Shingles for durability – how to choose
Bituminous shingles or metal shingles – this dilemma arises for most of us when it’s time to replace the roof covering. A matter of taste or a matter of practicality? In this text, we will objectively review the two types of roofing materials to help you choose. We will consider factors such as lifespan, weather resistance, fire safety, weight, and appearance.
Service life – bituminous or metal shingles?
Durability of metal roofs
Metal shingles are recognized for their long-lasting durability. The polyester coating protects them excellently from corrosion, rain, snow, and UV rays. And the zinc content in the metal core guarantees long-term roof protection, even after the warranty period has expired.
At LATIVA we offer fast delivery and customization options – see our solutions for metal shingles.
Bituminous shingles – what makes them durable?
The bituminous shingle relies on a fiberglass base, a bitumen coating, and mineral granules. The most durable granules are basalt ones, which better withstand the effects of weather conditions, despite the risk of wear over time. The minerals protect the color and durability of the shingle.
Check out our quality solutions on the website: битумни керемиди.
Fire safety – what is the difference between metal and bitumen?
When it comes to fire, metal shingles are the clear winner. Made of galvanized steel with an additional protective coating, they meet the highest A1 fire resistance class – the material does not burn and limits the spread of fire.
Bituminous shingles contain bitumen – a product classified as a flammable material. Therefore, you must always be careful where and how you install them. Their use is limited in buildings where there is a fire risk or specific fire safety requirements.
Weight impact – which of the two materials loads the roof more?
Despite their rigidity, metal shingles weigh very little (about 4-5 kg per square meter). This facilitates installation and does not require complex or expensive additional roof structures.
Bitumen shingles require a stable base – most often OSB boards, planks, or plywood. This significantly increases the overall weight of the roofing system, which can affect the price and installation time.
Beauty matters – how to choose the right roof appearance?
Metal shingles are modern, available in a wide palette of standard RAL colors and three different coatings – gloss, matte, and double matte. At LATIVA, you can also choose thickness from 0.4 to 0.7mm, tailored to your specific requirements. Choose metal shingles Clasic for a classic and elegant look.
On the other hand, flexibility and individuality are key characteristics of bitumen shingles. They are unsuitable for bright palettes but excellent for unusual roof shapes like cones, domes, and polygonal structures. They are more often offered in muted, natural tones.
Installation complexity – time and technique matter!
You are probably not an installation expert, so we pay attention to reality – metal shingles can be installed year-round, without weather restrictions. The only condition is a quality and stable wooden lathing with battens.
Bitumen, however, is more demanding. Installation must be at a suitable temperature – between 15°C and 30°C, otherwise it causes problems. Bitumen shingles require a solid base, good preparation, and an experienced team to prevent the material from sagging.
Why choose professional installation?
- Quality and secure installation process;
- No risks of mistakes and unpleasant surprises;
- Durability and operational safety.
Contact us for professional installation – visit the page Roof Repair and besides quality material, ensure quality installation!
How to proceed from here?
The choice between installing bitumen shingles or metal shingles will depend on your criteria and what you expect from your roof. With this text, we aim to help you make a clear and informed decision. Both materials are great, but the choice should be made personally based on aesthetics, safety, budget, and comfort.
For more questions and professional consultation, use our Contact page and get in touch with the LATIVA team today! We are here to help you build the roof you have always dreamed of.
Stay tuned for the continuation of the article, where we will make an even deeper analysis on maintenance, installation waste, soundproofing, and pricing aspects. Again, we will provide useful information so you can easily decide whether to choose bitumen or metal shingles for your home.
Installation waste – the difference between bitumen and metal shingles
When talking about bitumen or metal shingles, we must also consider the amount of waste left after installation. It's not pleasant when purchased materials remain unused, right?
The exact amount of metal shingles – is it possible?
One of the biggest advantages when choosing metal shingles is the possibility to produce the material according to your exact sizes. LATIVA offers manufacturing of metal sheets with precise length down to the centimeter, which minimizes waste.
Still, if your roof is complex – with many breaks and different slopes, there may be some leftover material. We recommend carefully discussing the exact sizes with our team before ordering.
And how are things with bitumen shingles?
Unlike metal shingles, bitumen shingles come in standard sizes. They are produced in strips of approximately 1 meter in length, which means more cutting and technical waste.
This is especially true if your roof has a complex configuration and unusual shapes. A tip when using bitumen is to increase the amount of shingles purchased slightly to be sure your materials will be sufficient.
Maintenance and care – what do metal and bitumen shingles need?
Let's say you have already installed your roof. What comes next? It is important to know how much effort will be needed for the daily or periodic maintenance of your new roof.
Maintenance of metal shingles is easy but important
Metal shingles do not require special care. It is enough to wash them several times a year from city dust with hose water. There is no need to climb onto the roof. The only more specific thing is to check and replace the fastening screws with rubber seals from time to time.
Special care for bitumen shingles
With bitumen shingles, things are a bit different. They have a rougher texture, which often traps dust and leaves. A damp and cool environment can lead to the growth of moss and lichens. If you want to keep your roof clean and healthy, you would need specialized cleaning products to remove such growths.
Soundproofing – should we hear the rain or not?
Here is an interesting question – do you want to hear the clatter of raindrops when they hit the roof? Some people find this sound romantic, while others find it annoying.
Sound insulating advantages of bituminous shingles
Bituminous shingles, since they are a softer material and are laid on a solid base (for example OSB boards), have significantly better sound insulation. In practice, the noise from rain will not be very noticeable.
Metal roof – with or without sound insulation?
For metal shingles, the situation is different if the attic space is not insulated. The drops may be heard more clearly during a heavy downpour. But if you install good insulation, this noise will be significantly reduced and you will hardly notice it.
Price matters – ask us “are bituminous shingles or metal shingles more economical?”
Last but not least – price. The budget you have set for your roof is crucial.
Advantages of the metal roof from a cost perspective
- Lower overall cost for materials and labor;
- Does not require building a solid base;
- Minimum costs for subsequent maintenance.
Financial considerations for the bituminous roof
- Higher prices for high-quality models of bituminous shingles;
- Additional costs for OSB bases and membranes;
- Possible additional maintenance means.
If you have a special interest – see the current bituminous shingles prices or contact our team to learn more about the offers.
Our recommendation for you – which material do you choose today?
In conclusion of our detailed comparison, we note that both types of shingles are quality and reliable solutions for your roof. Which one you prefer depends on your personal priorities – design, budget, maintenance effort, and sound insulation. If you are a practical person looking for low cost – metal shingles are your clear choice. But if you value a quiet environment, elegance, and flexibility in shapes – bituminous shingles might be ideal for you.
Whatever you decide, at LATIVA you will find professional consultation, specialized transport, and installation of all types of roofing materials. Contact us today through our Contact page – take the first step towards the perfect roof now!
So, are you ready to choose bituminous shingles or metal shingles and get your personal offer from LATIVA?
