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Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing: A More In-Depth Look

June 21, 2019 10:00 am

Click on anyone of the following links to find out more about the differences between asphalt roofing and metal roofing.

COST | CURBSIDE APPEAL | LONGEVITY | ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEIGHT | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE | RE-SALE VALUE

Cost – Investment, Warranty

A metal roof is a larger initial investment, but over their life span of 50 years you will spend less than you would replacing an asphalt roof 3 times within that same time frame. Metal roofs are less likely to be damaged by fire, ice, snow, wind and hail than asphalt roofs are as well, so you will be less likely to spend money on repairs. Many asphalt warranties cover manufacturing defects, but do not cover “wear and tear”, which will mean you will most likely be replacing your roof before the manufacturer warranty expires. Many of these warranties are not transferrable to the new owner of a home either.

Our metal roofing products have 30 – 50 Year warranties, and many metal roofs even outlast their warranty.

Look (Colour, Texture, Variety)

There was a time when asphalt shingles were preferred by consumers because of the wide variety of colours available. Metal roofing manufacturers took this customer feedback and created their own take on shingles that incorporated the strength, durability, and convenience of steel roofing with the texture and colour availability of asphalt shingles. The result was the Metal Shingle; a stone-coated shingle that gives the traditional shingle look combined with long-lasting security and protection from the freeze-thaw cycles of the north. These shingles come in traditional shingle designs, but also cottage shingle, shake, barrel-vault, and pacific tile designs.

Metal roofs offer a selection of vibrant colour schemes featuring rich blends, earth stone finishes and natural hues, all of which dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home.

To see more of our textures and colours please visit out Products page.

Longevity & Durability

Metal roofing products are the clear winner when it comes to longevity, rated for hurricane force winds and Class-4 Hail Impact. Asphalt roofs usually have to be replaced every 10-15 years, and are prone to weather damage. This means you’re more likely to have to repair your roof a few times before complete replacement. Asphalt shingles also do not protect as well against fires as Class A Fire Rated metal shingles. Asphalt shingles are made with combustible materials and can catch on fire if the flame reaches the asphalt coating.

Winter brings fierce Canadian weather, and also some unexpected visitors. Metal roofing is much more durable against animals, as it is impossible for an animal to chew through a metal roof!

Energy Efficiency

A metal roof can significantly cut down your heating and cooling costs. They feature a high R-value heat barrier finish, which reflects radiant heat to keep your home comfortable all year round. Asphalt roofing actually absorbs heat from the summer sun, heating up your home.

Metal roofs also give you the ability to set up solar panels with clamps.

Weight

Asphalt shingles can be heavy, and if you’re replacing a roof it will have to be completely removed before the new one is installed. Metal roofing materials however are surprisingly light, and can even be installed on top of your existing roof!

This can save you time, and money when looking at a roof replacement.

Environmental Impact

Not only do metal roofs last longer than asphalt roofs, making them less wasteful, but they’re also 100% recyclable! Asphalt shingles can be made into road materials, but have to be replaced 3 times more often than a metal roof alternative. 1.25 million tonnes of asphalt roofing waste is generated per year in Canada. Although there are recycling options, contractors have been slow to adopt environmentally friendly disposal practices. Even so, recycling uses resources, so reducing the number of times you have to replace your roof is much more environmentally friendly in the long run.

Metal roofing sheets are sometimes even made of previously recycled materials!

Installation & Maintenance

There’s no question that installing asphalt shingles are fast and easy to install. Many homeowners even opt to install their roof themselves. The installation process includes removing the previous asphalt roof, and nailing the shingle to the roof deck which creates tiny holes that can compromise the roof and subject it to more repairs later in its life.

Metal roofing requires a higher level of expertise to install, however it can be installed over an older asphalt roof and requires little maintenance after installation.

Resale Value

A home with a metal roof will have a higher property value because of the longevity of the roof. If the building is older, and likely to be in need of extreme renovations or even be torn down in the near future then an asphalt roof may be just fine. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, this can be a great selling feature!

New prospective owners will be attracted to the fact that they won’t have to replace the roof in the near future.