From Vancouver to Squamish, asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material around town. Asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular roofing product, but metal roofs are becoming more popular. In fact, a 2017 survey by Roofing Contractors found that asphalt shingles were the dominant roofing material of choice at 81%, while metal roofs came in at third place with 71%. And in the more recent 2018 survey, roofing contractors are anticipating a 69% increase in sales for metal roofing.
Metal roofs are quickly gaining popularity. And for good reason! Metal roofs are durable, low-maintenance and have a lifespan that will outlive most homeowners. So is a metal roof a good choice for homeowners in the Vancouver area? Let’s go through top reasons why it’s a top-tier roofing material for harsh Vancouver weather.
Metal roofs are rain- and wind-friendly
Are metal roofs noisy when it’s raining outside? The answer is no. This common belief stems from the metal roofs installed over the open frames of barns and patios where the pitter-patter of every single drop could be heard when it’s raining outside. Oftentimes, the metal roof amplified that sound.
When the metal roofs are installed over a solid wood deck, they are installed on the outside roof. This extra layer helps insulate the noise of rain striking metal roofs. So you can breathe easy, with this extra layer between the outdoor roof and your home.
So metal roofs are an exceptional option for Vancouver. They’re easy on the ears during the rain, and they’re built to last through severe windstorms Vancouver sees now and again.
Metal roofs fit right into Vancouver’s eco-friendly culture
Unlike any other roofing material, metal roofs can sometimes be installed over traditional asphalt shingle roofs. At Max Roofing, we will analyze the integrity of your current roof in order to determine if you should tear it off or not. Here are some eye-opening stats from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association: statistics:
- Asphalt shingles can take up to 400 years to break down
- An estimated 11 million tons of shingle scraps end up in U.S. landfills
- Asphalt shingles contribute up to 10% of construction and demolition debris in U.S. landfills
Don’t forget that asphalt shingles can’t be recycled. Now metal roofs, on the other hand, are 100% recyclable after their lifetime. Not to mention, many are made from recycled products, making them an eco-friendly product from beginning to end.
Metal roofs are also energy-efficient due to their ability to reflect solar radiation instead of absorbing heat. This results in a savings of up to 40% for air-conditioning costs, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. Over time, this adds up to thousands of dollars of savings on your monthly utility bill.
The benefits of metal roofs also include solar panels. Some styles, such as the standing seam roof, are solar-ready. This means that solar panels can be easily snapped into place without drilling a hole in your roof, reducing the risk of potential leaks.
Metal roofs are both eco-friendly and energy-efficient. They are made from recycled products and can be recycled once you no longer need them. Metal roofs will also save you money in the long run on your utility bills by reducing cooling costs.
Metal roofs are hassle-free
There is no denying that the greatest benefit of metal roofs is their longevity. This roofing material can last 50 years, withstanding heat, wind, rain, and snow with no problem, making it ideal for Vancouver’s ever-changing weather.
When you think about it, there’s a possibility of replacing an asphalt roof at least two or three times before one metal roof is replaced. So considering the rising costs of homes and taxes in Vancouver, we’re all looking to reduce expenses anywhere we can. And being able to reduce a huge expense such as a new roof is a win-win situation.
Another advantage of metal roofs is that they’re virtually maintenance-free. This material is impervious to the damage that algae, moss, and lichens can cause on material such as asphalt shingles or wood shakes. Due to the abundance of rain and moisture in Vancouver, there’s no way to avoid these organisms from growing on your roof.
However, metal roofs aren’t porous, meaning that they don’t retain moisture. This also means that metal roofs aren’t hospital environments for algae and moss.
A metal roof is one of the best options for Vancouver-area homes for many reasons. The first being that they’re rain-friendly. When it rains, you won’t hear it sound like you’re in the middle of a drum circle. Metal roofs are extremely durable in that they can withstand winds up to 110 mph, making them ideal for any severe weather that may find their way here.
This material is made up of mostly recycled products and is 100% recyclable after its lifespan. In addition, it has the unique ability to reflect heat instead of absorbing it.
With the cooler your home stays during the warmer weather, the less you’ll need air conditioning (or fans that need to be plugged in), and more you’ll save on your monthly utility bills. Metal roofs are also resistant to damage that algae and moss can cause.
