Choosing between asphalt shingles and metal roofing is one of the biggest roofing decisions Canadian homeowners face. Both can handle snow, ice, wind, and rain—but they differ a lot in cost, durability, and long-term value.

This guide breaks down how shingles and metal actually compare in Canadian conditions so you can choose the right system for your home and budget.

When you’re ready to get real numbers for your roof, you can connect with vetted local roofers through RoofingDirect:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/
https://roofingdirect.net/services/
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Quick Overview: Which Roof Is Better for You?

Very short version:

  • Asphalt shingles = lower upfront cost, good performance, shorter lifespan
  • Metal roofing = higher upfront cost, better durability, longer lifespan

Across Canada in 2024/25, many cost guides show:

  • Asphalt roofs: about $4–$7 per square foot installed
  • Metal roofs: about $7–$30 per square foot installed (paragonroofingbc.ca)

So metal often costs roughly 2–3× more at installation, but can last much longer. (Green Building Canada)

For help understanding which option fits your situation, you can review the services overview:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are Canada’s most common roofing material. They’re made from a fiberglass mat with asphalt and protective granules, available in many colours and profiles.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles in Canada

  • Lower upfront cost
    • Many Canadian sources put installed asphalt shingles around $3.50–$7 per square foot, depending on roof complexity and province. (Dream Roof)
  • Easy to find contractors
    • Almost every roofing company installs shingles, so it’s simple to get multiple quotes.
  • Faster installation
    • A typical single-family home can often be re-roofed in a day or two (weather and complexity depending). (countrycontracting.ca)
  • Simple repairs
    • Small leaks or storm damage can often be fixed by replacing a patch of shingles instead of the whole roof.

Cons of Asphalt Shingles in Canada

  • Shorter lifespan
    • Many Canadian guides list shingle roofs around 15–25 years, sometimes up to 30 with good ventilation and maintenance. (All Weather Exteriors)
  • More vulnerable to harsh weather
    • Strong winds can lift or tear shingles; hail can knock off granules and shorten life.
  • Ice dam risk
    • In cold provinces, poor attic insulation or ventilation can cause ice dams that force water under shingles.
  • Less eco-friendly

What Is Metal Roofing?

“Metal roofing” usually means steel or aluminum panels, either exposed-fastener or standing seam. Some products are formed to look like shingles or tiles.

Pros of Metal Roofing in Canada

  • Very long lifespan
    • Many Canadian sources estimate 40–70+ years for well-installed metal roofs, especially steel and aluminum systems. (SRS ROOFING AND EXTERIORS)
  • Excellent weather resistance
    • Strong against wind, sheds snow quickly, and can handle hail better than many shingle systems. (Green Building Canada)
  • Lower long-term maintenance
    • Fewer full replacements over the life of the home; periodic inspections and small fixes are usually enough.
  • Energy efficiency
  • More sustainable
    • Many metal products contain recycled content and are recyclable at the end of their life. (Green Building Canada)

Cons of Metal Roofing in Canada

  • Higher upfront cost
    • Across Canadian guides, residential metal roofing often ranges roughly from $7–$16+ per square foot, sometimes more for premium standing seam systems. (topmetalroofs.ca)
  • Fewer qualified installers in some areas
    • Proper installation is more specialized, especially for standing seam or premium metal systems.
  • Noise if not insulated well
    • Without good attic insulation, rain and hail can sound louder on metal.
  • Style and neighbourhood rules

To see what metal and shingle services RoofingDirect can help you with, visit:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

Cost Comparison in Canada (2025)

Exact costs depend on your roof size, pitch, and province, but here’s how asphalt vs metal usually compare.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Costs

Canadian roofing cost guides commonly show:

  • Asphalt shingle installation: roughly $3.50–$7 per square foot on most homes (Dream Roof)
  • Typical total for an average detached home: around $6,500–$18,000, depending on size, material grade, and complexity. (D’Angelo & Sons | Roofing & Exteriors)

Metal Roof Costs

For metal roofing in Canada:

  • Installed pricing: often in the range of about $7–$30 per square foot, from basic steel up to premium standing seam and specialty metals. (paragonroofingbc.ca)
  • Many cost guides show metal roofs landing from the low tens of thousands up to significantly higher on large or complex homes. (Green Building Canada)

Simple 2,000 sq ft Example

For a 2,000 sq ft roof:

  • Mid-range asphalt at $5/ft² ≈ $10,000
  • Mid-range metal at $12/ft² ≈ $24,000

This lines up with the common rule of thumb that metal can cost roughly 2–3 times more upfront than shingles—but also lasts much longer. (Green Building Canada)

To get actual numbers for your home, you can request quotes from local roofers here:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Durability and Performance in Canadian Weather

Lifespan and Wear

  • Asphalt shingles
    • Typical life: 15–25 years (sometimes up to ~30 with ideal conditions). (All Weather Exteriors)
    • More frequent repairs after major hail or wind events.
  • Metal roofing
    • Typical life: 40–70+ years, depending on product and installation quality. (SRS ROOFING AND EXTERIORS)
    • Often shrugs off storms that would severely age or damage shingles.

Snow, Ice, and Freeze–Thaw

Both systems can work in Canadian climates if installed correctly, but:

  • Shingles hold snow longer and may be more prone to ice dams if ventilation/insulation are poor.
  • Metal sheds snow more quickly, which can help reduce the weight on the roof and lessen ice dam risk at the eaves. (Green Building Canada)

Hail and Wind

  • Asphalt shingles
    • Impact from hail can remove granules and bruise shingles, shortening lifespan.
    • Strong gusts can lift or tear shingles, especially on older roofs.
  • Metal roofing
    • Often rated for higher wind speeds.
    • Better overall resistance to tearing or blow-off; some lighter metals can still dent in big hail events. (metaltechroofing.ca)

Appearance, Noise, and Comfort

Curb Appeal

  • Asphalt shingles
    • Classic look that fits almost any neighbourhood.
    • Architectural shingles can add depth and style while staying reasonably affordable.
  • Metal roofing
    • Modern, high-end look—especially standing seam.
    • Shingle-style metal is available if you want metal performance with a more traditional appearance.

Noise

  • Metal can be noisier during heavy rain or hail if the roof deck and attic aren’t well insulated.
  • In many modern installations with solid sheathing and good insulation, the difference in noise inside the home is much smaller than people expect. (topmetalroofs.ca)

Which Is Better for You? Common Scenarios

You Want the Lowest Upfront Cost

Asphalt shingles usually win if:

  • You’re on a tight budget
  • You might move in 5–10 years
  • You want a standard, proven roofing option with lots of local installers

Use RoofingDirect to find shingle installers near you:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/

You’re in Your “Forever Home”

Metal roofing often makes more sense if:

  • You plan to stay long-term
  • You’d rather invest once instead of re-roofing again in 15–20 years
  • You live in an area with frequent storms, heavy snow, or strong winds

Ask for quotes on both asphalt and metal through local contractors so you can compare long-term value:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

You Live in a Harsh Climate Zone

If you’re in a hail-prone Prairie city, an exposed coastal area, or a snowy mountain region:

  • High-quality architectural shingles can work well, but may need more frequent repair or replacement
  • Metal often provides better long-term protection and can reduce storm-related damage over time (Green Building Canada)

How RoofingDirect.net Helps You Decide

Instead of guessing, you can use RoofingDirect to connect with local roofing companies across Canada and compare real quotes.

Use these pages as your next steps:

If you share your province, approximate roof size, and whether you’re leaning toward shingles or metal next time, I can help you map out a simple comparison you can keep handy when you talk to local roofers.

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