When it comes time to replace your roof, Ottawa and Gatineau homeowners have two options to choose from: shingles or metal. It’s a big choice, and we know that you have many questions:
- What’s the main difference between shingles and metal roofing?
- Is metal roofing worth the extra expense?
- Are metal roofs good for Ottawa / Gatineau weather?
- Who can install a metal roof in the Ottawa and Gatineau area?
The team here at Renovaction have extensive experience in installing both metal and shingle roofs and share their thoughts on some of the pros and cons for each. When you’re ready to start the conversation about replacing your roof, reach out! We’re always happy to answer your questions and walk you through the best options for your home and budget.
Metal or shingle roofing: What type of roof is best for your needs?
I want a new roof that adds the most resale value
If you are replacing your roof and want to choose the material that will add the most resale value, choose metal. A metal roof will give you the highest return on investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell your home. Homebuyers are particularly savvy about the major benefits that a metal roof brings in terms of higher insulation, lower heating and cooling costs, and next-to-zero replacement costs due to the longevity of metal roofs.
The increased curb appeal from non-fading metal roofs also help property listings to stand out from others with conventional asphalt shingles. All in all, if you’re factoring resale value into your choice of materials to use for your new roof, metal comes out on top.
Related post: 3 renovations that add value to your home
I need the least expensive roofing option right now
If you need to replace your roof right away and have a limited budget, you might be restricted to asphalt shingles simply due to the lower cost. Shingled roofs can cost up to 50% less than a metal roof and may be a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a quick fix.
Our team here at Renovaction does a great job of helping homeowners choose the best asphalt shingles for their needs, and then making sure they are installed perfectly to add the most elevated and sophisticated look possible.
I want a unique roof that stands out from the neighbours
If you want to show off the uniqueness of your property, a metal roof will give you much more flexibility in choice. Metal roofs come in a much wider range of colours and textures, extending farther into both light and dark shades. Better yet, these colours don’t fade on metal roofs and remain the same for their full 40-70 year lifespan. And should you ever want to update your style, metal roofing can be painted if you want to change the colour of your roof.
I want the most ecological option for my roof
Made of 25% post consumer recycled materials, metal roofs outshine asphalt shingles when it comes to the ecological impact, hands down. Not only do metal roofs last longer, essentially lasting 40-70 years before needing to be replaced, they are fully recyclable when that time rolls around. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, last only 8-12 years in the Ottawa and Gatineau climate and end up in landfill sites.
Replacing your asphalt roof with a metal roof? We will install your new metal roof on top, doubling your insulating layers, and keeping the shingles out of landfill forever. If, however, metal roofing is not within your reach, ask us about choosing the most environmentally-friendly asphalt shingles for your roofing project.
I want the strongest roof for the Ottawa and Gatineau weather
Metal wins again, here! The materials used in metal roofing are extremely durable and lightweight and they stand up to the elements much longer than non metal roofing choices.
Metal roofs are more waterproof and fireproof than shingle roofs, and insurance companies offer lower home premiums to homeowners with metal roofing because they result in fewer insurance claims due to fires and leaks.
Metal roofs are particularly well-suited to the extreme temperature swings in the Ottawa and Gatineau climates. Metal roofing offers:
- no snow-removal required because it slides off
- lower risk of gutter damage from ice-dams
- higher deflection of summer sun
- low risk of dents from hail or freezing rain
- enhanced strength to withstand high winds
- high insulation factor to keep indoor temperature constant year-round
The Ottawa Region’s Metal Roof Experts
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 and Gatineau area, we take the time to listen to your needs and work with you to develop the best solution for your home, your taste, and your budget.
