Calgary metal roofing provides lasting strength and eco-friendly energy conservation. It’s made to endure the city’s extreme weather, heavy snow, and fierce winds.
Metal roofing is highly popular for a reason. It can last more than 50 years with little to no maintenance, saving homeowners and businesses money over time.
Its energy-saving feature of reflecting sunlight makes it a great choice to cut cooling costs during Calgary’s hot summers.
In this metal roofing buyer’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at the most important pros and cons of installing a metal roof in Calgary.
Why Metal Roofing Excels in Calgary
There’s no doubt that metal roofing shines in Calgary, thanks to its unbeatable performance against the city’s harsh climate. It holds up against heavy snow, high winds, and hailstorms, which are frequent occurrences in Calgary. Its durability greatly reduces the potential for damaging the roof, keeping homeowners protected all year round.
Metal roofs are fire-resistant, an important safety consideration in the event of a lightning storm or when living in a wildfire-prone region. This feature adds an extra layer of security for homeowners, ensuring peace of mind during extreme weather conditions.
Metal roofing more than doubles asphalt shingles’ life expectancy, lasting 40-70 years compared to 15-20 years for asphalt shingles. This lasting quality greatly decreases long-term costs and upkeep. Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a long-lasting roof without the frequent need for replacements.
Metal roofs provide improved energy efficiency too, reflecting heat to reduce cooling costs by as much as 25%. This energy-saving feature not only benefits the environment but also helps homeowners save on utility bills.
Offered in a wide variety of configurations and finishes, metal roofing matches any design aesthetic, adding beauty along with utility. This versatility allows homeowners to choose a style that complements their home while enjoying the practical benefits of metal roofing.
| Feature | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles | Flat Roofs |
| Durability | High (snow, hail, wind) | Moderate | Low |
| Fire Resistance | Strong | Low | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 40-70 years | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
Energy Efficiency Benefits of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing provides tremendous energy-saving benefits, particularly important given Calgary’s climate extremes. As a result, these roofs are extremely effective at reflecting solar radiation. This reduces heat absorption and helps to maintain cooler attic spaces during the city’s hot summer months.
Less energy consumed leads to a significant reduction in cooling costs, yielding a tangible difference in energy bills.
In cold months, metal roofs do a great job of keeping warm air in and cold air out. Along with efficient insulation, they slow the escape of warm air to keep homes energy efficient even in Calgary’s worst, cold snaps.
Their durability helps solar panel installations, which makes them very attractive to green-minded homeowners looking to get the most out of their renewable energy.
- Reflect solar radiation, cutting cooling costs
- Minimize thermal stress, enhancing longevity
- Compatible with solar and sustainable technologies
Cost and Maintenance of Metal Roofing
What’s the cost of metal roofing in Calgary, Alberta? Steel choices generally cost between $10 and $18 per square foot, and higher-end materials such as copper can run more than 50,000. The upfront cost of metal roofs is greater than that of asphalt or cedar shingle roofs.
Unlike other materials, they last 40 to 70 years, saving you big in long-term costs. Minimal maintenance is needed—just a basic cleaning and periodic inspections beat constant repairs or replacements as asphalt shingles demand.
Most warranties cover 20-50 years, so you’ve got extra peace of mind built in. Metal roofs are especially well-suited to address hail damage, a major worry in Calgary. You can even have them installed over existing shingles, which saves significantly on labor costs.
| Material | Cost (per sq. ft.) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Warranty |
| Metal | $10-18 | 40-70+ years | Low | 20-50 years |
| Asphalt | $4-8 | 15-20 years | Moderate to High | 10-20 years |
| Cedar Shingles | $10-15 | 20-30 years | High | 10-30 years |
Aesthetic and Design Options for Calgary Homes and Businesses
Metal roofing provides Calgary homeowners and business owners with the most design options available to harmonize with any architectural style. Available in numerous colors, finishes, and profiles, metal roofs can match Tudor-style homes with warm browns or creams or enhance modern builds with sleek, minimalist tones.
They can even replicate the look of more traditional materials such as terracotta tiles or cedar shakes, artfully combining old-world charm with modern-day durability. Standing seam panels are the favorites for a sleek aesthetic.
Metal shingles provide incredible aesthetic versatility, and custom finishes can be created to deliver one-of-a-kind designs. Beyond appearance, these roofs offer practical benefits like energy efficiency.
Darker tones help retain heat in winter, while lighter shades reflect summer heat. When paired with other materials such as stucco or brick, metal roofing offers even more design versatility.
Environmental and Sustainability Advantages
With various environmental advantages, metal roofing is an attractive choice for Calgary homeowners who prioritize sustainability. First, metal roofs are very recyclable. When these materials reach the end of their long lifespan, they can be reused. This allows them to avoid the fate of asphalt shingles, which often end up in landfills.
Their long-lasting nature requires less constant replacement, making them less wasteful in the long run. This means a properly installed metal roof can last 40-70 years, exceeding the longevity of traditional materials by decades.
Additionally, metal roofing increases building energy efficiency by reflecting solar heat away from the building. This helps to keep homes cooler in the summer, reducing energy usage. This is a huge boon to sustainable living, as it reduces carbon footprints.
Below is a comparison of environmental benefits:
| Feature | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
| Lifespan | 40–70 years | 10–20 years |
| Recyclability | 100% | Limited |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Low |
Local Considerations for Metal Roofing in Calgary
With Calgary’s climate creating extreme challenges, the decision of which roofing material to use becomes all that more important. Metal roofing shines when it comes to durability and withstanding extreme weather, such as Calgary’s famous hailstorms and heavy snowfalls.
Materials such as steel and aluminum are especially advantageous when building. They are impervious to mold, pests, and fire, and can last 30-50 years or longer with little maintenance!
When installed the right way by knowledgeable Calgary roofing contractors, a metal roof is more likely to operate at peak efficiency—including protection from ice dams in winter. Insulation is another important factor, saving in heating costs during winter and providing a more moderate temperature inside in the hot summer months.
When selecting metal roofing, pay attention to its resistance to weather, ability to meet local code requirements, and whether you need additional insulation. Routine maintenance can go a long way in increasing longevity and avoiding expensive replacements or repairs.
Conclusion
Metal roofing offers Calgary residents a durable, attractive solution for their homes or businesses. It’s energy-efficient and built to endure the extreme, moody weather that Calgary is known for. Its resilience and minimal maintenance save you cash in the long run. At the same time, its aesthetic versatility lets it complement the appearance of any home. What’s more, its recyclable materials and energy-saving features make it an eco-friendly option, too.
Whatever type of roof you choose, you can make the right choice by working with a team that understands Calgary’s unique requirements. With Calgary and area roofers’ expertise, Superior Roofing Ltd. Ensures quality control on every job. With trusted craftsmanship, we make sure your roof can withstand Alberta’s extreme climate!
If you’re interested in installing metal roofing or would like to receive consultation on your existing roof, contact the experts at Superior Roofing today. Our experienced team is here to assist you and your company in deciding what’s best for your property.
