Are Steel Shingles Worth It

More Coloradans are searching for an asphalt shingle or wood shake roof alternative – one that’s more durable and lasts longer. After-all, traditional asphalt shingles only last 15-25 years, even less if you live in a part of the state that gets large hail stones. For many folks, that alternative to asphalt shingles are steel shingles. But, are stone-coated steel shingles worth it?

What Are Steel Shingles

Steel shingles, as well as steel shake and steel tiles, is a relatively new type of metal roof covering. They consist of a base layer of tin, followed by a layer of asphalt, which acts as the adhesive which holds the top layer of granules. Traditional asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base layer. Steel shingles resemble traditional asphalt shingles, while steel shake resembles wood shake and steel tiles resemble Spanish barrel tiles or Pacific tiles.

Benefits of Steel Shingles, Shake, and Tile

Cost

For many, it comes down to cost. Many find stone-coated steel shingles worth the extra initial cost, and a good alternative to asphalt shingles. On average, a traditional asphalt shingles cost about $3/sqft. and last 15-30 years. A stone-coated steel shingle or shake roof will cost about 3x as much initially, but last at least 3x as long. Therefore, in the long-run, a steel shingle or shake roof will cost you less than if you had 3 new asphalt shingle roofs. And, keep in mind, a new asphalt shingle roof will probably cost more in the future.

Longevity

As mentioned above, traditional asphalt shingles last 15-30 years if undamaged by hail and regularly maintained. A new stone-coated steel shingle or shake roof, however, should last 70 years or more, even if it’s abused by hail. That’s because steel is much more durable than fiberglass, which is the base layer of traditional asphalt shingles.

Reroofing Frequency

Let’s say you move into your ‘forever home’ in your 30’s. You will probably replace an asphalt shingle roof 2 or 3 times in your lifetime, at least. A stone-coated steel shingle roof, on the other hand, since they last 70 years or more, you’ll likely never have to replace it. If you had installed a new stone-coated steel shingle or shake roof when you moved in to your forever home, you’d likely never had to go through the annoyance of a roof replacement again.

It’s an inconvenience having your roof replaced. In most cases, we can reroof an asphalt shingle roof in a day, sometimes two. But, that’s a full day or us pounding on your roof, dust falling down onto your belongs in your kitchen, living room, bed room, etc. Our dumpster in your driveway and you not being able to get in or out is inconvenient for most. Your dog is inside going crazy because of the noise. So, is being inconvenienced less frequently by the reroofing process worth it to you?

Why Choose Steel Roofing Shingles

Durability – Steel is much more durable than fiberglass, which is the base material traditional asphalt shingles are made of. Steel shingles are installed with screws, which offer much better holding power than nails, which is what’s used to secure down traditional asphalt shingles.

Longevity – Because steel shingles are more durable, as a result they last a long time. As mentioned above, you can expect your new steel shingle or shake roof to last at least 70 years, often more.

Low Long-Term Cost – Because steel shingles last so long, they end-up costing less in the long run. During the lifetime of one steel shingle roof, you will have replaced your traditional asphalt shingle roof at least 3 times.

Recyclability – Traditional asphalt shingles aren’t recyclable in our area. Therefore, when we remove a worn-out asphalt shingle roof, we deliver it to the nearest landfill. Stone-coated steel shingles, on the other hand, are recyclable in our area.

Are Steel Shingles Worth It To You

Given the low long-term cost and long life span, are steel shingles worth it to you? Are they worth the initial extra cost? Are they a better asphalt shingle alternative? More Coloradans are saying yes. This Greeley homeowner was tired of having his traditional asphalt shingle roof replaced due to hail, so he asked us to install a new steel shake roof for him. He felt steel shake was a better alternative to asphalt shingles. If you’d like to discuss whether stone-coated steel shingles are worth it, if they’re worth the extra money, contact us for a free, no-obligation chat. We’re happy to answer any and all questions you might have about steel shingles.

Steel Shingle Roof Installation

Looking for a roofing company in Northern Colorado to install your new steel shingle or shake roof? You’ve come to the right place. We love metal roofing, primarily because it lasts so long. Metal is simply a superior roof covering. What’s more, it makes us feel better to recycle an old metal roof instead of burying asphalt shingles in our backyard. We offer quality steel roofing products from Westlake Royal Roofing and Decra.