Metal roofing vs asphalt shingles: what is different for Ontario homes
By Marcus Ramos · Updated 2026-08-03
Asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material in Ontario, but metal roofing has become a serious option for homeowners planning to stay put for decades or who want less frequent replacement. The right choice comes down to budget, how long you plan to own the home, and how much weight you put on long-term maintenance.
Upfront cost
Asphalt shingles cost less to install than metal roofing, often by a wide margin, which makes them the default choice for homeowners prioritizing lower upfront spend or planning to sell within the next decade. Metal roofing carries a higher material and labour cost, driven by the panels themselves and a more specialized installation process.
Lifespan and long-term value
This is where the comparison shifts. Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years in Ontario’s climate, depending on the product grade and weather exposure. Metal roofing commonly lasts 40 to 60 years or more with proper installation and maintenance. If you plan to stay in the home long-term, the cost-per-year comparison often narrows or favours metal, since you may only pay for one metal roof in the time it would take to replace shingles twice.
Winter and weather performance
Ontario winters are hard on any roof, and the two materials respond differently. Metal sheds snow and ice more readily thanks to its smooth surface, which can reduce the load a roof carries through a heavy winter. That same shedding, though, can create a hazard directly below the eaves if snow and ice slide off suddenly, which is why snow guards are sometimes installed near entryways and walkways. Asphalt shingles hold snow longer, which adds weight but reduces the sudden-slide risk.
Both materials can perform well against ice damming when installed with proper attic ventilation and ice and water shield at vulnerable points; the material itself is a smaller factor here than the installation quality underneath it.
Maintenance and repairs
Asphalt shingle repairs are generally more straightforward and more contractors are familiar with the work, since it is the dominant material in the region. Metal roofing repairs require a crew experienced with that specific system, since panel seams and fasteners are less standardized across metal products than asphalt shingle installation is.
Energy and appearance considerations
Metal roofing reflects more heat than asphalt shingles, which can modestly reduce cooling costs in summer, though this effect is usually secondary to attic insulation and ventilation in determining overall energy performance. On appearance, asphalt shingles offer a wider range of textures and colours designed to mimic other materials, while metal roofing has its own distinct look, from standing seam panels to metal shingle products styled to resemble traditional shingles or shakes. Some homeowners choose metal specifically for that appearance, independent of the durability argument.
Insurance considerations
Some insurers offer modest premium discounts for metal roofing, reflecting its resistance to fire and impact damage compared to asphalt, though this varies by insurer and is worth confirming directly rather than assuming.
Comparing the two
| Factor | Asphalt shingles | Metal roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical lifespan | 15-25 years | 40-60+ years |
| Snow shedding | Holds snow longer | Sheds snow and ice quickly |
| Repair availability | Widely available | Requires specialized crews |
| Resale consideration | Familiar, broad appeal | Can be a selling point for longevity |
Making the call
If you are planning to sell within the next several years, the lower upfront cost of asphalt shingles is usually the more practical choice, and buyers are familiar with the material. If you are in the home for the long haul and want to minimize how often you deal with a roofing project, metal’s longer lifespan can offset its higher initial price over time. Either way, ask contractors for local examples of their work in each material, since installation quality affects how well either roof performs through Ontario winters. Once you have settled on a material, our step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect during a roof replacement covers the installation process itself.
You can compare specialists in our metal roofing category, ranked according to our ranking method, or browse the wider Ontario Roofing Directory to see contractors covering both materials.
FAQ
- Is metal roofing worth the extra cost in Ontario?
- It depends on how long you plan to stay in the home. Metal typically lasts far longer than asphalt shingles, so the higher upfront cost can work out to a lower cost per year over the roof's lifetime, though the larger initial payment is a real factor for many homeowners.
- Does metal roofing handle snow better than shingles?
- Metal sheds snow more readily than asphalt because of its smooth surface and often steeper installed pitch, which can reduce roof snow load. Snow sliding off can also be a hazard near walkways and entrances, so snow guards are sometimes added.
- Is metal roofing noisier in the rain?
- With proper solid decking and underlayment, the noise difference from inside a home is much smaller than people expect. Older-style metal roofing installed without decking underneath is where the reputation for noise comes from.
- Can you install metal roofing over existing asphalt shingles?
- In many cases yes, though it depends on the roof's structure and local code requirements. A contractor needs to assess the existing roof and decking before confirming this is a safe option for your specific home.