Last Updated on April 2, 2021 by Showrooms Online
Comparing Metal vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofs in Canada
When comparing metal vs asphalt shingle roofs in Canada it’s a good idea to understand the differences between the two products. Your roof shouldn’t be an afterthought, it’s one of the most important parts of your house.
When it comes to your home, the roof might be the most important surface since it protects your entire household from direct exposure to the elements and complements the look and feel of your property. In addition to catching most of the sunlight and providing insulation, the roof also helps to keep rain, hail and snow from entering your house. Since water is the leading cause of structural damage, having a roof that performs well under stress is critical to the status and functionality of your house. Falcon Metal Roofing
Asphalt shingles have been the go to material for roofs for a long time. However, metal roofing is gaining in popularity with all the new styles and colors on the market. How do you decide between a metal roof vs shingles in Canada? Hopefully we can help you choose.
Cost of Metal vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofs in Canada
Simply put, the most important difference between metal vs. asphalt shingle roofs in Canada comes down to price. The average cost for asphalt shingles is $4.75. Whereas a metal roof’s average price is $10.36 per square foot. Both types have a wide price range so the final price could vary a lot from the average price. Some metal roofs can cost over $120 per square foot.
Installation Process
For pros, the work requires little specialized knowledge and basic tools. Shingles can be installed in a day or two in some cases, sometimes right over the existing layer. Metal roofing installation typically requires a more skilled and specialized tradesman. The job is more precise, with less room for error, so it won’t move as quickly as a shingle installation. However, some lightweight metal products may be able to be installed right over an existing roof in good condition, simplifying installation overall and eliminating the cost of ripping the original roof out. Bob Villa
Overall Look of Each Product
One of the advantages of a metal roofing system, the wide range of styles and colors. Although there are basically two unique forms of metal roofs, each has countless variations. In fact, metal roofing can be made to look just like asphalt shingles. Even though there are a lot of options for color and a few different styles for asphalt shingles, the options are more limited than for metal roofs. Many people prefer the classic look of asphalt shingles. Basically, if you are thinking of selling, maybe you want to go with the more conservative asphalt shingle.
Durability and Warranties
Undoubtedly, this durability and warranty are probably as important as the cost of a new roof. Whether you decided metal roof vs shingles in Canada, you want the assurance that it will last. Here’s what HomeAce has to say.
Metal roofing may entail higher costs but it makes up for it with its long life expectancy. Metal roofs can last for more than 60 years with minimal maintenance. Moreover, most roofing makers offer up to a 50-year warranty on their products.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles may require replacement up to three times or more during a 60-year period. Warranties for this kind of roofing are also shorter, varying from 20 to 25 years.
Environmental Considerations
What is the environmental impact of metal vs. asphalt shingle roofs in Canada? Some metal roofs can be installed directly over the existing asphalt shingles. This means zero trips to the landfill site. Asphalt shingles can be installed directly over existing shingles only once. Eventually, all the shingles will have to be removed and disposed of in a landfill. However, metal roofs can also be recycled after they are removed. O’Boyles Roof Plumbing adds:
Metal roofs can help lower energy bills by up to 40 percent in the summer as the reflective surface minimizes the heat transfer into the home. And although asphalt shingles can make homes much warmer during the winter months, metal roofs still make year-round energy usage lower for most homes.
In short, metal roofs are considered a more practical option in the long run compared to asphalt shingles. While metal roofs are more expensive and more difficult to install, these disadvantages are offset by other benefits like durability, longer warranty, availability of more styles and colors and lower energy costs.
Comparing metal vs. asphalt shingle roofs in Canada really comes down to just a few factors, as we have pointed out. Take some time reviewing your options. With either choice, we recommend hiring a professional to install your new roof.
