After installing thousands of roofs across Essex County, our crews have strong opinions about asphalt shingles versus metal roofing. Here is what NJ contractors see in the field that most comparison guides miss.
What We See on Tear-Offs
When we tear off old asphalt shingle roofs in Newark and surrounding towns, deck condition tells the real story. Homes with proper attic ventilation show plywood in good shape after 25 years. Homes without it show warped, moisture-damaged decking needing replacement at $2,000-$5,000. Metal roofing is more forgiving of marginal ventilation.
We also see a pattern with ice dams. Asphalt roofs on older homes in Montclair and Glen Ridge develop ice dams at predictable spots where dormers meet the main roof. Metal roofing virtually eliminates ice dam formation because snow slides off before accumulating.
Installation Quality Indicators
A poorly installed asphalt roof can still last 15 years. A poorly installed metal roof can fail within 5. The stakes are higher with metal because thermal expansion, improper fastening, and inadequate flashing cause leaks harder to trace. For metal, verify your contractor has specific metal roofing certifications beyond the basic NJ contractor license.
In Essex County, we recommend checking for manufacturer certifications from companies like Drexel Metals or Sheffield Metals. For asphalt, GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certification indicates advanced training.
Common Homeowner Mistakes
The biggest mistake is choosing metal roofing solely for aesthetics without considering noise. Metal roofs amplify rain sound unless proper underlayment and insulation are installed. In Essex County dense neighborhoods, budget an extra $1-$2/sq ft for sound-dampening underlayment.
Another common error is assuming all metal roofing is the same. Corrugated panels, standing seam, and metal shingles have vastly different performance and price profiles. Standing seam is the premium choice for Essex County homes.
From a contractor perspective, both materials have earned their place on NJ homes. The key is matching the material to the specific building, budget, and owner expectations.