Key Points
- Metal roofs last 50+ years and shed snow better — a real advantage for Franklin’s winters — but cost more upfront than asphalt.
- Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and fastest to install, with a typical lifespan of about 25 years.
- Both materials carry fire resistance ratings; metal reflects heat in summer while asphalt absorbs it, affecting your energy bills year-round.
- Vesel Services has helped Franklin homeowners choose and install the right roof material for over 25 years.
Your aging roof has seen better days. It’s time to start thinking about a replacement — specifically, whether a metal roof or asphalt shingles is the smarter choice for your Franklin home. With over 25 years helping Wisconsin homeowners navigate this exact decision, Vesel Services breaks down what you need to know before committing to either material.
Should you stick with a standard asphalt roof or switch to metal roofing for your Franklin house? You’re in the right place. Below, learn the difference between these roofing materials so that you can schedule our roofing services in Franklin, WI, as soon as possible.
Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: What’s the Best Roofing Material for Your Franklin Home?
Here in Franklin, where the winters can get bitterly cold, you can’t just install any old roofing material and call it a day. Your house needs a roof that’s capable of withstanding our frigid temperatures and the occasional blizzard. You also want your roof to look good, right?
Both metal and asphalt roofs have many advantages. Here’s how to compare a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles as you’re sorting through your options.
Metal Roofing: Durability, Lifespan, and Cold-Weather Performance
If you’re looking for a roofing material that can take anything our climate can throw at it, a metal roof is for you.
Weather Resistance
Metal roof weather resistance is very impressive, and roofs made of this material can shrug off hail, rain, and wind without a problem. Metal roof snow shedding is another perk of this material. Because it heats up faster than asphalt, snow on the roof melts faster, reducing the chance of ice dams. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that reflective metal roofing can also reduce cooling loads in warmer months. That’s a year-round win for Franklin homeowners.
Lifespan: 50+ Years with Proper Care
When it comes to lifespan, metal roofs beat asphalt hands down. With good care, your metal roof could last for 50 years or more.
Aesthetics: More Options Than You Think
Concerned that a metal roof will make your house look like a factory or office building? Metal roofs have come a long way in the aesthetics department. You can now buy stone-coated metal shingles made to resemble wood, asphalt, and other materials.
Heating Costs in Cold Climates
All that said, metal roofs do have a disadvantage for homeowners in cold climates. Because metal reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, you’ll have to pay more to keep your home warm in the winter. On the other hand, it’s easier to keep your home cool in summer.
Cost: Higher Upfront, Lower Long-Term
What about the cost? In a cost comparison of a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles, metal roofs are always more expensive. This is expected — they last a long time, so you won’t have to replace a metal rooftop as soon as you would an asphalt one. Vesel Services offers flexible financing options, including no-interest payment plans, to make the investment easier to manage.
Asphalt Shingles: Affordable, Fast, and Widely Available
If you prefer a roofing material that’s fast and simple to install, stick with asphalt.
Installation Time and Cost
Compared to metal roofs, which require specialized installation techniques, a qualified roofing contractor can install an asphalt roof for you in just a few days. That’s why asphalt roofs are also the most budget-friendly pick. By choosing asphalt, you’ll pay much less compared to purchasing a metal roof, but since they only last about 25 years, you’ll need to replace yours sooner than you would a metal one.
Fire Resistance Ratings
If you’re concerned about asphalt shingles’ fire resistance, know that while it’s possible for asphalt shingles to catch on fire, it’s unlikely. For the strongest protection, choose Class A shingles, which are fully fire-resistant. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends Class A shingles as the top-rated option for fire performance.
Wind Ratings: What to Look For
One notable drawback of asphalt shingles is that they don’t resist wind as well as metal roofs do. If you opt for an asphalt roof, pay attention to the asphalt shingles’ wind rating, which indicates that the shingles can resist wind of anywhere from 90 to 150 miles per hour.
Which Roofing Material Is Right for Your Franklin Home?
Still can’t decide between a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles? The right answer depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and how much you want to spend on energy bills over time. A Vesel Services roofing contractor can walk you through both options and give you an honest recommendation based on your specific situation — no pressure, just answers.
Whether you’re leaning toward roof replacement with premium metal materials or a durable asphalt option, our A+ BBB-rated team is ready to help. Schedule your free inspection today and we’ll get you a clear picture of what your Franklin home needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about a metal roof vs. asphalt shingles here.
Which Type of Roof Is the Most Eco-Friendly?
Metal roofs are eco-friendly. Unlike asphalt, you can recycle metal.
Are Metal Roofs Noisy?
Yes, metal roofs can be noisier than asphalt and other materials. When rain and hail fall on metal, the sound is amplified. If you think the noise may bother you, consider asphalt instead.
Can I Get a Tax Credit for Installing a New Roof?
Sometimes, you can get a tax credit for installing certain metal roofs and asphalt roofs that include cooling granules. Check with your local roofers for details.
Does Vesel Services Offer Roof Repair for Franklin Homeowners?
Yes. Whether your roof needs a quick fix or a full replacement, Vesel Services handles both. Our team serves Franklin and the surrounding area — check out our roof repair services to learn more about what we cover.