Frequently Asked Questions

All of our estimates include a fully detailed scope of the work to be completed. You will receive a written report with a breakdown of the cost and time estimated for your project. 

We communicate with you every step of the way. If we can see that we will not have the work completed by the agreed-upon time, we will reach out to get a new completion date.

A metal roof can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years with warranties from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the type of metal and the design of the roof. Metal roofs made of premium metals like copper and zinc can sometimes last for over 100 years!

Metal roofing is extremely durable, especially when premium metals are used. 

There are a few different types of metal roofing, and each one offers a different lifespan.

• Stand seam metal roofing, the most common type of residential metal roof, has a lifespan of 50 years and can withstand winds over 100 miles per hour.
• Ribbed metal panels are cheaper to install than standing seam roofing, but they only last between 30 and 50 years.
• Metal Shingles

Signs you need a metal roof replacement: Widespread rust, discoloration, roof leak damage, water staining in the attic, and/or mold.

 In Canada asphalt shingles and metal roofing are the two most popular roofing systems. When I worked as a roofer, primarily with asphalt, one of the most common questions homeowners asked was, which one is better? The answer depends on your priorities.

Metal Roof vs. Shingle Roof: Cost

  Asphalt shingles are undeniably affordable and easy to install. Metal roofs are more expensive and require specialized knowledge to install.

While it depends on the specific roofing product and where you live, the average cost of an asphalt-shingle roof is around $7,000 to $10,000, whereas the average cost of a metal roof is at least several thousand dollars more — around $12,000 to $20,000. But keep in mind that metal roofing will last nearly three times longer and requires less repair.

 Asphalt shingles in the short term. But if you’re playing the long game, it’s metal all the way.

Metal Roof vs Shingles: Appearance

   A roof plays a crucial part in the overall appearance of a home. It can be the definitive factor that adds to or crushes your curb appeal.

Asphalt shingles have come a long way in looks and can be manufactured to resemble wood shakes, tiles and even slate-style roofs. They often lend depth, too. “You can have a variety of lighter and darker granules within each shingle, giving it a 3D or multicolored look.

Traditional metal roofing has a distinct look that comes in various solid colors. They, too, can be manufactured to look like other roofing materials — including asphalt shingles.

 Metal Roof vs Shingles: Durability 

   Roof fixes and replacements are some of the most expensive homeowner repairs.  The more durable the roof, the better your chances of warding these off. In areas with extreme weather especially, the roof type you choose is crucial.

Constant thermal cycling weathers asphalt shingles, reducing their lifespan. Because asphalt is absorptive, water can enter, freeze and dry, causing its structure to break down.

Metal roofs, however, are non-absorptive. Plus, they’re engineered and installed with fastening clips or slotted screw holes that allow for thermal movement of the metal with temperature changes without breaking down over time, according to Classic Metal Roofing Systems. That means that in any climate, metal roofs have an average lifespan of 50 to 70 years, versus 20 to 25 years for asphalt shingles.

Winner: Metal roofing.

Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Maintenance

Roof Maintenance doesn’t top anyone’s list of fun things to do, yet it must be done to      ensure a roofs longevity. 

With asphalt shingles, most maintenance involves penetrations through the roof where adhesives, metal flashing and sealants are used. Those sealants deteriorate over time and therefore need to be replaced. And rubber pipe boots — the flashings for plumbing pipes that come through the roof — are also prone to break down and need attention or replacement.

On a properly installed metal roof, penetrations are flashed with matching metal. “If a sealant is used, it’s as the first line of defense, but the true water tightness comes from the flashing design and the way it channels water off of the roof,” Miller says.

On a metal roof, rubber pipe boots are often covered with metal to match the roof, not only for aesthetics, but to protect the soft rubber from the sun’s damaging rays. That lengthens its life considerably.

Winner: Metal roofing. While maintenance costs for an asphalt shingle roof aren’t outrageous, a metal roof simply requires less.

Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Additional Features

Fire and Hailstorm Resistance

While asphalt shingles can withstand fire, metal roofs offer the best resistance. And though it’s commonly believed hail can easily dent a metal roof, that’s a myth. Metal roofs are more efficient at handling common hail impacts than asphalt shingles.

Winner: Metal roofing.

Eco-friendliness

   Both can be recycled. Metal roofs often are, especially if made of aluminum, which has a high scrap value. However, the process for separating and recycling asphalt shingles is much more costly and isn’t yet a common practice. Unfortunately, 11 million tons of asphalt shingles hit landfills every year.

Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs are often made of some recycled material. Plus, there’s the durability issue. “Metal roofs last much longer than asphalt shingles, so you’re not filling landfills with as much wasted material.

Also worth noting: Some asphalt shingles are an environmental hazard due to the fumes they release when recycled.

Winner: Metal roofing.

Energy Efficiency

   People mistakenly believe that metal roofs are hot. It’s actually the opposite. Because metal is highly reflective, it will absorb less heat, helping to Keep the roof cooler than most other roof types. This can reduce your mechanical cooling use by 10 to 25 percent.

Winner: Metal roofing.

  When calculating Metal siding vs. Hardie Board costs, there are many factors to consider. Cost assessments should include maintenance requirements, return on investment, and installation expenses, among other things.

Rather than getting fooled by a relatively low figure on the bill for materials, it’s best to think about the long-term value of both options so you can anticipate the true benefits of each. This guide will help you gain a better understanding the difference of Metal siding and Hardie Board.

  First of all, you need to know what you’re getting with each product. Metal siding and Hardie Board are both heavy-duty products that provide distinct advantages over wood and vinyl siding. These superior qualities are worth the investment for both Metal siding and Hardie Board siding.

Like other fiber cement products, Hardie Board offers enhanced strength and durability by relying on a stronger material composition. Fiber cement is non-combustible, less susceptible to water damage, and less attractive to insect and rodent infestations. All of these qualities give Hardie Board several advantages over wood and vinyl.

  Likewise, Metal siding is less likely to experience insect damage, moisture damage, and deterioration. Metal siding also lacks the flammability that makes vinyl and wood more prone to fires. For overall durability and strength, there’s no question that steel outperforms most other siding products.

  In reality, both Metal siding and Hardie Board siding are superior products with clear advantages over wood and vinyl siding. However, when it comes to measuring up costs, these two products are not quite as comparable. Here’s where the analysis gets a bit more complex, and long-term value, return on investment, and installation fees factor into the equation. 

   One thing that frustrates homeowners is that the cost of Hardie Board, it can fluctuate depending on the contractor you’re working with. In fact, Hardie Board cannot be purchased directly — even from the James Hardie site. Instead, Hardie Board products are only sold through independent dealers, with estimates ranging from $1 to $6 per square foot. This fluctuation can make cost comparisons a nightmare. Most homeowners should contact several dealers to get a variety of quotes before making a decision.

The advantage of Metal siding is that homeowners will know exactly how much they’re going to pay for the materials ahead of time, since steel siding can be sourced directly from the manufacturers.  The cost of steel siding may be slightly more than Hardie Board, but this transparency allows homeowners to make an informed choice by purchasing their metal siding directly from the factory.

 Cost of Installation 

  It’s important to note that overall cost comparisons should take other elements into account, too. For example, Hardie Board installation may require additional fees and hired labor, while Metal siding does not. Hardie Board is made out of fiber cement, which often requires installation to be completed by a licensed professional for health and safety reasons. Metal siding, on the other hand, can be installed easily by homeowners or general contractors, which may help save money on  installation expenses. 

 Damage, Maintenance, and Return on Investment

  Product lifespan is another component to think about when comparing Metal siding and Hardie Board. They both provide better strength than wood or vinyl materials, but steel siding tends to be the better return on investment overall, thanks to its enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Steel siding products, especially those made from high-quality metal with a high gauge, may last longer and show less damage over the years. Hardie Board is advertised as a strong material, but homeowners can easily damage the fiber cement siding when using a power washer, causing chips and scrapes in the siding. Little mistakes like this can add up when it comes to the cost of repairs.

  Metal siding and Hardie Board siding can both provide a longer-lasting product than traditional materials, and can both be used to create a wide range of modern styles and colors as well. Compared to the cost of Metal siding, Hardie Board seems to be slightly less when it comes to upfront costs.

For overall total cost comparison, including long-term value, Metal siding is a great choice for homeowners who value a high-performance product with a reliable return on investment. Metal siding offers better transparency for consumers because it can be purchased directly from manufacturers and installed by a general contractor — unlike Hardie Board which must be purchased through a dealer and installed by a skilled laborer, which may harbor hidden fees and unexpected expenses.

No matter what siding product you decide on, it’s best to know all the options and get in contact with reputable manufacturers.