The $20,000 Question

You need a new roof. You've narrowed it down to two options: asphalt shingles or metal roofing. The price difference is significant — metal costs 2-3x more upfront. Is it worth it?

This guide provides an honest, unbiased comparison. We install both. We have no preference. We just want you to make the right decision for your specific situation.

The Quick Answer (If You're in a Hurry)

Choose Asphalt Shingles If:

• You're selling your home in 5-10 years
• You have strict budget constraints
• You're in a low-risk climate zone (Abbotsford, flat areas)
• You prefer traditional aesthetics

Choose Metal Roofing If:

• You're in Hope, Harrison Hot Springs, or other extreme weather zones
• You plan to stay in your home 15+ years
• You have a steep roof (metal's snow shedding is a major advantage)
• You're tired of maintenance (moss treatment, repairs)
• You value long-term performance over upfront cost

Head-to-Head Comparison

1. Upfront Cost

Asphalt Shingles (IKO Cambridge):

• Material: $90-120 per square
• Labor: $150-200 per square
• Total (Average Home): $5,000-7,000

Standing Seam Metal (24-gauge steel, Kynar 500):

• Material: $400-600 per square
• Labor: $300-400 per square
• Total (Average Home): $25,000-35,000

Winner: Asphalt (3-5x cheaper upfront)

2. Lifespan

Asphalt Shingles:

• Expected Lifespan: 20-30 years in Fraser Valley
• Factors: Climate, ventilation, installation quality
• Reality Check: Most fail at 20-25 years in our wet climate

Metal Roofing:

• Expected Lifespan: 50-70+ years
• Factors: Coating quality (Kynar 500 lasts 40+ years)
• Reality Check: Will outlast you

Winner: Metal (2-3x longer lifespan)

3. Total Cost of Ownership (50 Years)

Asphalt Shingles:

• Initial Installation: $6,000
• Replacement #1 (Year 25): $8,000 (inflation-adjusted)
• Moss Treatment: $300 every 3 years x 16 = $4,800
• Minor Repairs: $500 every 10 years x 5 = $2,500
• Total 50-Year Cost: $21,300

Standing Seam Metal:

• Initial Installation: $30,000
• Replacement: $0 (lasts 50-70+ years)
• Moss Treatment: $0 (no moss growth)
• Minor Repairs: $0 (virtually maintenance-free)
• Total 50-Year Cost: $30,000

Difference: $8,700 over 50 years (metal costs 40% more long-term)

Winner: Depends on your time horizon

4. Snow Performance (Critical in Hope, Harrison)

Asphalt Shingles:

• Rough granule surface grips snow
• Ice dams form at eaves
• Requires manual snow removal in extreme events
• Heavy snow loads stress structure

Metal Roofing:

• Smooth surface allows snow to slide off
• Ice dams are rare (proper eave flashing prevents the few that form)
• Self-clearing within days of snowfall
• Reduces structural stress

Winner: Metal (massive advantage in snow zones)

5. Wind Resistance (Critical in Hope)

Asphalt Shingles:

• Wind Rating: 110-130 mph (architectural shingles)
• Failure Mode: Wind lifts edges, tears shingles off
• Our 6-Nail Protocol: Improves resistance but has limits

Standing Seam Metal:

• Wind Rating: 150+ mph (engineered systems)
• Failure Mode: Virtually none (mechanical fastening prevents uplift)
• Track Record: We've never had a metal roof fail in a windstorm

Winner: Metal (superior in high-wind zones)

6. Moss/Algae Resistance

Asphalt Shingles:

• Granular surface retains moisture and organic debris
• Moss growth inevitable in shaded areas
• Requires periodic cleaning ($300 every 3 years)
• Algae-resistant granules help but don't eliminate growth

Metal Roofing:

• Non-porous surface doesn't support growth
• Rain washes surface clean
• No moss treatment needed
• Virtually maintenance-free

Winner: Metal (no maintenance required)

7. Fire Resistance

Asphalt Shingles:

• Fire Rating: Class A (best available for shingles)
• Reality: Still combustible under extreme heat

Metal Roofing:

• Fire Rating: Non-combustible
• Reality: Won't ignite from embers or radiant heat

Winner: Metal (superior wildfire protection)

8. Aesthetics

Asphalt Shingles:

• Traditional residential appearance
• Hundreds of colors and styles
• Architectural shingles mimic wood shake
• Familiar, widely accepted

Metal Roofing:

• Modern, clean-lined appearance
• Limited color options (10-15 standard colors)
• Standing seam creates distinctive vertical lines
• Polarizing (some love it, some hate it)

Winner: Subjective (personal preference)

9. Resale Value

Asphalt Shingles:

• Expected by buyers (neutral impact)
• New roof adds $5,000-8,000 to home value
• Recoup 60-70% of cost at sale

Metal Roofing:

• Premium feature (positive impact)
• New metal roof adds $15,000-25,000 to home value
• Recoup 50-60% of cost at sale (lower percentage but higher dollar amount)
• Buyers appreciate "never need to replace" aspect

Winner: Metal (if you're selling soon after installation)

The Decision Framework

Scenario 1: You're in Hope or Harrison Hot Springs

Recommendation: Metal Roofing

Why:

• Extreme snow loads (metal sheds snow, asphalt doesn't)
• High winds (metal's 150+ mph rating vs. asphalt's 110-130 mph)
• Ice dam risk (metal prevents, asphalt requires heat cables)
• Long-term value (you'll replace asphalt 2-3x in metal's lifespan)

Scenario 2: You're Selling in 5-10 Years

Recommendation: Asphalt Shingles

Why:

• You won't recoup metal's premium before selling
• New asphalt roof is a strong selling point
• Lower upfront cost preserves cash for other improvements

Scenario 3: You're in Abbotsford, Flat Lot, Moderate Climate

Recommendation: Asphalt Shingles

Why:

• Metal's advantages (snow shedding, wind resistance) are less critical
• Asphalt performs adequately in moderate conditions
• Cost savings can be invested elsewhere

Scenario 4: You're Building New or Staying 20+ Years

Recommendation: Metal Roofing

Why:

• Total cost of ownership favors metal over long term
• Zero maintenance hassle
• Never need to replace (one and done)
• Superior performance in all weather conditions

The Honest Truth

We install both asphalt and metal. We make similar margins on both. We have no financial incentive to push one over the other.

Here's what we actually recommend:

If you're in Hope, Harrison, or exposed areas: Metal is worth it. The performance difference is measurable and significant.

If you're in moderate climate zones: Asphalt is fine. Metal is better, but the premium may not be justified.

If you're selling soon: Asphalt makes financial sense.

If you're staying long-term: Metal is the better investment.

The right answer depends on your specific situation, budget, and goals. We'll help you figure it out.

Want to discuss your specific situation? Call (604) 997-1292 for honest advice.