If you’re a homeowner in Ontario considering a new roof, you’ve likely faced the same question thousands of GTA homeowners ask every year: should I go with traditional asphalt shingles or upgrade to metal or steel roofing?
Both options have their place—but when you look at the full picture, the difference in long-term value is significant. In this guide we break down everything you need to know to make the right decision for your home.
The Basics: What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America. They’re relatively inexpensive to install and widely available. A standard asphalt shingle roof in Ontario costs roughly $5,000–$10,000 installed, depending on roof size and complexity.
However, asphalt shingles have a significant weakness: lifespan. In Ontario’s climate—with harsh winters, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and humid summers—asphalt shingles typically last only 7–12 years before they need replacing. Some premium asphalt products claim 15–20 years, but real-world performance in Ontario rarely matches those numbers.
The Basics: What Is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing refers to roofing systems made from steel, aluminum, or copper. The most popular options for Ontario homeowners are metal tiles (Monterrey and Bond styles) and standing seam panels.
Metal roofing costs more upfront—typically $6,000–$20,000 installed depending on the type and roof size—but lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance. When you factor in the cost of replacing asphalt shingles 3–4 times over the same period, metal roofing is often the more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Head to Head
Lifespan: Metal roofing lasts 50+ years. Asphalt shingles last 7–12 years in Ontario. Over a 50-year period, you’ll replace an asphalt roof 3–4 times—each time paying full installation costs again.
Cost Over Time Asphalt shingles are cheaper upfront but more expensive over time. A metal or steel roof installed today will likely be the last roof you ever need. When you calculate total lifetime cost, metal roofing often wins by a significant margin.
Performance in Ontario Weather Ontario’s climate is tough on roofs. Metal roofing handles snow, ice, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles far better than asphalt. Metal sheds snow naturally, reducing ice dam risk — one of the most common causes of roof leaks in the GTA. Asphalt shingles crack, curl, and lose granules over time due to the same weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing reflects solar heat in summer, keeping your home cooler and reducing air conditioning costs. In winter, it provides excellent insulation. Asphalt shingles absorb heat, which can increase cooling costs during GTA summers.
Maintenance: Metal roofing is essentially maintenance-free. Asphalt shingles require regular inspection and occasional repairs—cracked or blown-off shingles are common after Ontario storms.
Appearance Modern metal roofing comes in dozens of colors and styles—including metal tiles that closely mimic the look of traditional clay or slate tiles. Standing seam offers a sleek, modern aesthetic. Asphalt shingles have improved visually over the years but still don’t match the premium look of metal.
Environmental Impact: Metal roofing is made from recyclable materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its life. Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based and typically end up in landfills at the end of their lifespan—millions of tonnes per year in Canada alone.
—Which Noise? A common myth is that metal roofs are noisy in the rain. When properly installed with underlayment—which all professional installations include—metal roofing is no louder than asphalt shingles during rainfall.
So Which Should You Choose?
If budget is your only consideration and you’re planning to sell your home in the next few years, asphalt shingles might make sense as a short-term solution.
But if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, want the best performance in Ontario’s climate, and want to stop worrying about your roof forever, metal roofing is the clear winner. The upfront investment pays for itself over time, and you get decades of worry-free protection.
At VR Metal Roofing we work with homeowners across the GTA every day who have made the switch from asphalt to metal and never looked back. The most common thing we hear after installation is “I wish I had done this sooner.”
Get a Free Estimate Today
Thinking about upgrading from asphalt shingles to metal roofing? VR Metal Roofing offers free online estimates for homes across Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, and the surrounding GTA.
Just provide your full address, including postal code, and we’ll get back to you quickly—no obligation, no pressure.
+1 (647) 262-9203 +1 (647) 862-8085 
info@vrmetalroofing.ca