We're seeing more Ottawa-area homeowners choosing to replace their asphalt shingles with metal roofing. A few natural questions come up:
Why are metal roofs gaining in popularity?
What drives the decision to invest in metal when it's time to replace aging asphalt shingles?
What are the main benefits of installing a metal roof?
Let's break down the pros and cons of metal roofing for residential renovations across three categories: look, longevity, and cost.
Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to complement any home.
For homeowners who worry metal looks too "commercial" or "agricultural," there are now products designed to mimic other materials — wood, cedar shake, slate, and asphalt — in tiled, shingled, paneled, and ribbed styles.
Metal roofs span a wider colour range, including lighter shades.
Colour and sheen don't fade, so you get the shade you chose on day one for the full lifespan of the roof.
Homeowners hoping to blend in with the rest of the street may find a metal roof gives their home a bit more character and uniqueness than they bargained for (is that really a con?).
Metal roofs typically last 40 to 70 years, compared to asphalt shingles, which generally need replacing every 8 to 10 years in the Ottawa area.
Metal shingles resist fading, rust, and discolouration, staying good-looking for decades.
Today's metal roofing is extremely durable, lightweight, and water-resistant, holding up to the elements far longer than non-metal alternatives.
Some thinner products can dent from hail or falling branches.
Metal roofing reflects the sun's heat back into the air, keeping homes cooler in summer — homeowners report air conditioning savings of up to 25%.
Installation can often go directly over an existing roof, adding a second insulating layer for year-round heating and cooling savings.
Certain products use recycled materials and stay recyclable indefinitely, unlike asphalt shingles that end up in landfill.
Mid-range roof upgrades can add up to 65% of their cost back in resale value for long-term financial gain.
Since most metal roofs never need replacing during a homeowner's time in the house, the long-term savings really add up.
Incorrect installation reduces efficiency.
Metal absorbs less heat on short winter days, so it offers a little less passive warmth than shingles.
Higher upfront price for materials and installation.
Resale value and ROI may be lower if the style or colour doesn't match buyer tastes or the neighbourhood's general look.
Overall, when it comes to comparing metal versus asphalt shingles in Ottawa and the surrounding area — on looks, lifespan, and long-term cost savings — metal roofs come out ahead. If you're in the market for a new roof and want to explore metal roofing, reach out and let's start the conversation.