Architectural (dimensional) asphalt is the most common roof on North Carolina homes. Interlock aluminum shingles are stamped to look like slate, cedar shingle, shake or tile.
| Factor | Interlock aluminum shingles | Architectural asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy | Aluminum has been known to last over 100 years; a property of the metal, not a promise | About 20 years (NAHB / Bank of America, 2007) |
| Material warranty | Guardian Lifetime Limited Material Warranty: material and finish, original purchaser while they own the home, transferable once | Varies by brand and line |
| Wind | Interlocked on four sides; warranted to 120 mph when installed to manufacturer specification | Tabs can lift once the seal strip lets go |
| Hail | UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating (Delta Building Products listing, tested by Intertek); can dent cosmetically | Bruises and loses granules |
| Humidity and algae | Factory finish with no granules to hold moisture | Dark streaks and moss common on shaded roofs |
| Weight | About 0.41 to 0.59 lb per sq ft (ICC-ES ESR-1790) | Heavier |
| Up-front cost | About 2.5 to 3 times asphalt (rule of thumb) | Lower |
Which lasts longer in North Carolina weather?
Interlock aluminum shingles last longer. Long, humid summers age asphalt's mat and loosen granules, tropical storms work at the tabs, and Piedmont ice storms snap limbs onto brittle shingles. Aluminum absorbs no water and has no tabs for wind to lift.
What is the real cost difference?
Metal Roof NC's rule of thumb is that an Interlock aluminum roof typically costs about 2.5 to 3 times a traditional asphalt-shingle roof. Prices vary job to job with roof size, pitch, tear-off and other conditions, and an on-site estimate is required for an accurate price. Compare a written asphalt estimate with a written Interlock estimate over the years you expect to stay, counting the next asphalt tear-off. See metal roof cost and metal roof vs asphalt shingles.
Will my HOA approve metal shingles?
Many Triangle and Charlotte-area communities require architectural review for a change of roof material. Slate and Shake profiles in muted colors often read as a traditional roof from the street; we provide samples and product documents for the application. More on aluminum shingles and Interlock roofing in NC.
Where does Metal Roof NC install?
Across the Triangle, the Charlotte area, the Triad and Piedmont, and the coast: Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, New Bern, Morehead City and more. See all service areas.