Most homeowners don’t consider just how customizable getting a new roof is. You’ll choose the roofing material, the types of roof vents you want, what metal you want the roof flashing to be, and more to fit the exact look you want and your budget.
Now some homeowners are taking customization a step further by asking if it’s possible to do a combination of two roof systems. More specifically, an asphalt shingle roof and a metal roof combination.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners like you understand the possibilities for their roofing project. Now we’re going to break down if you can do a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination.
I’ll start this article by diving right into it if it's even possible to do it. After that, you’ll learn 4 things you need to know about doing an asphalt roof and metal roof combination.
For this article, we’ll be using an architectural asphalt shingle roof (the most common roof in the country) and a standing seam metal roof (the recommended residential metal roof) for examples.
Can you do a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination?
Yes, you can do a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination. In most cases, this is done by adding metal roofing to certain areas of your asphalt roof.
These areas include front porches, side porches, back porches, bay windows, and other places that don’t make up the bulk of the roof. However, you can do a combo of metal on certain facets and asphalt on other facets of your roof.
Just know the more metal you add, the more expensive the final price of your roof replacement will be (more on that later). Installing metal also takes more skill than an asphalt shingle roof installation.
Doing a combo takes even more skill. So if you’re serious about a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination, it’s crucial to hire a roofing contractor that has experience installing both types of roof systems and how to join them.
4 things to know about doing an asphalt roof and metal roof combination
Now you know it’s possible to do a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination. But before reaching out to a roofing contractor, there are some things you need to know about combining metal and asphalt roofing.
Below are 4 things you need to know about a metal and asphalt shingle roof combination.
1. Metal roofing will outlive the asphalt shingles
The first thing you need to know about combining metal roofing and asphalt shingles is they have different lifespans. While both roofs have good lifespans, the metal roofing will last longer than the asphalt shingle roof.
For example, an architectural (aka dimensional) asphalt shingle roof will last around 25 years, while a standing-seam metal roof can last up to 50 years. This means the asphalt shingles will be replaced well before you need the metal replaced.
Keep in mind multiple factors ultimately determine how long the two roof systems last. But as long as you invest in quality materials, your attic is adequately ventilated, and the roofing contractor follows proper installation techniques, both the metal roof and asphalt shingle roof should get as close as possible to their maximum lifespan.
2. Adding metal roofing increases the cost of your asphalt shingle roof replacement
I mentioned this earlier, but adding metal roofing increases the cost of your roof replacement. Not only do the metal panels themselves cost more than asphalt shingles, but remember, it also requires more skill and labor to install.
So, the more metal you add to your roof replacement, the more it adds to the final cost. For example, an architectural shingle roof (the most commonly used shingle) will cost around $4.76 per square foot, while a standing seam metal roof will cost around $15.00 per square foot.
Keep in mind the numbers above aren’t exact and are based on getting a full asphalt shingle roof or a full metal roof. The real number you’ll get for a metal roof or asphalt shingle roof depends on how much of each material is used and the roofing contractor you hire.
3. Metal roofing has a different material warranty than asphalt shingles
When getting a new roof, you’ll have a warranty on the roofing materials themselves from the manufacturer. However, the material warranty you get on a metal roof and an asphalt roof are very different.
For example, an architectural asphalt shingle comes out of the package with a 30-year prorated warranty. But if you use all of one manufacturer’s roofing components, you can qualify to get the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty.
Once you register your roof with the manufacturer, the enhanced warranty covers your entire asphalt roof for the next 50 years. On the other hand, standing seam metal roof panels come with a 30-year Kynar 500 paint warranty that covers the protective coating on the metal panels.
But even though it’s only covered for 30 years, that doesn’t mean the paint will disappear once the warranty expires. Just know each material warranty is for that specific roofing material only.
This means the metal roof won’t fall under the enhanced warranty, and the asphalt shingle roof won’t fall under the painted finish warranty.
4. Metal roofing adds more curb appeal to your home
A new roof always improves your home’s curb appeal no matter what type of roofing material you choose for your replacement. But some roofing materials boost it more than others.
(Architectural shingles and standing seam metal curb appeal comparison)
With that in mind, a standing seam metal roof has higher curb appeal than architectural asphalt shingles. This means the more metal you add to your roof replacement, the more it boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Now I’m not saying just to add metal for the sake of curb appeal. But the easiest way to boost an asphalt roof’s curb appeal is by putting metal accents over certain areas like a front porch, arches, or dormers.
The truth is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you don’t like the look of metal in certain areas, then don’t get it.
The important thing is that you get a roof that fits the look you want. Remember, your new roof improves your home’s curb appeal no matter what.
The tips you need to find a great roofing contractor for your replacement
You just learned the 4 things you need to know about adding metal to your asphalt roof replacement. While it’s easy to read about, you’ll need to keep track of the differences in lifespan, warranties, and cost if you’re serious about an asphalt and metal roof combination.
And remember, it takes more skill to install a standing seam metal roof and even more skill to do a combination roof system. That’s why it’s crucial to find a great roofing contractor with experience installing both asphalt roofing and metal roofing.
But that’s not the only reason it’s crucial. The roofing contractor you hire has a huge impact on all aspects of your roof replacement, from the cost to the final quality of the work.
Because it’s such a big decision, we wrote another article that gives you the tips needed to find a great roofing contractor in your area.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roof replacements to homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We have the experience and skill necessary to do asphalt and metal roof systems and even combinations.
If you’re local to Nashville or a surrounding Middle Tennessee area, don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your asphalt or metal roofing needs.
Here are the 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor you need to make the best hiring decision for your upcoming roofing project.
