We replaced the 20-year-old architectural shingles on our Whitchurch-Stouffville rural property with standing seam steel 18 months ago. Here is the honest assessment.
Why we chose metal: We get significant snow load and had two ice dam incidents in the previous roof’s last years — one caused interior damage to a dormer wall. We have a metal equipment building on the property (no ice dams, no leaks in 15 years). The lifetime cost calculation made sense.
The assessment: Our roofer (metal specialty contractor, York Region) assessed whether we could go over the existing shingles (one layer only, which we had) or needed a full tear-off. His assessment: the existing shingle layer was irregular enough in places that metal over shingles would create read-through on the exposed metal surface. We did a full tear-off.
What was discovered on tear-off: Two sections of OSB roof sheathing near the ice dam areas had soft spots. Total area: approximately 80 sqft. Replaced before steel installation: $600 extra.
Metal system installed: 1-inch factory-formed standing seam panels, 26-gauge steel (G-90 galvanized), concealed fastener system. Ridge cap and hip cap in matching steel. Painted system (Kynar coating), colour matched to existing grey shutters.
Cost: $18,400 for 2,200 sqft roof with one complex valley and three dormers.
18-month review: Zero ice dams last winter (significant snow year). The metal is loud in heavy rain — we expected this and it doesn’t bother us (sounds like a drumroll). The snow sheds off the south face in sheets — we installed snow guards above the front door and mudroom entry ($380 extra) which was the right call. Zero leaks, zero maintenance.