Can You Replace a Shingle Roof with Metal?

When it comes time to replace the roof on your Charleston home, it’s wise to weigh your options. While replacing an asphalt shingle roof with the same material might seem like the easiest way to approach a roof replacement, there are alternatives to consider. Just because your roof has always been shingle doesn’t preclude you from exploring other options, like a durable and beautiful metal roof. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of replacing your shingle roof with metal to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of replacing shingles with a metal roof

There are several benefits of replacing an asphalt shingle roof with metal, including:

Durability

Living by the coast means facing some pretty rough weather, and shingles can only do so much when the big storms roll in, while metal roofs are proven to stand up to the elements. Unlike shingles, which can curl, crack, or get blown away by a strong gust of wind, metal roofing can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph. Metal can be a game-changer if you’re tired of calling us to patch your roof after every big storm.

Longevity

While shingle roofs typically last 15-20 years, a metal roof can last 50 or more. That’s half a century of not worrying about your roof. Imagine all the time you’ll save not having to check for missing shingles or leaks constantly. You can spend that time enjoying the beach, barbecuing, or just relaxing, knowing your home is well-protected.

Energy efficiency

Many homeowners are replacing lightbulbs, insulating the attic, and taking other measures to increase their home’s energy efficiency. If that’s you, you might be interested in learning that a metal roof can help increase energy efficiency, too. Since metal reflects light instead of absorbing it, studies have shown that it can reduce energy costs by as much as 40%.

Eco-friendly

If you’re eco-conscious, you’ll be happy to know that metal roofs are environmentally friendly. They’re often made from recycled materials and are also fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

Potential downsides of replacing your shingle roof with metal

While metal roofing has clear benefits, it’s important that we tell the whole story, including the downsides, which can include:

Cost

Metal roofing is significantly more expensive than shingles, sometimes costing two to three times more. However, you can easily understand why that is when you consider that once you install metal, you’ll likely never need to replace your roof during your lifetime.

Noise

Some homeowners say a metal roof is noisier than asphalt during a heavy rain or hailstorm. With proper installation, you shouldn’t notice a difference between the two.

Metal Roof Installation: What to Expect

Deciding to replace shingles with a metal roof is the hardest part. Our team of experienced installers takes it from there. Here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Roof

Our team will assess your current roof before anything gets torn off or installed. This involves checking the structural integrity of your roof deck and ensuring it can support the weight of a metal roof. The good news is that metal roofs are generally lighter than asphalt shingles, so weight isn’t usually a concern.

Step 2: Remove the Shingles

Next, those old shingles need to go. If a company tells you they plan to put the metal roof directly on top of the asphalt shingles, RUN! Failure to strip off the existing shingles could cause tons of problems down the road, including leaks that may be more difficult to locate and fix. Instead, we’ll strip away existing shingles and underlayment to fully understand what we’re working with.

Step 3: Inspect and Prepare the Roof Deck

With the shingles gone, we’ll inspect the roof deck for damage or rot. Before the metal goes up, we’ll repair any issues to create a solid foundation for your new metal roof.

Step 4: Install the Underlayment

Underlayment is a critical part of your new roofing system since it acts as a barrier against moisture and provides additional insulation. A high-quality underlayment that can withstand humidity and salt air is a must for coastal homes.

Step 5: Install the Metal Roof Panels

Metal roof panels come in various styles, from traditional vertical seam panels to those that mimic the look of shingles or tiles. Our team will help you weigh your options to choose just the right color and panel type to fit your desired aesthetic for your home. We’ll secure your roof panels to the roof deck, ensuring they’re properly aligned and fastened.

Step 6: Put on the Finishing Touches

The final step involves sealing edges, installing ridge caps, and ensuring everything is watertight. This attention to detail is what makes your new metal roof durable and beautiful.

Replacing shingles with a metal roof can be a smart move for Charleston homeowners. The durability, longevity, and storm protection metal roofs offer make them an excellent investment. Plus, with the variety of styles available, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. However, cost is a big consideration. Our online estimator tool can easily give you an estimate for a metal roof without anyone needing to come out to your home. If you do, however, want to see one of our team’s smiling faces, schedule an appointment online or text us.