Can You Combine Asphalt Shingle and Metal Roofs?
The short answer is: yes, you can! Many homeowners choose to go this route for aesthetic purposes, as the combination of roofing styles can add more depth and character to the structure. In most cases, metal roofing is added to certain areas of an asphalt roof, and not the other way around.
Typical areas where metal is added include front and side porches, back porches, bay windows, and other areas that don’t cover a bulk of the roof. That being said, you can also do a combination of metal on certain facets while adding asphalt to other facets. You may not realize just how customizable your roof is until you book a consultation with your Virginia roofer.
It’s important to remember that the more metal you add to your roof, the higher the price tag will be. That’s because metal costs more than asphalt shingles, and the labor will cost more too due to the time and skill involved in installing it. Installing a combination roof takes even more skill, so make sure you hire a contractor that has experience, training, and knowledge to tackle this type of project.
What to Know About Asphalt and Metal Roof Combinations
Here’s a look at what you should know before deciding to install a metal and asphalt shingle roof combo.
1. Metal Will Outlive Asphalt Shingles
The two materials have vastly different lifespans. Architectural asphalt shingles typically last about 20 to 25 years with good care, while standing seam metal can last upwards of 50 years. This obviously means that your shingles will need replacing well before the metal will. With proper care, your combination roof can get as close as possible to their max lifespan. That means you need to invest in quality materials initially, make sure the attic is properly vented, and ensure your roofer follows proper installation techniques.
2. Metal Roofing Increases Cost of Shingle Replacement
An architectural shingle roof — which happens to be the most commonly used shingle in this area – costs between $4.50 and $7 per square foot, while a standing seam metal roof costs between $8 and $14 per square foot, according to Modernize. Your actual price tag will depend on your contractor and how much of each material was used.
3. The Material Warranties Differ
There are two parts to any warranty: the roofing materials from the manufacturer and the labor from the roofer. The warranties will be different for both materials, and each one will have its own specifications. One could be for 30 years while another is for 50. It’s important to discuss the difference in warranties with your roofer before progressing further.
4. Both Have Different Maintenance Requirements
In general, asphalt shingles require more maintenance than metal, and more things can go wrong over the years. Metal roofing doesn’t need much TLC, but your shingles may go missing, lose granules, curl, buckle, or crack with exposure to the weather. That means you will have to pay closer attention to certain areas of your roof than others.
Benefits of Shingle/Metal Combo Roofs
Who says you have to commit to one type of material for your roof? There are many benefits to mixing roofing materials for your Manassas home.
- Lower cost: As you know, metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles. If you’ve been holding off on installing a metal roof because of the cost, now is your chance to achieve the best of both worlds by offsetting the cost with asphalt shingles.
- Beauty: When you combine different textures, materials, and tones, you get a layered look that boasts more visual interest and depth than one uniform material.
- Timing: Sometimes, different areas of a home may have been constructed at different times. As a result, not all areas will need new roofing at once. In those cases, you can mix and match at a more affordable price to avoid having to face a total replacement in one material.
- Accent stand-alone features: When you add different materials to stand-alone features like pergolas, gazebos, carports, sheds, and covered pool areas, you can help distinguish these elements and ensure they stand out from the main property. Why should your home look like all the rest in your neighborhood? Go bold with a metal and asphalt roofing combo!
Book Your FREE Roof Installation Consultation With NVB Contracting
NVB Contracting specializes in asphalt shingle and metal combination roofs throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Book your free inspection now to see how we can transform your home with our metal roof vs. shingle roof consultations.