Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing for New England Homes

Appearance

Architectural shingles look at home on nearly every New England style, from colonials to Victorians. Standing-seam metal has crisp vertical lines that suit farmhouses, Capes, barns and modern additions. On a historic street, metal is a more noticeable change.

Snow and ice

Metal sheds snow readily, which keeps weight off the roof and makes ice dams less likely to cling, but it needs snow guards above doors, decks and walkways. Shingles hold snow until it melts, so the ice barrier and attic ventilation underneath carry more of the load.

Lifespan factors

Architectural shingle roofs commonly last roughly 20 to 30 years. Well-installed metal roofs often last considerably longer. For either material, ventilation, flashing quality, tree cover and how carefully the roof was installed matter as much as the product itself.

Noise

Over solid decking with underlayment and an insulated attic, rain on metal sounds much like rain on shingles. Metal over open framing, such as a porch roof, is noticeably louder.

Installation and timing

Shingles are stocked locally and most roofing crews install them. Metal panels may need to be ordered or fabricated to length, and not every crew installs standing seam, so lead times can be longer.

Historic districts

In Springfield's local historic districts and Longmeadow's, a change from shingles to metal is a change in material and appearance and generally needs approval before work starts.

How to decide

• How long do you plan to stay in the house?
• Where will snow land if the roof sheds it?
• Does the style suit the house and the street?
• Is the home in a local historic district?
• How experienced is the crew with the material you're considering?