Although metal roofing initially costs at least twice as much as shingle roofing, it costs far less in the long run. Metal roofs costs less than slate or some premium woods, but it is initially are more  expensive  than traditional shingles. Long term, however, the savings add up with lower electric bills, some tax credits, insurance breaks, and longer lifespans.

Both metal and asphalt shingles will keep the weather out, but they are like night and day when it comes to durability, energy efficiency and cost. Asphalt shingles absorb a lot of heat, and that heat streams into the structure and increases the inside temperature by 20 to 25 degrees.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect the sun’s heat away from a building, creating an energy savings of about 50 percent, and they can be about 100 degrees cooler on the surface than regular asphalt roofing.

A shingle roof usually weakens and curls over time, leading to more roof maintenance and earlier replacement. A metal roof doesn’t hold in the heat, is very resistant to the elements (when installed correctly), and it lasts much longer, needing little if any maintenance.

So which type of roof is more energy efficient in warm climates? Without a doubt – metal roofing. But why is that?

Modern, metal roofing acts like a mirror by reflecting the heat up into the air. A white or light-colored metal surface reflects best under testing, providing about 67 percent reflectivity. Some newly developed “cool colors” also protect by higher reflective qualities. Asphalt tiles intensify the heat from the sun by holding it long after the sun has set. Dark shingles, usually have a reflectivity of about 22 percent, tend to release the heat into the structure’s attic and make it warmer

A metal roof is fireproof, more durable, requires little maintenance, and is better for the environment because it decreases the need for running air conditioning and cooling systems. And when its lifespan ends, it’s also recyclable.