Choosing a permanent shelter and protection for your home is a significant investment. Is a metal roof the right choice for your Toronto home? Only you can know the answer to that. This article explores everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this type of roof material to help you make that decision.
What Are Metal Roofs?
In basic terms, metal roofs consist of a roof system made up of metal strips. Galvanized steel, aluminium and tin are the two most common types of metal used for residential roofs, while copper and zinc are pricier and may be more typical for commercial buildings.
Choosing the Best Metal Roof for your Toronto Home
Concerned about clashing terribly with your surroundings or standing out in a very bad way in your neighbourhood? Getting attention can be a positive thing sometimes – but having a gaudy looking eyesore on your home probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Thankfully that doesn’t have to be the case!
If there’s one benefit to this material, it’s the versatility it allows. The metal is usually cut into shapes and coated to make it resemble refined-looking shingles, wooden shakes (offering a cheaper and tougher alternative while still retaining the rustic appearance), slate, or Spanish tiles. Alternatively, it can deliver an ultra-modern look, if that’s what you prefer. Between stone-coated, corrugated, ribbed, shiny, or glossy, the options are seemingly never-ending.
All the above are also available in a virtually infinite number of colours, making it easy for you to tailor your roof to compliment your home, no matter the architectural style.
Can a Metal Roof Withstand Toronto Weather?
Perhaps more critical than its physical appearance is the question of whether the roof can hold up to the weather in your area, for years to come. Canadian weather varies greatly, especially in Toronto, from sometimes extreme summer heat and humidity to intense cold, heavy snow and high winds.
The good news is that a metal roof is adaptable to all of these fluctuations – acting as an insulator during the warmer months and deflecting UV rays from the sun while also shedding snow easily in the Winter.
To add to that, they are highly wind-resistant, especially compared to asphalt shingles and one of your best options for hurricane force winds, with fewer exposed edges or eaves.
Overall Pros & Cons of Metal Roofs – At a Glance
| Advantages of Metal Roofing | Disadvantages of Metal Roofing |
| Customizable – available in many styles and colours | Costs: more expensive than some other materials such as asphalt shingles |
| Low maintenance | Can be noisier than other roof types especially during hailstorms or heavy rains |
| Easy and Quick to Install | Are vulnerable to some corrosion from moist salt-spray in coastal environments or pollution in industrial areas |
| Lower energy costs – as insulators and reflect heat | Less aesthetically appealing or prestigious than other types of roofs |
| Can withstand most climate conditions: from hot, tropical climates to colder, seasonal ones | Snow or ice which slides of the sides of the roof can cause injuries to nearby people or objects |
| Can endure extreme weather, from high winds to hailstorms, snowstorms or forest fires | Denting, especially from hailstorms |
| Durable and long-lasting | Requires an experienced specialist to install/maintain properly |
| Super lightweight | Requires repainting/recoating |
| Non-combustible | Colours and styles are more limited compared to some other roof systems |
| Rust-resistant and usually non-corrosive | |
| Competitively priced | |
| Long Warranty (Usually 30 – 50 years) | |
| Adds re-sale value to your home | |
| Can be installed over pre-existing roofs | |
| Resistant to rodents and pests | |
| Low maintenance | |
| Environmentally-friendly |
How to Install a Metal Roof
Finding a reliable roofing contractor is the best way of ensuring that your roof is properly installed to reduce maintenance costs in the future and prolong its lifespan. Not to mention, it’s significantly safer than handling the challenges associated with roof repair such as braving dangerous weather conditions, crossing the path of bees and other pests, and putting yourself at the risk of disastrous slips and falls.
That being said, the choice is yours as to whether to make your metal roof installation a DIY project, or entrust it to a professional.
Here are some general installation tips:
- The first step is always having the length and width of your roof measured; this helps you to determine the measurements you’ll need to provide when ordering your new metal panels. This system is usually comprised of 2 – 3 ft panels
- When the time comes to buy the roof material, doing research to look for a trusted local supplier is your best plan
- Hire a reliable roofing contractor who has expertise and experience with metal, to remove your existing roof and paper down to the roofing panels
- Install flat boards and nail down metal edging
- Fasten in the metal panels, shingles, or shakes
- Finally, overlap and secure panels, ridges, and closures, such as the R-Panel Ridge is vital to finishing your roof
Click here to learn more about choosing a reliable roofer in your area
Final Thoughts
If weather and climate is your main concern, metal roofs can be the best way of sheltering your home at a lower price than other weatherproof systems such as concrete tiles and slate, while providing an excellent buffer to mould, moss, mildew, rot, and insects.
Metal roof repair and installation can be tricky, especially if you’re a novice to the material. We’d love to help guide you through the process. Talk to us today!
Would you like to learn more about the metal roofs? Our team of experts is here to help. Call us now for a free no obligation estimate at 1.855.582.7263 or fill in the form at the top of the page and we’ll get back to you soon!