Asphalt Shingle vs. Metal Roofs in Central & Southeastern Pennsylvania

Choosing the right material for your roof can make a major impact on your comfort and budget. In Pennsylvania, many homeowners opt for asphalt shingle or metal roofs. These two popular options each offer their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. While both are an excellent choice for homeowners, it’s important to select the one that makes the most sense for your needs.

In this blog, the roofing experts from Zimmerman’s Roofing cover the differences between these two popular roofing choices to help homeowners determine which is the right option for their home. 

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

An asphalt shingle roof uses a base material of felt or fiberglass that is then coated with asphalt to create a waterproof surface. This is covered with mineral or ceramic granules to protect the shingle from the elements.

There is a wide range of styles and types of asphalt shingles, including architectural shingles and luxury shingles. Plus, this material comes in a wide range of colors to meet your home’s aesthetics.

Pros of Shingle Roofs

• Cost-effective options 
• Simple installation
• Easy to repair
• More common and often used in communities with HOAs

Cons of Shingle Roofs

• More susceptible to hail and storm damage
• Shorter lifespan than metal roofs
• Shingles can crack or warp

Metal Roofs

A metal roof is a highly durable option that offers longevity and energy efficiency. Metal roofs use a heavy-duty sheet of metal, often steel that has been treated for durability. They also come in more styles than the standing seam option that many associate with metal roofs.

At Zimmerman’s, we install high-quality metal roofs that minimize glare and provide the long-lasting durability you need.

Pros of Metal Roofs

• Superior durability in the elements
• Longer lifespan than asphalt shingle roofs
• Highly energy-efficient
• May offer savings like tax credits or discounted home insurance
• Eco-friendly and made of recycled materials

Cons of Metal Roofs

• Often more expensive upfront cost
• Specialized labor for installation
• Difficult to repair and often require retrofitting
• Noisy during storms

Which Roof Option Is Best in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is known for its distinct seasons. Homeowners will experience highs in the 90s during the summer and potential snow storms during the winter. However, the climate is not extremely harsh. This makes both asphalt shingle and metal roofs good options for residential roofing. Homeowners should choose the material that best meets their needs and budget. 

Metal roofs can be used as an accent roof on a home. As an example, you can install shingles on a main roof and a metal roof on your perch. Our home improvement specialists at Zimmerman’s Roofing can help you choose the best roof for your home while giving you design options to achieve the look you have been dreaming of.

Choose Zimmerman’s Roofing for Expert Roof Replacements

When you’re ready to replace your roof, call Zimmerman’s Roofing for expert service. Our team of professionally trained roofing contractors has the skills and experience to provide superior craftsmanship and unmatched attention to detail.

As a locally owned and operated roofing company, we give every customer the VIP experience. We also back our work with our Leak-Free Guarantee — we guarantee that your roof will be leak-free for 10 years from the date we replace it. Plus, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on workmanship and materials!

Request a quote for your roof replacement in Central or Southeastern Pennsylvania by calling Zimmerman’s Roofing today.