If you’re a homeowner in Markham or York Region, you’ve probably asked this question: should I go with a metal roof or stick with asphalt shingles?
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from people getting ready for a new roof. After 30+ years of roofing across the GTA, we’ve installed thousands of shingle roofs and a growing number of metal roofing systems.
The metal roof vs shingles question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, but choosing the right roofing material can impact your home’s value, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. This article will give Markham homeowners the information they need to decide what’s best for their home.
Metal Roof vs Shingles at a Glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison for homeowners weighing their options.
Metal Roof:
Lifespan: 40 to 70 years
Cost per Square: $750 to $950
Full Home Cost: $15,000 to $35,000+
Energy Efficiency: Excellent
Wind Resistance: Up to 150 mph
Maintenance: Low
Sustainability: Highly recyclable
Installation: Specialized crews required
Asphalt Shingles:
Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
Cost per Square: $350 to $375
Full Home Cost: $5,500 to $12,000
Energy Efficiency: Moderate
Wind Resistance: Varies by product
Maintenance: Moderate
Sustainability: Limited recyclability
Installation: Most roofers handle it
Both materials can be reliable choices based on different priorities. You should decide based on your budget and how long you plan to live in the home. There is no single right answer for every Markham homeowner.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Ontario and across North America. They’re made from a fibreglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. They come in two main types: three-tab and architectural. Both are available in a wide array of colors and textures.
Types of Asphalt Shingles for Markham Homes
Three-tab shingles are the budget option, typically lasting 15 to 20 years in our climate. Architectural shingles like IKO Cambridge or Dynasty are thicker, carry better wind ratings, and are the standard for most Markham re-roofing jobs now. Traditional asphalt shingles have been the go-to for decades, but in Markham you also need to watch out for counterfeit shingles being sold as Canadian-made products, while today’s genuine architectural products offer better performance for a modest price bump.
Designer or luxury shingles also exist for homeowners wanting a premium look. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice in the GTA because they work well, look good, and fit most budgets. The shorter lifespan compared to metal is the main trade-off. Shingles come in various materials and finishes to suit almost any neighbourhood.
How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?
Traditional asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 30 years depending on the product and installation quality. In Markham, with freeze-thaw cycles and lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, they tend toward the lower end unless properly maintained with good attic ventilation.
Today’s shingles contain less asphalt than they did 20 years ago, which shortens their effective lifespan. Old asphalt shingles I’ve pulled off homes in Berczy Village were only 12 years old and already failing from poor ventilation. That means more frequent maintenance and earlier replacement than many homeowners expect. Learn more about how long a roof lasts in Markham.
What Is a Metal Roof?
Metal roofing systems are made from steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc. They come in several profiles: standing seam panels, metal shingles, corrugated panels, and stone-coated steel tiles. In Markham, steel is the most common choice for residential use, and professional roof installation services from a local contractor help ensure these systems perform as designed.
Metal Roofing Materials for Ontario Homes
Steel is the go-to for most residential jobs. It’s galvanized or coated to prevent rust and comes in various materials and finishes. Aluminum is lighter and naturally rust-resistant, a good fit near Lake Ontario. Copper is premium with the longest lifespan, but expensive. For most Markham homeowners choosing a roofing material, steel balances cost, durability, and climate performance best.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
A properly installed metal roofing system lasts 40 to 70 years depending on the type and installation quality. Steel and aluminum typically fall in the 40 to 60 year range when properly maintained. Copper can last over 100 years.
In practical terms, one metal installation on a Markham home will outlast two or three asphalt shingle roofs. These systems are low maintenance by nature, so you’re looking at decades without a major roofing expense.
Which Is Better: Metal Roofing or Shingles?
Neither is universally better. The right roofing material depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and which factors matter most. If longevity and weather resistance are priorities, metal wins. If upfront cost and ease of repair matter more, shingle roofs are the practical choice.
For many homeowners in Markham replacing an aging roof they plan to keep for 15+ years, metal is worth serious consideration. For budget-conscious families or those planning to sell within 10 years, quality architectural shingles are still an excellent investment. Metal and shingle roofs serve different situations well.
Cost Comparison: Metal Roof vs Shingles in Markham
Cost is usually the first question. The higher upfront cost of metal is real, but the long-term picture changes when you factor in replacement cycles.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost in Canada?
In Canada, metal roofing typically costs $10 to $22 per square foot installed, or roughly $15,000 to $40,000+ for a standard home. At Edmunds, our pricing runs $750 to $950 per square installed (a roofing square is 100 square feet). For a typical 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft Markham detached home, that works out to $15,000 to $35,000 depending on material, complexity, and pitch.
The higher initial investment reflects specialized labour and materials. Metal roofing costs more upfront, but the per-year cost over the roof’s lifetime is often lower. Learn more about why roofing costs what it does.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Costs in Markham
At Edmunds, asphalt shingle roofing runs $350 to $375 per square foot for three-tab and IKO Cambridge/Dynasty products. A full asphalt shingle roof replacement for a typical Markham detached home runs $5,500 to $12,000, with tear-off, underlayment, ice and water shield, and disposal included.
This lower cost is the main reason asphalt shingles remain the most popular option in Ontario. The trade-off is that you’ll likely need another re-roof in 20 to 25 years.
Energy Efficiency: Metal and Shingle Roofs Compared
In Markham, where we get hot summers and cold winters, how your roof handles heat transfer matters year-round.
How Metal Roofs Reduce Cooling Costs
Metal roofing systems reflect solar radiant heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25%. Their high solar reflectance means less heat reaches your attic. These roofing systems installed over battens create an air gap above the roof deck, improving thermal performance. High thermal emittance means the surface releases absorbed heat quickly. Read about how attic ventilation works with your roof.
Is an Asphalt Roof Energy Efficient?
How asphalt shingles perform in energy terms depends on the product: standard asphalt roofs are only moderately efficient because they absorb more heat than metal. Standard asphalt shingles have low solar reflectance, soaking up the sun’s energy and radiating it into your attic long after sunset. Cool-roof shingles, by contrast, use reflective granules so asphalt shingles perform better on solar reflectance and attic heat gain than standard versions, but they still do not match metal. In Markham’s hot summers, darker shingle roofs push attic temperatures well above outside air, increasing cooling costs. Reflective granules help, but metal still holds the advantage for heat reflection in extreme hot weather.
Weather Performance in York Region: Extreme Weather Compared
Markham gets it all: summer storms with high winds, winter ice, heavy snow, and hail. Both materials handle Ontario weather, but they respond to different conditions differently.
High Winds and Hail Resistance
Metal resists high winds up to 140 to 150 mph and is resistant to hail. Shingle roofs are more vulnerable to extreme weather, especially older or three-tab products. Heavy rain and high winds can lift or tear shingles loose, making timely roofing repair from a qualified Markham contractor important to prevent leaks and structural damage. Architectural shingles handle wind better, and products like IKO Dynasty carry enhanced ratings. Read our guide to managing hail damage on your Markham roof.
Heavy Snow, Ice Dams, and Freeze-Thaw in Markham
Metal sheds heavy snow naturally. The smooth surface lets snow slide off before it builds up, reducing structural load and ice dam risk. With lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, that’s a practical advantage in Markham.
Shingle roofs hold snow in place, which contributes to ice dam formation when heat escapes through the roof deck. I see ice dam damage in Cathedraltown and Historic Unionville every spring. The freeze-thaw cycling we get in York Region accelerates wear on asphalt. Granules loosen, edges curl, and small cracks turn into leaks. Read about what causes ice dams and how to prevent them.
Hot Weather and Summer Performance
In hot weather, metal outperforms asphalt on thermal management. It reflects more of the sun’s energy and releases heat faster through high thermal emittance. Southern Ontario summers now regularly hit 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. In extreme heat, darker shingle roofs can reach surface temperatures of 70+ degrees. For warmer climates and our warming Ontario summers, metal wins on summer performance.
Maintenance Requirements for Metal and Asphalt Roofs
Metal is low maintenance. These roofs need periodic inspections and occasional cleaning but rarely need frequent repairs in the first few decades, especially when installed and maintained by professional roofing services familiar with Canadian climates. Shingle roofs require more frequent maintenance: annual inspections, checking for lifted or missing shingles, and more maintenance as they age. In Markham’s climate, freeze-thaw and UV exposure mean asphalt wears faster. Replacing shingles individually is straightforward, but the need comes up often. Check our roof inspection checklist.
Sustainability, Recycled Materials, and How Metal Roofs Increase Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing is made from 30 to 60% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable at end of life. These roofing systems also increase energy efficiency by reflecting heat and reducing cooling demands. Old asphalt shingles usually end up in landfills, with a recycling rate of about 10% or less. Old shingles can take hundreds of years to decompose. Metal is the clear winner on sustainability, combining recycled materials, full recyclability, and energy efficient performance.
Aesthetics and Curb Appeal: Metal and Asphalt Compared
Both metal and asphalt offer a wide range of looks. Shingle roofs come in many colours and textures. Architectural shingles provide a dimensional, layered look that suits traditional homes in neighbourhoods like Historic Unionville. Metal can mimic traditional shingles or tiles and complement newer developments like Cornell and Berczy Village.
Roof Installation: What Markham Homeowners Should Know
Shingle installation is simpler and faster. Most GTA contractors handle it and the installation process is straightforward. Metal requires specialized skills, and installation metal roofing mistakes can be expensive. At Edmunds, we carry full WSIB clearance certificates and comprehensive insurance. A standard re-roofing in Markham does not require a building permit unless structural changes are involved, but replacing a shared roof on a semi or townhouse adds coordination and agreement with neighbours. Read our step-by-step guide to replacing a roof.
Can You Install a Metal Roof Directly Over Old Shingles?
Yes, in many cases you can install metal directly over one existing layer, saving on tear-off and disposal costs. The roof deck needs to be structurally sound and free of moisture damage. Ontario building codes allow this with one existing layer. A qualified contractor should inspect the deck before proceeding.
What Is the Biggest Problem with Metal Roofs?
The biggest problem is the higher upfront cost, which can be two to three times more than shingle roofs. Other concerns include noise during heavy rain (addressed with proper underlayment) and finding an experienced installer. Not every roofing contractor in the GTA handles installation metal roofing properly.
When Should You Not Use a Metal Roof?
You may want to skip metal if you’re on a tight budget and plan to sell within 10 years, since you won’t recoup the higher initial investment. It may also not suit historic homes in Historic Unionville where the streetscape calls for a traditional shingle look. If the structure can’t support the weight without reinforcement, asphalt is the more practical option.
Metal Roofs, Asphalt Shingles, and Solar Panels
Metal is an excellent platform for solar panels. It’s lightweight, durable, and the mounting hardware attaches securely. A 40 to 70 year lifespan means the roof outlasts the panels, so you won’t need to remove them mid-warranty. Shingle roofs can support solar panels too, but the shorter lifespan creates a timing problem. For Markham homeowners considering solar, metal is the more energy efficient long-term pairing.
Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Markham Home
Metal wins on lifespan, weather resistance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Asphalt wins on upfront cost, installation simplicity, and repair ease. Both options perform well in Ontario when installed by an experienced roofing contractor. Asphalt shingles remain the right roofing material for many homeowners, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
My recommendation: get quotes for both and compare the total cost of ownership over 20 to 30 years, not just the upfront number.
Get a Free Metal Roof vs Shingles Quote from a Markham Roofer
If you’re weighing your roofing options, we’re happy to help. At Edmunds Home Improvements, we’ve been helping homeowners across Markham and the GTA with roofing for over 75 years. We carry full WSIB clearance certificates and comprehensive liability insurance.
Call us at 905-472-0276 or visit our website to book a free, no-obligation assessment. We’ll look at your existing roof, talk through both options, and give you a straight answer based on your home’s actual condition. You can also browse our roof inspection checklist or read about when to repair or replace your roof.
Steve Gibson
President & CEO, Edmunds Home Improvements
Steve Gibson has over 35 years of hands-on experience in home renovation across
Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. As President and CEO of Edmunds Home
Improvements — a company serving the community since 1947 — Steve specializes in
roofing installation and repair, siding, window replacement and installation, and
door installation. A longtime local resident, he took ownership of Edmunds in 1989
and has built the company into one of the GTA’s most trusted exterior renovation
contractors. Edmunds is fully insured (WSIB and $5 million public liability) and
is a BBB Accredited Business and ENERGY STAR partner.
