Frequently Asked Questions

Steel roofing is normally purchased through distributors, i.e.: like listing below;

• Building Supply Dealers/one-stop distributors
• Lumber Yards

Please contact us for a dealer near you.

Cost is determined by a number of variables:

Amount of product you will need to complete the roofing or siding project, and the amount of labour it takes to install the product will have an effect on the total cost. The scope of the project is a determining factor in the price range.

In addition, complexity of the roof or siding area is another factor in determining price. Valleys or transitions, dormers, number of hips etc will add to the complexity of the project.

Style type of the roofing or siding desired; whether it is standing seam, vertical rib, or tiled, all styles vary in price.

Colours and paint system can also impact the cost of steel roofing.

Because metal roofing is a premium, longer life home product, you can expect the initial cost to be more than an asphalt shingle roof would cost. However, no matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, its life cycle cost will be less. In the long run, a metal roof is less expensive than tile, cedar shake and slate roofing.

To get an estimate you will need to contact a professional roofing/siding installer or your local lumber yard. Please contact us today for a complete listing of authorized dealers in your area that can recommend a reputable installer.

• our website
• your local lumber yard
• a contractor that specializes in farm buildings may have the most steel roofing experience
• Inquire while pricing out the cost
• Always ask prospective contractors for references on previous jobs that were completed using steel products

Not always. Some roofing requires strapping to fasten down their products, so we should be consulted before application.

In a re-roofing application, strapping can be useful to provide better anchorage to the roof trusses and to level out the roof surface. Contact your local dealer or representative before you proceed.

Contrary to popular belief, steel roofing is very lightweight compared to other roofing materials. Depending on the system, it can be up to 50% lighter than some asphalt roofs.

No additional support is needed. In fact, steel roofs can be light enough to be installed directly over existing roofs without stripping off the old material at a significant cost savings. Contact your local dealer or representative before you proceed.

Your professional contractor will evaluate whether this is a suitable option for your house.

Steel roofing is available in a rainbow of colours.

Residential steel roofing and siding is available in a number of styles and types. In addition to profiles that are distinct to steel (such as standing seam, vertical rib and corrugated), many steel roofing and siding styles replicate other traditional roofing and siding materials including shingle, slate, clay tile and cedar. Roofing and siding applications offer a large variety of styles that provide a contemporary look to your home.

Paint coatings that are available include modified polyester, fluorocarbon and PVC coatings. The choice of a paint system will depend on the architecture of your roof, the local environment and the desired performance.

Contact us to discuss the options with you and to help you to determine which paint type would be most suitable for your particular home.

While the life span of any building product will depend on the aggressiveness of the local environment, studies show that you can expect a steel roof to last at up to 2 to 3 times longer than a regular asphalt shingle roof.

In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond, where the average life span of an asphalt roof would be 12 to 15 years. Asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather.

Asphalt shingles are also subject to UV exposure. With exposure to the sun, the valuable oils and solvents that make up asphalt begin to dry up. Loose granules found in the eavestrough are evidence of this. As aging continues, the asphalt will become brittle and crack, which results in a leak. A metal roof, on the other hand, is inorganic and will never decompose. Steel roofing/siding will last even longer with minimal maintenance.

Steel roofing/siding are designed to meet or exceed the strict wind and water penetration standards set out by your local building codes. Extensive testing is done to ensure they comply with these requirements.

In addition, steel roofs have some special characteristics that make them exceptionally resistant to severe weather. They will not chip or crack like slate or tile from hail or ice. Steel is also good for preventing excessive snow build-up and ice dams.

Steel is a noncombustible material and will not spread fire. Consequently, it will resist the heat from windblown sparks that are commonly associated with wildfires, keeping your home safer.

Steel roofing not only provides strength, but also when coupled with high build finishes, absorbs and deadens much of the noise (when applied direct to the deck). With the home insulation standards of today, you should not notice any difference in noise levels between roofing materials.

The characteristics of metal are such that it absorbs and dissipates heat quickly. As with any material, colour is one of the governing factors related to reflectivity and absorption. Metal roofing on your home should not affect your energy requirements and could in fact reduce them.

Steel roofing/siding makes economic sense and adds to the value of your home. Your roof or siding’s long life, durability, low maintenance requirements and lasting aesthetic appeal will all be strong selling points. Prospective buyers will take notice of these features when the time comes for you to sell.

Very little maintenance is needed for steel roofing/siding. The roofing/siding can be periodically washed to remove any debris. In the long-term, occasionally repainting your roof/siding will extend its life by decades.

One of the great features of a steel roofing is its ability to shed snow and prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams are notorious for causing ceiling leaks and can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Methods of installing accessories like satellite dishes on steel roofs have been developed, and are easily followed. Your contractor or local building supply store should be able to give you specific instructions.

No. Lightning is no more of a concern for a steel-roofed house than for a house with any other type of roof.

No. Steel roofs have no notable effect on reception.

Steel has been successfully used for roofing on commercial and institutional buildings for over 100 years in Canada. Five centuries ago, the designers of European cathedrals and other structures were aware of the great benefits of metal in architectural applications. This long track record has shown steel roofing/siding to be an attractive, versatile, and durable product, with a lifespan two to three times longer than conventional roofing/siding products.

In addition, over the product life cycle, steel roofing is extremely cost effective. Residential construction is just beginning to realize the numerous benefits of steel roofing. A steel roof will add a distinctive elegance to your home while providing this host of additional benefits.

Since it is 100% recyclable, steel is an inherently environmentally friendly material. Recycled steel is used extensively in the production of new steel. Therefore, not only does each steel roof contain a portion of recycled material, but it can also be completely recycled at the end of its useful life.

Steel roofing/siding helps keep hundreds of tons of used roofing and siding material out of our landfills each year.