When it's time to replace your roof, Ottawa and Gatineau homeowners have two main options: shingles or metal. It's a big choice, and we know it comes with plenty of questions:
What's the main difference between shingles and metal roofing?
Is metal roofing worth the extra expense?
Are metal roofs good for Ottawa/Gatineau weather?
Who can install a metal roof in the Ottawa and Gatineau area?
Our team has extensive experience installing both metal and shingle roofs, and we're sharing our take on the pros and cons of each. When you're ready to talk about replacing your roof, reach out — we're always happy to walk you through the best options for your home and budget.
If resale value is the deciding factor, metal wins. A metal roof delivers the strongest return on investment when it's time to sell, since savvy buyers recognize the benefits — better insulation, lower heating and cooling costs, and next-to-zero replacement costs thanks to how long metal roofs last.
The added curb appeal from a non-fading metal roof also helps a listing stand out against homes with conventional asphalt shingles. If resale value is part of your decision, metal comes out ahead.
If you need a roof replaced right away on a limited budget, asphalt shingles may be the practical choice given the lower cost — shingled roofs can run up to 50% less than metal. It's a solid option for homeowners looking for a quicker fix.
Our team is skilled at helping homeowners choose the right asphalt shingles for their needs and making sure they're installed to look as polished and elevated as possible.
If you want your property to stand out, metal gives you far more flexibility. It comes in a much wider range of colours and textures, spanning both light and dark shades, and those colours don't fade over the roof's full 40 to 70 year lifespan. If you ever want a change, metal roofing can even be repainted.
Made with roughly 25% post-consumer recycled material, metal roofs clearly beat asphalt shingles on ecological impact. They last 40 to 70 years and are fully recyclable once they're done, while asphalt shingles typically last only 8 to 12 years in the Ottawa and Gatineau climate before ending up in a landfill.
Replacing an asphalt roof with metal? We install the new metal roof directly on top, doubling your insulation layer and keeping the old shingles out of the landfill for good. If metal isn't within reach right now, ask us about the most environmentally friendly asphalt shingle options instead.
Metal wins here too. It's extremely durable and lightweight, and it holds up to the elements far longer than non-metal alternatives. Metal roofs are more waterproof and fire-resistant than shingles, and some insurers offer lower premiums for metal roofs thanks to fewer fire and leak-related claims.
Metal roofing is particularly well suited to our region's extreme temperature swings, offering:
no snow removal needed, since snow slides off on its own
lower risk of gutter damage from ice dams
better reflection of summer heat
low risk of dents from hail or freezing rain
added strength against high winds
strong insulation to keep indoor temperatures steady year-round
If you're considering a metal roof for new construction or re-roofing over an existing shingle roof, reach out to the roofing experts at RenovAction. Serving Ottawa and Gatineau, we take the time to understand your needs and find the right solution for your home, your style, and your budget.