Commercial Roofing in Minneapolis: Metal Vs. Asphalt

When it comes time to replace the roof on your commercial building, you will have to decide what type of roofing material will work best for you. This all basically comes down to what you’re willing to spend and what type of benefits you are ultimately looking to get out of your new roof. Doing your research and weighing out the pros and cons is a good place to start. Let’s take a look at two very popular types of commercial roofing in Minneapolis so that you can compare them and see which one would be the better fit for your commercial building.

Minnesota Commercial Metal Roofing

Metal is one of the most common used roofing materials for commercial buildings, and it’s not hard to see why. Metal roofing is probably your most cost-effective option when you think of it in terms of how long it will last you. With the proper care and maintenance, you can expect a metal roof to last you for decades upon decades, which is definitely a major selling point. This is mostly due to the fact that metal roofing is extremely weather-resistant. It is exceptional at preventing leaks and resisting strong winds, and it is fireproof as well. Metal is probably the lightest material that you can have installed as your roof. The weight will vary depending on the type of metal, but they are all lightweight and easy to work with. And another major selling point is that it is environmentally friendly. It’s actually one of the most energy-efficient materials out there. It can help lower your energy bills, and it is recyclable.

With all of these wonderful benefits, you wouldn’t think that there could be anything wrong with metal roofing, but the truth is that everything has drawbacks. Metal roofing is very expensive upfront. Although cost-effective in the long run, it’s definitely pricey to start. It can cost as much as three times the amount of asphalt.

Minnesota Commercial Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofing is installed on businesses frequently, mainly because it’s affordable and will save you a notable amount of money in the short-term. And not only is it economical, but it is a material that is well-known and proven as trusted for years. This makes people comfortable with it and more willing to use it. It’s been used in the building industry for more than a century now. It is extremely easy to install, and not to mention easy to repair. It’s actually just as easy to install it as it is to repair it. And another very important benefit is that asphalt roofing has a good performance record. Asphalt requires minimal maintenance. Many asphalt roofs are fire-rated and meet Energy Star requirements.

The style of asphalt is pretty basic, but you can order it in fancier styles if you prefer. And even though catchy colors and styles are available, it is still a pretty dull and boring roofing material. While asphalt roofing can withstand harsh weather to a certain degree, it will not hold up well to severe weather, such as hail. If asphalt roofing doesn’t get adequate sunlight, it becomes vulnerable to moss, mildew, and algae. Asphalt is heavy, and longevity really all depends on how well the owner maintains it and the level of ventilation that it has. And as far as how recyclable it is, that is something that is still evolving.

Choosing a new roof mostly depends on what your budget is and what would look great on your commercial building. You will just have to decide what advantages and disadvantages are most important to you. Contact us at First Impressions Exteriors for more information on commercial roofing and to get started on your new roof today.