We’re seeing a rise in the number of homeowners who are deciding to replace their asphalt shingles with metal roofing in the Ottawa area.
- Why are metal roofs gaining in popularity?
- What drives the decision to invest in a metal roof when it’s time to replace aging asphalt shingles?
- What are the main benefits of installing a metal roof on your home?
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons for metal roofs for residential renovations by breaking it down into three categories: look, longevity, and cost.
The Look of Metal Roofs
Pros:
- Metal roofing products offer a wide variety of colours and styles to complement any home.
- For those who find that metal roofs look a little to “commercial” or “agricultural”, there are now a number of metal roofing products available that imitate other materials for a non-metal appearance such as wood, cedar shake, slate, and asphalt. Examples include tiled, shingled, paneled, and ribbed styles.
- Metal roofs cover a wider spectrum on the colour scale to include light shades.
- The colour and sheen of a metal roof does not fade, enabling homeowners to choose the colour they want now, and in 40 years.
Cons:
- Homeowners hoping to make their home blend into the neighbourhood and look similar to the other homes on their street may find that a metal roof gives their home too much character and uniqueness. (Is that really a con?!)
The Longevity of Metal Roofs
Pros:
- Metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-70 years compared to asphalt shingles which generally need to be replaced after 8-10 years in the Ottawa area.
- Metal shingles do not fade, rust, or discolour, so they will look great for many years to come.
- Today’s metal roofing materials are extremely durable, lightweight and water resistant which means it stands up to the elements exponentially longer than non-metal roofing materials.
Cons:
- Some thinner products are susceptible to denting from hail or fallen branches.
The Cost of Metal Roofs
Pros:
- Metal roofing reflects the heat from the sun back into the air resulting in cooler homes in summer. Air conditioning savings are reported to be up to 25% by homeowners.
- Installation can often be done over an existing roof which adds a double layer of insulation for heating and cooling savings year round.
- Certain types are made from recycled materials, and can be continuously recycled as opposed to products like asphalt shingles which end up in landfills.
- Mid-range roof renovations and upgrades add resale value to your home upwards of 65% for long-term financial gain.
- The fact that most metal roofs will never need to be replaced during the lifetime of the homeowner means major cost savings in the long run.
Cons:
- If installed incorrectly, efficiency will not be as high.
- Does not absorb as much heat from the sun on short winter days to provide a little extra heat.
- Higher initial price-point and installation costs up-front.
- Resale value and ROI may not be as high if the style and colour do not fit buyers’ tastes or the general neighbourhood aesthetic.
In general, when it comes to comparing metal vs asphalt shingles as a roofing option in Ottawa and the surrounding area in terms of appearance, life-expectancy and long-term cost savings, metal roofs come out on top (no pun intended!). If you’re in the market for a new roof and want to explore the option of metal roofing, reach and and let’s start the conversation today!
