Metal Roof vs Shingles in North Bay, What Actually Makes Sense?

Metal Roof vs Shingles in North Bay, What Actually Makes Sense? 

With the snow, moisture, and temperature swings we deal with in Northern Ontario, steel just holds up better long term when it’s installed the way it should be.

That being said, it still comes down to what you’re trying to get out of the project.

If you’re just looking to clean things up and keep costs down, vinyl can do the job.

If you want something that’s going to last, look clean, and not give you issues down the road, steel is usually the better option.

In a lot of cases, higher-end exterior finishes like steel siding can also add value back to the home.

It varies depending on the property and area, but exterior upgrades are often one of the better returns when it comes to resale, especially when the work is done clean and fits the style of the home.

The one thing I always tell people is the material matters, but the install matters just as much.

I’ve seen good materials look rough because corners were cut, and I’ve seen jobs turn out really clean just because the details were done properly.

That’s usually where the difference is.

A lot of these same conversations come up when it comes to roofing.

Most homes around here still have shingles, mainly because they’re cheaper upfront and that’s what people are used to.

They do the job, but they take a beating in Northern Ontario.

Between snow load, ice, and constant freeze and thaw, they don’t last nearly as long as people expect.

Most shingle roofs end up needing to be replaced every 12 to 18 years depending on conditions, sometimes sooner.

That means at some point, you’re doing it again.

Steel roofing is a different option altogether.

It costs more upfront, but it’s built to last a lot longer and handles the weather better.

Snow sheds easier, it doesn’t break down the same way, and you’re not dealing with the same kind of wear over time.

There are two main types of steel roofing systems, exposed fastener and concealed fastener.

Exposed fastener is what most people know as screw-down steel. You’ll see the screws through the panels holding everything in place.

It’s a solid, more budget-friendly option and a big step up from shingles when it’s installed properly.

Concealed fastener systems, like snap-lock standing seam, are different.

The fasteners are hidden, so you don’t have screws going through the face of the panels.

It allows the steel to expand and move properly and gives a much cleaner, more finished look.

Not as many installers around here are set up to do standing seam properly.

It takes more time, more precision, and the right tools, but when it’s done right, it’s one of the better systems you can put on a roof.

Both systems have their place, it just depends on budget and what you’re trying to get out of the project.

Upfront, steel roofing costs more than shingles, but over the long run it usually works out better.

If you’re replacing a shingle roof more than once, it starts to add up.

A properly installed steel roof can last significantly longer with less maintenance, so in a lot of cases you’re doing it once and being done with it.

In terms of value, higher-end systems like standing seam can return a portion of the cost back to the home as well.

Some estimates put that return around the 40 to 50 percent range, depending on the property and market.

It’s not just about looks, it’s about longevity and not having to redo it again.

At the end of the day, both options have their place.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, shingles can make sense.

If you’re planning to stay in the home and want something that’s going to last and look clean long term, steel is usually the better option.

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If you’re planning something this season, whether it’s siding, roofing, or a full exterior, feel free to reach out. Call/ Text 705-492-5491