Why opt for Montreal metal roofing you ask yourself? Simple. The material is
durable and comes in a wide range of styles which makes it extremely popular amongst
commercial and residential buildings.
Advantages of Metal Roofing in Montreal
The benefits of metal roofing in Montreal are very important considering that we
go through all 4 stages of climate: rain, snow, sun, and wind. Metal roofing provides us
with a longevity that can reach up to 40-70 years (depending on the material used of
course), compared to traditional roofing materials which have a lifetime expectancy of
about 12-20 years. Not only does metal roofing last extremely long but it’s also an
extremely durable material that can withstand gusts of wind of up to 225 kilometers per
hour! Also, metal roofing in contrast to traditional asphalt roofing does not corrode or
crack like asphalt roofing will on the long term. And, metal roofing is much less
demanding on maintenance since it only requires periodic inspection. Another
advantage of opting for a metal roof is by taking into consideration how much safer they
are. Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs will not spark and/or flare up during a wildfire
or a lightning strike.
As a homeowner you might not think about this but Montreal has scorchingly hot
summers and pretty cold winters. A metal roof can actually reflect the sun’s UV and
infrared light rays which can result in a 10-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Lastly, another advantage of metal roofing is the environmental impact.
According to Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs for Your Home written by State Farm, a
traditional asphalt shingle on a roof will eventually tear-off and produce more waste to
the Earth and in total will contribute to up to 20 billion pounds per year, globally. Opting
for a metal roof means you’re actually choosing a material that at times is derived from
up to 95% recycled materials which are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifetime.
So, with a metal roof you’re not only getting longevity, durability, safety, and
energy efficiency, but you’re also unintentionally environmentally friendly.
The Importance of Choosing The Right Metal For Your Montreal Metal Roof
When thinking about which metal to choose from there are many factors that
come to play. Price is a large factor which can determine a lot for you but also
depending on where you live, you want a metal that can withstand the climate of your
specific region.
Types of Metal Roofing Materials
Let’s talk about metal roofing materials. The different types of metal materials
typically used are steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and terne.
Aluminum roofing which is somewhat the same as steel roofing, is lightweight,
rustproof, and is great at reflecting heat. Despite aluminum not weighing much, it’s still a
very durable material especially once faced against hail and wind. One downside of
choosing aluminum roofing is that since it’s a softer material than others, it can dent
easily. Also, another great advantage is aluminum does not get as hot as a steel roof.
Aluminum also cools down much faster and can potentially save you some money on
your heating and cooling bill. As mentioned earlier, aluminum roofs are also derived
from eco-friendly and recycled materials.
If you want to spend some money on your steel roof, copper is by far the most
expensive type of metal roof out there. Visually, copper has a reddish-brown copper
color which automatically sets itself apart from other roofs in your neighborhood. As
time passes, the copper material develops a green patina that some homeowners end
up loving. Another benefit of using copper for metal roofing is the material has
antimicrobial properties that kill algae and moss. Copper also lasts much longer than
any other metal roofing material and it can last for up to 100 years or more so at least
you’re getting your money’s worth in the long term.
Next up we have Zinc and Terne. According to Types of Metal Roofs and How to
Choose by Amanda Lutz written for Architectural Digest. “Zinc is a dense and durable
alternative to copper that is popular in Europe. Zinc also has a unique patination
process, starting out nearly black and developing into a light blue or gray color.” And,
“Tin roofs were popular during the 1800s but are rare now that more durable and
affordable materials are available. If you enjoy the sound of rain hitting a tin roof or love
its simple aesthetic, galvalume or painted metal roofing panels can help you achieve the
same look as tin.”
Comparing Metal Roofing to Other Materials
If it’s time to change your roof or you’ve just purchased a location which
desperately needs a new roof, questions on the price of the project as well as which
materials to choose from will arise. Do you pay more and use a material that will last
much longer or do you pay less and use a material that won’t last as long? According to,
Metal Roofing Vs. Asphalt Shingles: Major Differences, Pros and Cons written by
Chauncey Crail and Samantha Allen for Forbes Home, “In general, metal roofs cost
more in initial construction (and significantly more so in certain cases) but also tend to
require less maintenance. Shingle roof construction remains the most common, likely
because it remains most economical.” If you’d like to go with the shingles route, they are
much cheaper than their metal counterparts but require more maintenance on the long
run as compared to metal roofs which are much more expensive to install but once
installed, not much maintenance is required; not to mention the lifespan of the product is
much longer for a metal roof.
If you’re wondering what type of roofing material to opt for while living in
Montreal, a steel roof would most probably be recommended since it can withstand all
seasons for much longer compared to an asphalt shingles-filled roof.
Comparing Metal Roofing in Montreal to Other Materials (shingle, slate, sloping)
Many homeowners in Montreal opt for asphalt shingles because they are
typically the easiest to find and much more affordable than other roofing materials such
as metal roofing for example. But, what’s the difference between shingle, slate, and
sloping roofing? We already know what a Montreal metal roof is so let’s get into the rest.
One of the most popular roofing materials is asphalt shingles because they are
affordable, easy to find, work well in most climates and can come in a variety of colors.
But, asphalt shingles have a short lifespan, and the color can fade with sun exposure.
Slate roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing and it has more
advantages than it has consequences. If you opt for slate roofing, this material has a
long lifespan, it’s low maintenance, durable, and has a few color choices such as gray,
blue, green, brown, and red. But, the cost of slate roofing can be much higher than a
shingled roof and it may need extra structural support for its weight.
Sloping roofing, also known as pitched roofs, are somewhat traditional in
appearance, relatively easy to maintain and they are much more efficient in evacuating water. But, a sloping roof can be much more expensive than a flat roof and can also be
potentially problematic with complex buildings.
Metal Roofing Installation Montreal
How to install metal roofing? When thinking about your Metal roofing installation
in Montreal, it will most likely be your contractor taking the lead in installing your metal
roof but, it can be interesting to know the steps needed for a steel roofing installation in
Montreal. Here are the steps that can be taken when installing your metal roof. 1.
Measure your roof. 2. Remove or begin placing metal roof over existing roof. 3. Fix any
roof damage. 4. Place the moisture barrier. 5. Install drip edges and closure strips. 6.
Install metal roofing panels. Lastly, 7. Add a ridge cap.
How to Select The Right Metal Roofing Contractor in Montreal
So you’ve decided to install a metal roof for your Montreal roof but now you don’t
know where to look for a good metal roofing contractor in Montreal. Of course it’s best
to look within your circle by asking friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers for example
if they have any recommendations but in case you’re the first person to install a metal
roof, here are some more tips on how to select the right metal roofing contractor.
By using the internet at your disposal, you can search up different contractors
within your neighborhood, verify their reviews and how other customers experienced
their installation with that specific contractor. Also, once you’ve found a metal roofing
contractor’s website, you can look to see if they have any certifications and licenses to
make sure that they’re actually experienced and knowledgeable contractors. Of course,
sometimes it’s best to have a contractor with more experience as opposed to
certifications but it’s up to you to make that final decision. In Montreal, consumers can
check with the office de la protection du consommateur. Once you’ve found the
contractor that is right for you, you can double check with the office de la protection du
consommateur to verify if any complaints have been done on that specific contractor
and you can also check if that specific contractor is recommended by CAA Approved
Residential Suppliers.
Finally, make sure you’re also getting different quotes from different contractors
to ensure that you’re receiving the best work with the best price for you.
Maintenance Tips for Metal Roofing in Montreal
A few maintenance tips to keep your Montreal metal roof looking sharp are as
follows; clean your gutters often, keep your metal roof away from any trees or shrubs
that may rub against the material, and remove any debris and dirt from your metal roof
at all times. By following these three steps, your metal roof will be able to withstand
anything for many years to come.