Picking a new roof isn’t easy. You want something that lasts, looks good, and doesn’t empty your wallet. At Giannini Roofing, we install both metal and asphalt roofs all over the South Shore. Let’s break down what makes each one different.
Asphalt Shingles: What Most People Choose
Walk around any Massachusetts neighborhood and you’ll see mostly asphalt roofs. There’s a reason for that. They cost less and they work.
What’s Good About Asphalt:
- Cheaper to start (usually $5,000 to $12,000)
- Tons of colors to pick from
- Most roofers know how to install them
- Easy to fix if a few shingles break
- Quieter when rain hits
What’s Not So Good:
- Only lasts 15 to 25 years around here
- Wind and ice can damage them more easily
- Needs checking and fixing more often
- Can’t recycle them when you’re done
- Makes your house hotter in summer
We put in CertainTeed asphalt shingles for folks who want something dependable without spending a fortune. They handle our crazy weather pretty well.
Metal Roofs: Pay More Now, Save Later
Metal costs more upfront. No getting around that. But it sticks around way longer and saves you money in other ways.
What’s Good About Metal:
- Lasts 40 to 70 years (some even longer)
- Bounces sun away so your AC doesn’t work as hard
- Snow slides right off instead of piling up
- Really tough against wind, fire, and impacts
- You can recycle it completely
- Sometimes we can put it right over your old shingles
What’s Not So Good:
- Costs more at first ($11,000 to $25,000)
- Rain sounds louder (unless you add insulation)
- Not every roofer knows how to install it right
- Tree branches can dent it
- Fewer color choices than asphalt
Which One Actually Costs Less?
This surprised us too. Asphalt looks cheaper until you think about replacing it multiple times.
Say you spend $8,000 on asphalt shingles today. In 20 years, you need a new roof. Then again 20 years after that. And maybe again. With prices going up, you could easily spend $30,000 or more over your lifetime.
A metal roof costs maybe $18,000 now. But it’s still protecting your house 50 years from now. No second roof needed.
Plus, metal roofs make your home worth more when you sell. That helps too.
What Works in New England?
Both types handle our weather, just differently. Metal sheds snow better and laughs at windstorms. Asphalt works fine but needs more babysitting, especially with ice buildup.
Your roof’s angle matters. Steep roofs work with either. Flatter roofs do better with metal because water runs off faster.
So Which Should You Get?
Think about this. How long are you staying in your house?
Selling soon? Asphalt makes sense. You’ll save money now, and the roof will last until the next owner takes care of it.
Staying forever? Metal pays off big time: lower electric bills, zero replacement costs, and way less hassle.
Money tight right now? Good asphalt shingles from a solid installer will do the job just fine.
Let’s Talk About Your Roof
Still not sure? Contact Giannini Roofing for a free estimate. We’ll look at your house, explain both options without the sales pitch, and help you figure out what actually makes sense for your situation.
