual roofs, and not all roofers have expertise in them, so it can be difficult to locate contractors for this kind of metal roofing. This may, however, serve to push labor costs higher.
Aesthetic Considerations
Some Knoxville neighborhoods aren’t traditional, and they do require the modern style that you won’t find with a new metal roof. You’ll want to see if your HOA allows for standing seam metal roofs.
Shingle Roofing
Now, let’s talk about shingles, the more traditional type of roof, commonly used by homeowners. Composed of overlapping pieces of materials like asphalt, fiberglass, or wood, shingles offer their own set of advantages. Learn how to decide between roof repair versus replacement for your home when dealing with shingle damage.
Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofs:
Lower Initial Cost
For most Knoxville homeowners, asphalt shingles are cheaper upfront installation costs. This roofing is the most common type of roof.
Easier to Repair
If a storm has damaged part of your roof, asphalt shingle roof is not so hard to replace. Usually, you can simply fix the damaged areas without taking the whole roof out.
Wide Availability
Shingles are very common, and you can get them easily. In addition, you will have many more local contractors to help you find and fix the system.
Style Variety
Many colors and styles of shingles are available to fit your home. They look great for a traditional aesthetic.
Foot Traffic Friendly
Shingle roofs are good for foot traffic. If you ever have to climb up there for repair or inspection, they’re easier to walk on.
Cons of Shingle Roofing:
Shorter Shingle Roof Lifespan
Shingles only last about 20 years. Therefore, they are going to be cheaper upfront, but you’re going to end up having to replace them once or twice down the line.
Higher Long-Term Cost
Since the Shingles have a shorter life, roof replacement will be needed. This means shingle roofing needs less expensive roofing materials upfront but will cost more in the long run.
Weather Vulnerability
Knoxville is notorious for strong winds, heavy rain, and hail, all of which can take a greater toll on shingle roofs. Which means they have to be repaired more often over time. They can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Heat Absorption
Especially dark shingles absorb heat. If this is the case, this can make temperatures in your home hotter than those in Knoxville on hot summer days and have higher cooling bills.
Fire Risk
Being contained in shingles, asphalt is considered combustible. Modern shingles are fire-resistant, but they are still more flammable than metal roofs.
Final Thoughts: Where is the better home for Knoxville?
Ultimately, it’s your priorities that will make you choose either the metal or the shingle roofing.
Let’s consider the Metal vs. Shingle Roof Cost in Knoxville. Shingles seem like a cost-effective option initially as they do not require any foundation and are comparatively less expensive to install. However, in the long term, a metal roof is the clear winner with minimal maintenance cost.
Get In Touch!
If you want to protect a home with a roofing solution that will last. Contact Cover Pro Roofing today to have a cost estimate for a metal roof that is otherwise unmatched in strength and durability for many years to come.
