Metal roofing in Ontario is long-lasting with a lifespan of up to sixty years, highly resistant to corrosion and the roughest of Canadian weather, and environmentally friendly. Steel, aluminum, and copper are the three most popular metal roofing materials selected for residential and commercial application. Though we think of ‘metal roofing’ being a steel roof, there are some options. Please feel encouraged to browse below for more information on the different types of metal roofing materials, and their respective pros and cons.
Steel
Steel is the most popular metal roofing material in Canada, being selected by the vast majority of homeowners for their properties. Steel itself has several options with is definitely a pro when trying to pair it with the aesthetic of a home. Though initially used more as a commercial roofing product, steel is more common in residential settings today as it’s highly adaptable from an aesthetic standpoint. Another pro to steel is that it has a high recyclability rating and the availability of recycled steel means that a lot of what we use to make steel roofing is from recycled sources. Steel is the least expensive metal roofing product in Canada and is one of the most recycled materials in the world.
Aluminum
Aluminum is long-lasting similar to steel and boasts high resistance to salt water corrosion. Aluminum is perfect for saltier regions and coastal climates. That said, its durability is slightly lower than steel and other metals. The downside to aluminum is that it is costlier than steel. Then again, you get what you pay for. Aluminum’s strength to weight ratio is higher than steel. If one does decide to go with an aluminum metal roof, it’s important to speak with the roofing contractor to determine whether it’s the most appropriate option for your region and where your property is situated.
Copper
Copper is a less popular metal roofing material these days but it’s been used for centuries. Copper can last up to two hundred years, are 100% recyclable, soft, and with a low melting temperature, copper makes for a good high-performance roof. The softness of copper means that it does not produce much noise when it rains however it is prone to hail damage. These roof bends may not be the most aesthetically pleasing but they themselves show a resilient roof. A major con of copper roofing is that it is very, very expensive which for most Canadian households, will put it out of consideration for a metal roof replacement.
Choose what’s right for your property
Finding a metal roofing contractor who is experienced and knowledgeable about metal roofing products may have a recommendation to provide. If not, choose what’s right and most appropriate for your needs.
Steel, aluminum, and copper all have their place however depending on the budget for one’s roof replacement and the specific requirements of the region a property is set in, one may be more inclined to go with one over the others.
Every metal roofing material comes with its advantages. Copper is one of the most aesthetically pleasing however it is the most soft and expensive. Aluminum is great for certain regions of Canada and is less expensive than copper. Then, steel is less expensive, more affordable, and delivers a powerful punch of a performance you’ll love. Choose the metal listening to the roofing contractor you choose, the location of the build, and any other considerations your property may have.