"Metal roof" covers several very different products. The type you choose affects how your home looks, how the roof handles Ontario winters, how much maintenance it needs and what it costs. Here's a straightforward comparison of the main options.
Standing Seam
Standing seam roofs use long vertical panels joined by raised seams. The fasteners are hidden under the seams, so no screws are exposed to the weather.
Pros
- Concealed fasteners mean fewer places for leaks
- Clean, modern look that suits both new and traditional homes
- Sheds snow and ice quickly
- Panels expand and contract freely with temperature changes
Cons
- Higher cost than other metal options
- Needs experienced installers for trim, valleys and penetrations
Best for: homeowners who want the longest-lasting, lowest-maintenance metal roof.
Steel Shingles and Shakes
These are stamped steel panels shaped to look like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, slate or tile. They interlock, and many systems hide their fasteners.
Pros
- Traditional look, so they blend into most neighbourhoods
- Lighter than the materials they imitate
- Textured surfaces hide small dents and scratches
Cons
- More seams and pieces than standing seam
- Quality varies between manufacturers
Best for: homeowners who want metal's durability without a modern look.
Exposed-Fastener Panels
Also called ribbed or corrugated panels, these are fastened straight through the face of the panel with screws and rubber washers.
Pros
- Lowest material and installation cost
- Quick to install on simple roofs
Cons
- Hundreds of exposed screws whose washers wear out and need checking and replacing over time
- Less suited to complex residential roofs
Best for: garages, sheds, barns and agricultural buildings.
Steel, Aluminum or Something Else?
Most residential metal roofs in Ontario are galvanized or Galvalume steel with a baked-on paint finish. Aluminum resists corrosion and suits homes near the lake, but it costs more and dents more easily. Copper and zinc are premium options, usually reserved for accents like bay windows.
What Makes a Metal Roof Last
The panel is only part of the system. A long-lasting metal roof also needs:
- The right underlayment, usually a high-temperature synthetic, plus ice and water protection at eaves and valleys
- Good ventilation to prevent condensation under the panels
- Proper trim and flashing at every edge, valley, chimney and vent
- Allowance for movement, since steel expands and contracts through Ontario's temperature swings
- Snow guards above entrances, walkways and decks, where sliding snow can be dangerous
How Much Does Each Type Cost?
Exposed-fastener panels are the least expensive, steel shingles sit in the middle and standing seam is the premium option. For typical price ranges, see our metal roof cost guide.
Talk to a Metal Roofing Installer
Ontario Tech Roofing installs metal roofs across Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and the GTA. We'll help you choose a profile and colour that suits your home and budget. Book a free estimate or call 905-616-4408.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of metal roof is best for snow?
Standing seam sheds snow fastest because of its smooth, vertical panels. Add snow guards where sliding snow could land on people, cars or decks.
Can a metal roof go over existing shingles?
Sometimes, if there's only one layer and the deck is sound. A full tear-off is usually better, because it lets us inspect and repair the decking first.
Do metal roofs rust?
Modern steel roofing is coated with zinc or aluminum-zinc and a paint finish, so it resists rust for decades. Scratches that reach bare steel should be touched up.