Roofing Tips & Guides
Expert Roofing Advice for Charlotte Homeowners
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
When it comes to protecting your home in North Carolina, your roofing choice is critical. From coastal hurricanes to mountain snowstorms and everything in between, NC homeowners face diverse weather challenges that put roofing materials to the test. At Best Roofing Now, we're often asked whether metal or asphalt shingle roofs perform better in our state's unique climate. Let's break down this comparison to help you make the best decision for your home.
North Carolina's climate is nothing if not diverse. Living here means your roof needs to withstand:
These conditions demand roofing materials that can handle moisture, heat, cold, wind, and sun without premature failure. Let's see how metal and shingles stack up.
Metal roofing systems typically last 40-70 years when properly installed, making them a genuinely long-term investment. Modern metal roofs bear little resemblance to the tin barns of yesteryear—today's options feature advanced coatings and engineering that stand up to North Carolina's most challenging conditions.
"We've installed metal roofs that have weathered multiple hurricanes without a single panel coming loose," says James Turner, owner of Best Roofing Now. "Their interlocking panel design creates an exceptionally weather-tight barrier."
Metal roofing excels in several aspects of North Carolina's climate:
Let's address the elephant in the room: metal roofing typically costs 2-3 times more upfront than asphalt shingles. For an average North Carolina home, expect to invest $12,000-$25,000 for quality metal roofing installation.
However, this higher initial investment comes with significant long-term returns:
Traditional asphalt shingles typically last 20-30 years in North Carolina's climate. Premium architectural or dimensional shingles may extend this to 25-35 years with proper maintenance.
"Shingles remain our most-requested material because they're familiar and budget-friendly," notes Turner. "Many homeowners in the Piedmont region get excellent performance from quality architectural shingles when they're properly installed and maintained."
Asphalt shingles have improved significantly over the years but still face challenges in our climate:
Asphalt shingles win decisively on initial cost, typically ranging from $5,000-$12,000 for an average North Carolina home. This accessibility makes them the go-to choice for budget-conscious homeowners and explains why roughly 75% of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs.
| Factor | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $12,000-$25,000 | $5,000-$12,000 |
| Lifespan | 40-70 years | 20-30 years |
| Hurricane Resistance | Excellent (140+ mph) | Fair to Good (60-120 mph) |
| Heat Management | Excellent (reflects heat) | Poor to Fair (absorbs heat) |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Moderate |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Moderate |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate |
| Installation Complexity | High (requires specialists) | Moderate |
| Noise During Rain | Can be louder (mitigated with proper installation) | Quieter |
For homes along North Carolina's coast from the Outer Banks to Wilmington, metal roofing provides superior hurricane protection and salt-air resistance. The initial investment pays dividends during the first major storm when neighboring homes may need shingle replacements or repairs.
"After Hurricane Florence, we replaced dozens of shingle roofs but only repaired a handful of metal ones," Turner observes. "The difference in performance during extreme weather is dramatic."
Our residential roofing services include hurricane-rated options specifically designed for coastal properties.
In Charlotte, Raleigh, and surrounding areas, both options can perform well with proper installation. Homeowners here should weigh long-term value against initial budget constraints.
Metal roofing's energy efficiency shines during Piedmont summers, while quality architectural shingles from manufacturers like CertainTeed Landmark provide reliable performance at a lower price point.
Western North Carolina's mountain communities face heavy snow loads, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and occasional high winds. Metal roofing's snow-shedding capabilities and exceptional durability make it particularly valuable here, reducing the risk of structural damage from snow accumulation.
While weather resistance should be your primary consideration in North Carolina, other factors may influence your choice:
Metal roofing typically increases home values more than asphalt, with studies showing returns of 1-6% over comparable homes with asphalt shingles. This can partially offset the higher initial cost, especially if you're planning to sell within 5-10 years.
Based on our decades of experience serving North Carolina homeowners, here's our straightforward advice:
Choose metal roofing if:
Choose asphalt shingles if:
Whichever material you choose, proper installation and maintenance are crucial for maximizing performance in North Carolina's challenging climate. At Best Roofing Now, we ensure meticulous installation that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
For existing roofs, our maintenance services help extend lifespan and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
Ready to discuss the best roofing solution for your North Carolina home? Contact us for a free consultation and estimate. Our team will help you navigate the options and choose the right roof to protect your home for decades to come.
Best Roofing Now
Charlotte's trusted roofing experts since 2019
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