At McKay Roofing, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses across Ottawa, Kanata, and the greater Ottawa Valley for over 50 years. While we proudly offer a range of high-quality roofing solutions, including durable asphalt shingles, we’re seeing increasing demand for metal roofing – and for good reason. Metal roofs offer an unparalleled combination of longevity, strength, and style that makes them a wise investment for many property owners.
Benefits of Choosing a Metal Roof
Investing in a metal roof installation brings a host of significant advantages:
- Exceptional Longevity: This is often the biggest draw. Metal roofs typically last 40-70 years, and sometimes even longer, significantly outperforming traditional asphalt shingles which usually need replacement every 15-30 years. This means a metal roof could truly be the last roof you’ll ever need.
- Unmatched Durability & Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand the toughest elements, metal roofs excel in handling heavy snow loads, ice, high winds (up to hurricane force), and even hail. They are inherently fire-resistant, providing an extra layer of safety for your property.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat rather than absorbing it, which can significantly reduce cooling costs in warmer months. This reflective property can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike many other roofing materials, metal roofs are not susceptible to rot, mold, mildew, or insect infestation. They shed snow and ice efficiently, and generally require minimal upkeep over their lifespan.
- Environmental Friendliness: Many metal roofing materials are made from recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their long life, making them a sustainable and eco-conscious choice that helps reduce landfill waste.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal & Variety: Modern metal roofing comes in a vast array of colours, finishes, and profiles, including standing seam, corrugated, and even metal shingles designed to mimic the look of traditional asphalt, slate, or wood shakes. This allows for incredible aesthetic flexibility to complement any architectural style.
The Structure of a Metal Roof: Engineered for Performance
A metal roof system is engineered for superior performance, typically consisting of several key layers and components:
- Roof Deck: The solid base (often plywood) that supports the entire roofing system.
- Underlayment: A crucial waterproof barrier, often synthetic, installed over the roof deck to provide secondary protection against moisture.
- Strapping (Optional but Common): In many installations, particularly in colder climates, wooden battens (strapping) are installed over the underlayment. These create an air gap that aids in ventilation and allows for thermal expansion and contraction of the metal panels.
- Metal Panels/Shingles: The primary roofing material, custom-cut and shaped. These can be various types of steel (galvanized, Galvalume), aluminum, copper, or zinc. They are carefully fastened to the strapping or directly to the deck using specialized clips or fasteners, often concealed for a clean look.
- Flashing & Trim: Essential components installed around edges, valleys, chimneys, vents, and skylights to create watertight seals and provide a finished appearance.
- Ridge Caps: Cover the peak of the roof, providing protection and often incorporating ventilation.
This layered approach, combined with the inherent properties of metal, creates a robust and highly durable roofing system.
Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: A Comparison
While both metal roofing and asphalt shingles are excellent choices for different needs, understanding their key differences can help you make an informed decision:
Feature
Metal Roofing
Asphalt Roofing
Lifespan
40-70+ years (often lasts the lifetime of the home)
15-30 years (requires more frequent replacement)
Durability
Excellent resistance to wind, hail, fire, rot, insects. Highly durable.
Good resistance to wind and rain, but more susceptible to hail damage, cracking, and granule loss over time.
Energy Savings
Reflects solar heat, significantly reducing cooling costs.
Absorbs heat, potentially increasing cooling costs (though some reflective shingles are available).
Maintenance
Very low; typically requires only occasional inspection and cleaning.
Moderate; may require periodic repairs for cracked, curled, or missing shingles.
Initial Cost
Higher upfront investment (typically 2-3 times more than asphalt shingles).
Lower upfront cost, making them a budget-friendly initial choice.
ROI
High long-term return on investment due to longevity, energy savings, and increased home value.
Lower long-term ROI due to more frequent replacement costs.
Weight
Very lightweight, putting less stress on your home’s structure.
Heavier, requiring a stronger underlying structure.
Eco-Friendly
Often made from recycled content and 100% recyclable.
Petroleum-based, less recyclable, and contribute significantly to landfill waste.
Noise
Can be louder during heavy rain/hail without proper insulation or decking; modern installation mitigates this.
Can be louder during heavy rain/hail without proper insulation or decking; modern installation mitigates this.
Ultimately, the choice between metal roofing and asphalt shingles depends on your budget, long-term goals, and aesthetic preferences. While asphalt shingles offer a lower initial cost and good performance, metal roofing provides superior longevity, durability, and energy efficiency, often proving to be a more cost-effective solution over the life of your home.
Ready to Explore Metal Roofing for Your Home?
Whether you’re in Ottawa, Kanata, or anywhere in the Ottawa Valley, McKay Roofing is your trusted partner for expert metal roof installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how a new metal roof can protect and enhance your property for decades to come.
