Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a larger investment than asphalt in Calgary and the main reasons people choose it are lifespan, fire resistance and how it sheds snow. The main types are standing seam panels with concealed fasteners, exposed-fastener steel panels, steel shingles, and stone-coated steel that looks like shake or tile.

Hail is the question every Calgarian asks. Metal does not crack the way shingles do, but large hail can dent it, and some policies treat dents as cosmetic damage that is not covered. Look for products tested for impact resistance and read how your insurer treats cosmetic damage before you choose a smooth, flat panel. Stone-coated steel hides dents better than flat standing seam.

The City of Calgary's own cost comparison puts steel at roughly 185 percent more than standard asphalt shingles and aluminum at about 215 percent more, so the numbers only work over a long ownership horizon. What moves the price is the panel type and gauge, roof complexity, snow guards over walkways and doors, and how much trim and flashing the roof needs.

Metal sheds snow suddenly. Plan snow guards above entrances, decks and driveways. The provincial permit exemption covers re-roofing with a similar type of material only, so ask your municipality whether a switch from shingles to metal needs a permit before work starts. Anything that changes the structure does, and your contractor should confirm the deck and ventilation are right for metal before the panels go on.