It’s time to replace your roof, but you have an important choice to make – do you go with steel or is asphalt a better fit? Both have good (and not-so-good) points, so it’s helpful to do a comparison. A roof is such an important feature of your home, so you don’t want to get it wrong.
To get the full picture, let’s compare these two popular roofing options. We’ll cover:
- Weather performance
- Durability/longevity
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainability
- Cost
- Curb Appeal
With these six factors, you’ll be poised to make the best decision for your specific situation. And whatever you decide, Renoteck Roofing is the ideal partner to install a roof in either material.
Which Type of Roofing Stands Up Best to the Canadian Climate?
As Canadians, we know that we get a lot of snow, rain, and sun (sometimes all on the same day), and your roof is the first line of defense against the elements.
Metal roofing sheds snow and ice to prevent heavy buildup and annoying leaks. It resists high winds and hail with minimal damage and doesn’t crack or change shape with freeze-thaw cycles. Plus, when protected with rust-resistant coatings, oxidation is totally preventable. The winner here is definitely steel.
Drawbacks of Asphalt Roofing for Canadian Weather
- More prone to cracking and curling with prolonged sun exposure or frost.
- Doesn’t shed snow or ice.
- Susceptible to damage by hail or high winds.
Which is More Durable – Steel or Asphalt?
This category is easily settled by looking at each material’s average lifespan:
- Steel = 50 to 70 years.
- Asphalt = 15 to 20 years.
So, if durability is a big concern, steel is the better choice without question.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency
We all want to spend less on heating and cooling, not to mention the environmental benefits, and one way to do that is to ensure your home is well-insulated. The debate between metal and asphalt roofing is less cut and dry for efficiency.
Steel will reflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer, especially with the application of cool coatings. On the flip side, asphalt absorbs more heat, so your air conditioning bills will be higher. One good thing about this absorption – it can provide some heat in the winter, too. Overall, steel is still the most efficient.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
These days, being eco-friendly is on everyone’s mind, and when we compare steel and asphalt, steel is the clear leader again for both sustainability and environmental benefits.
| Factor | Steel | Asphalt |
| Material Content | Up to 60% recycled content | Made from petroleum-based materials |
| End-of-Life Disposal | 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan | Typically ends up in landfills after removal |
| Lifespan & Waste | Long lifespan means fewer replacements and less waste | Shorter lifespan means more frequent replacements and more waste |
| Recycling Programs | Widely recyclable through standard metal recycling facilities | Limited recycling options, not consistently available in all areas |
Verdict: Steel roofing remains the only choice if you value sustainability.
Who Wins for Affordability?
The reality is that price is a huge factor in a decision to re-do a roof. You’ll get a much better deal on asphalt roofing than metal, so if you have a limited budget, asphalt is the best option.
- Asphalt roofing average price: $4-$8 per sqft
- Steel roofing average price: $10-$15 per sqft
But remember that metal roofs have double the lifespan of asphalt ones, so a higher initial investment could pay off in the long run.
Increasing Your Curb Appeal & Property Value
Roofs factor into the overall curb appeal of your property and will positively impact any subsequent sales if installed right and somewhat recently. Let’s compare:
Steel Roofing
- More design flexibility for colors, profiles, and finishes, including standing seam, shake/shingle, and slate.
- Works well with both modern and rustic designs.
- Positive effect on your curb appeal.
- May raise resale value due to its eco-friendliness and long lifespan.
Asphalt Roofing
- Offers a traditional look that fits most neighbourhoods.
- Limited in style options, and tends more toward traditional, not modern.
- It may not increase property value significantly if it’s perceived as less durable by prospective buyers.
To see better returns on your investment for curb appeal and property value, go with steel!
Making Your Informed Roofing Decision
If it isn’t abundantly clear already, steel (and metal roofing in general) is the top choice for Canadian homes. Steel offers maximum durability, notable energy savings, and unparalleled sustainability. The one place it falls short is the initial setup costs, which can be more than double that of basic asphalt.
So, for the Canadian climate, steel roofing is hard to beat, as long as you have the budget.
