When you’re planning a roofing upgrade at your Michigan home, it’s paramount that you consider how different materials might hold up against the elements that we’re familiar with in this region of the country. The good news is that as you do your research, you’ll find that you have plenty of worthwhile options to consider. More specifically, you’ll see that both asphalt shingle and metal roofing have their merits as potential choices for your home. And if you’re stuck deciding between these two materials, don’t fret. The experts at Lifetime Roofing have the information you need to make a more informed decision for your Michigan residence.

How Michigan Weather Can Impact Your Home’s Roof

Before it comes to comparing your different roofing options themselves, it’s important to understand what your roofing system will be up against in terms of the Michigan climate. Throughout the year, your roof will battle against:

• Heavy snow – Snowfall during the wintertime can add weight and stress to a roof, plus there’s the threat of water damage.
• Ice dams – When heat escapes through your attic, melted snow may refreeze at the edge of your roof and potentially cause damage.
• Freeze-thaw cycles – With fluctuating temperatures during the wintertime, your roof will face repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause the expansion and contraction of its materials.
• High wind speeds & heavy storms – Even outside of the winter months, your roof may face the threat of strong winds and severe storms.
• Humidity & shade – Humidity can cause problems for your roof, and depending on the positioning of your home and any trees surrounding it, there’s also the potential for shade to create the right conditions for algae or moss growth.

With all these potential conditions in play throughout the year, it’s important to find the right roof for your Michigan home. The good news is that the systems we offer at Lifetime Roofing are designed to provide the performance and protection you need—just in different ways and at varying levels.

What to Look for When Deciding on the Right Roofing Option for Your Home

Now that we’ve reviewed what your home’s roof will be up against throughout the year in the Michigan climate, it’s a good idea to get an understanding of what you should be looking for in a new roofing system. Unsurprisingly, one of the first things to consider with any potential roofing option is the durability it does—or doesn’t—offer in the face of different weather conditions. Your roof will need to be able to withstand the accumulation of snow and ice dams while also holding up in freezing temperatures without cracking or deteriorating. That’s a must for any homeowner in Michigan, right?

You’ll also want to think about the level of energy efficiency a possible roofing choice can provide for your home. Michigan winters can cause discomfort inside your home without heat transfer being controlled, plus they can impact your heating and cooling costs. So, does the roof you’re looking into have energy-efficient features? Can it help limit heat transfer into your home so that you and your loved ones can remain comfortable throughout the cold winter months without having to break the bank on your energy bills? That’s another key consideration.

Folding into everything during your search for a new roof should be the desire to find a system that will last and require very little in terms of maintenance. On the one hand, with your new roof being such a big investment, the last thing you’ll want to do is turn right around and have to replace it again in short order. Not only that, but frequent upkeep and a constant need for repairs will cost you more money in the long run, so finding a roof that will look great and perform optimally for a long time to come with little-to-no maintenance is always a plus.

Why Might Asphalt Shingle Roofing Be the Right Choice for Your Michigan Home?

The most common choice for roofs in Michigan, asphalt shingles—and particularly architectural shingles—offer impressive durability and a unique, dimensional appearance that is great when it comes to curb appeal. When you invest in an asphalt shingle roofing system for your home, you’ll enjoy:

Lower Upfront Costs

Asphalt shingles are among the most budget-friendly roofing options, which is part of the reason why they’re such a popular choice among homeowners. Not to mention, given the performance and curb appeal they provide, these roofs offer great value.

A Variety of Eye-Catching Styles & Colors to Choose Between

There’s so much versatility that comes with asphalt shingle roofing, especially when it comes to aesthetics. Shingles are available in a wide selection of stunning styles and color profiles, which means you can feel confident that you’ll find the right look to suit your tastes and complement your home’s architectural style.

Easy Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining and repairing an asphalt shingle roof, it’s a simpler process, as individual shingles or smaller sections can be replaced without affecting the entire system. Not only does that make for an easier, smoother fix, but it can also mean lower labor costs.

What Might Make Metal Roofing the Ideal Choice for Your Home in Michigan?

As for metal roofing, you’ll get superior durability and longevity, which creates better long- term value for investment. These systems are great when it comes to:

Shedding Snow

When heavy snow comes the way of your Michigan home, you can expect your metal roof to shed the snowfall much easier than an asphalt shingle system would. Snow can simply slide off the metal roof, lowering the weight and stress your system is under in the wintertime.

Longevity

Metal roofs are known for their durability in the face of extreme weather, which is a big reason why they offer such exceptional longevity. These systems can last between 40 and 70 years, making them a longer-lasting choice than other options on the market.

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Perhaps the only thing better than easy maintenance with a roof is the system needing very minimal maintenance to begin with. Metal roofs have fewer components that can lift or curl, which makes the need for maintenance and repairs come around far less frequently.

Know Who to Turn to for Your Asphalt Shingle or Steel Roofing System

No matter if you’re interested in an asphalt shingle or metal roofing system for your home in Michigan, the fact remains that you need to partner with the right company for your investment. After all, doing so will set you up for a well-designed and properly installed roofing system that will provide the performance you need. Not only that, but when you work with a trusted local roofing contractor, you can also expect to benefit from localized expertise. For example, in Michigan, local contractors will have firsthand knowledge of the climate and with that, they’ll know which roofs are better suited to handle the elements and understand what it takes to complete a proper installation within this region of the country.

So, if you’re looking to invest in an asphalt shingle or steel roofing system at your home in Michigan, working with the proven professionals at Lifetime Roofing is the way to go. We are proud of the high-quality systems we install, plus the expertise we bring to the installation of your new roof can give you the peace of mind you need that your new roof will handle the Michigan climate for years to come.

Reach Out Today

If you’re ready to upgrade the roof of your Michigan home and you want to benefit from the high-quality asphalt shingles or premium steel roofing we offer at Lifetime Roofing, contact us today. We’d love to get your project started with a free estimate.