The benefits of a metal roof are undeniable. When compared to asphalt shingles, metal roofs outperform in almost every category:
- Life expectancy: 40 to 70+ years, up to 7 times longer than asphalt shingles
- Curb appeal: sleek style with more colour, shade and texture choices
- Climate proof: stronger against wind, ice, snow and blazing summer sun
- Fire resistance: Class A ratings contain fires and minimize structural damage
- Increased home value: Property and resale value is significantly higher
- Energy-efficiency: higher insulation R value reduces monthly heating and cooling bills
Despite the overwhelming advantages of installing a metal roof, the elephant in the room must be addressed: cost. Homeowners are understandably concerned about the upfront expense of metal roofs and are often reluctant to even consider the option of replacing their asphalt shingles with metal when it comes time for a new roof.
As Ottawa’s renovation and roofing specialists, we’re often asked, “can I really afford a metal roof?” We’d like to spin the question and ask, “can you really afford NOT to install a metal roof?”
Keep reading, and we’ll explain the rationale behind our belief that metal roofs are cheaper in the end.
Seeing past the sticker shock
There’s no way around it. The initial cost of installing a metal roof will come with a price tag that is two to three times higher than doing the job with asphalt shingles. Homeowners can expect to pay between $6.00 – $20.00 per square foot for metal roofing plus labour. Your cost will depend on a number of factors such as:
- Slope – steep vs. flat will affect sealant, shingle, fastener and labour fees
- Size – both material and labour costs are generally calculated by square footage
- Panel type – costs differ for interlocking, overlapping, coating, and sealing
- Material – choices range from economy, steel sheets, aluminum, and standing seam
Based on our experience and training, it is our firm belief that even with the higher price of initial installation, a metal roof on your home will have paid for itself and continue to save you money each year within the first decade.[check with client and adjust for their estimate] So if you are looking for a long-term payoff from a short-term investment, a metal roof will pay back in dividends for as long as you own your home. Let’s have a closer look at that.
Stronger and Longer
Because metal roofs last for anywhere from 40 to 70 years with little to no maintenance, once you have installed your metal roof, you can sit back and watch the heating and cooling savings and your home equity gains add up month to month, year to year, decade to decade.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, thanks to the harsh weather climate of Ottawa and the surrounding area, homeowners with asphalt shingles can expect to repair sections of their roof after any major weather events and are committed to a full replacement in as little as 8 to 10 years.
Simple math shows that just 2 life cycles of reshingling with asphalt could add up to the initial cost of a metal roof. If you continue to re-roof with asphalt shingles every 8-10 years, you’re literally pouring money down the drain (and filling landfill with non-recyclable asphalt shingles and nails) by repeatedly reshingling with asphalt shingles.
Overall Value
Yes, installing a metal roof is a project that requires a higher up-front investment , but the long-term durability and protection provided by meal roofs outweigh the initial higher costs in the long run. The durability, low maintenance and strength of metal roofs save money every month on utility bills and are far more environmentally and eco-friendly than asphalt shingles. And the lack of repair and replacement costs make them significantly cheaper in the long run. When it comes time to sell your home, a metal roof will bring you a higher selling price and strong ROI.
We encourage all of our clients to take time to consider the overall value and cost savings of installing a metal roof instead of being turned off by the initial cost. If you’d like to have a conversation to test some of your thoughts and beliefs about whether metal is better than shingles, we’re always happy to engage!
If you are considering a metal roof for your new home construction or for re-roofing over an existing shingle roof, reach out to the roofing experts at Renovaction. Serving the Ottawa area, we take the time to listen to your needs and work with you to develop the best solution for your home, as well as for your budget.
