When it is time to redo your roof, one question almost always comes up: is it better to go with a metal roof or stick with asphalt shingles? Both options are found everywhere in Quebec, but their performance, cost and lifespan are very different.
Here is what you need to know to make the right decision for your home, your budget and your priorities.
What asphalt shingles offer
Asphalt shingles are still the most widespread solution on residential homes in Quebec. Their popularity comes mainly from their lower installation cost and their availability: many roofers install them, materials are easy to find and lead times are short.
That said, they have significant limits in our climate. A standard asphalt shingle lasts between 15 and 25 years depending on product quality and weather conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles, snow accumulation and wide temperature swings speed up their wear. After that, you have to start over: a new installation, new costs, and often another load sent to the landfill.
What a metal roof actually changes
A well-installed residential metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, two to three times the lifespan of shingles. That is the main reason more and more Quebec homeowners are turning to metal roofing, even though the initial cost is higher.
Beyond longevity, here is what sets a metal roof apart in our climate:
- Snow and ice resistance: Metal is smooth and rigid. Snow slides off naturally, which reduces loads on the structure and limits the risk of damage.
- Long-lasting watertightness: Unlike shingles, which can crack or lift over time, metal keeps its integrity and does not absorb water.
- Minimal maintenance: A properly installed metal roof requires practically no regular maintenance. No granules to watch, no moss to treat, no shingles to replace one by one.
- Energy savings: Some metal finishes reflect part of the sun’s radiation, which can reduce air conditioning needs in summer.
Cost comparison: the long-term investment
The main argument for asphalt shingles is their lower upfront price. In reality, when you calculate over 40 or 50 years, a metal roof is often less expensive, because it requires only one installation over that entire period.
| Asphalt shingles | Metal roof | |
| Lifespan | 15 to 25 years | 40 to 70 years |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low |
| Freeze-thaw resistance | Average | Excellent |
| Number of installations over 50 years | 2 to 3 times | Once |
| Resale value | Standard | Higher |
The cost of installing a metal roof varies with the type of product (corrugated, standing seam panel, metal shingle), the surface area and the complexity of the roof. We recommend requesting a quote to get a price suited to your project.
What type of building is suited to a metal roof?
Metal roofing suits residential homes as well as commercial, agricultural and industrial buildings. It is particularly well suited to low-slope roofs, large surfaces and regions with harsh winters, which describes most of Quebec.
For homes with more complex roofs (many facets, dormers, chimneys), it is important to hire an experienced installer to ensure a watertight, long-lasting installation.
The right question to ask yourself
If you are redoing your roof and plan to stay in your home for the coming decades, or if you want to increase its resale value, a metal roof is often the best long-term choice. If your priority is to keep the immediate cost down and your current roof can still last a few more years, shingles may remain a valid option.
Either way, an assessment by a professional will let you make an informed choice, taking into account the condition of your structure, your budget and your goals.