If you live anywhere in Metro Vancouver, your roof takes a beating. Our coastal climate brings months of rain, a handful of windstorms, the odd heavy snowfall, and salty marine air depending on how close you are to the water. When it’s time to replace your roof, most homeowners narrow the choice to two contenders: asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both can work well here—but they shine in different ways. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make a confident decision for your Shingles Roof Replacement Metro Vancouver project.
The Vancouver Climate Factor
Metro Vancouver’s climate is unique: mild temperatures, lots of moisture, and microclimates from Burnaby’s hills to Tsawwassen’s wind and North Shore’s snow belt. That means your roof must handle:
Persistent rain and potential moss growth
Wind gusts during fall and winter storms
Occasional snow loads (especially in higher elevations like West Vancouver and Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain)
Salt-laden air closer to the Strait of Georgia, which can accelerate corrosion on poorly coated metals
Any roofing system chosen for the Lower Mainland should emphasize water-shedding, ventilation, high-quality underlayment, and materials proven for wet climates.
Option 1: Asphalt Shingles
What They Are
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in Canada. They come in 3-tab (budget) and architectural/laminate (thicker, dimensional) varieties. They’re installed over underlayment and roof decking with a fairly straightforward process.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles in Metro Vancouver
Cost-effective upfront: Typically the lowest installed price among durable roof options.
Familiar look: Fits easily with most neighbourhood aesthetics and strata guidelines.
Decent performance: Architectural shingles with upgraded underlayment can handle Vancouver rain and wind well when installed properly.
Repairable: Spot repairs are simple and materials are widely available.
Potential Drawbacks
Lifespan: Expect ~18–25 years for architectural shingles in our climate (less for 3-tab), depending on product quality and maintenance.
Moss & algae: The wet climate encourages growth; look for algae-resistant shingles and plan on periodic cleaning.
Heat absorption: Dark shingles can warm up attic spaces if ventilation is inadequate.
Waste volume: Shingle tear-offs create more landfill waste; recycling options vary by municipality.
Option 2: Metal Roofing
What It Is
“Metal roof” typically means standing seam steel or aluminum, sometimes metal shingles. Panels interlock and are fastened with concealed clips or fasteners, shedding water efficiently.
Pros of Metal Roofing in Metro Vancouver
Longevity: 40–60+ years is common with quality coatings (e.g., PVDF) and professional installation.
Superior rain shedding: Panels and seams are designed to channel water off fast—great in downpours.
Weight & strength: Lightweight yet strong; good for seismic considerations and complex roof geometries.
Energy & sustainability: Higher reflectivity (in lighter colours) and fully recyclable material at end of life.
Wind & fire resistance: Often carries high wind ratings and Class A fire performance when paired with the right underlayment.
Potential Drawbacks
Higher upfront cost: Expect to pay more than asphalt shingles at install time.
Condensation management: Demands excellent underlayment, ventilation, and occasionally a condensation barrier—especially in humid pockets.
Coastal corrosion risk: Near salt air, aluminum or well-coated steel is essential, plus appropriate fasteners to avoid galvanic reactions.
Aesthetics & HOA rules: Some strata councils prefer traditional shingle looks (though metal shingles can blend in).
Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Lifetime
For a typical detached home in Metro Vancouver:
Asphalt shingles (architectural): Lowest upfront cost. Over ~20 years, you may face a full replacement once or more depending on exposure and maintenance.
Metal roofing: Higher upfront investment but often lowest lifetime cost due to minimal replacements and fewer repairs. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, metal’s ROI can be compelling.
Pro tip: Request itemized quotes that include underlayment type, flashings, ventilation upgrades, and disposal so you can compare apples to apples for your Shingles Roof Replacement Metro Vancouver estimate.
Performance in Rain, Wind, and Snow
Rain: Both systems perform well with proper installation. Metal sheds water faster; shingles rely heavily on underlayment and correct overlaps.
Wind: High-wind-rated architectural shingles do well, but metal panels with concealed fasteners often outperform in gusty conditions.
Snow: At lower elevations, snow is infrequent; at higher elevations, metal can shed snow quickly—consider snow guards to prevent sudden slides over walkways and driveways.
Noise, Heat, and Comfort
Noise: Modern metal roofs over solid decking with synthetic underlayment are not loud in rain. The “tin roof” rattle is mostly a myth for properly installed residential systems. Asphalt shingles naturally dampen sound.
Heat: Lighter-colour metal reflects more solar radiation; shingles tend to absorb heat. Either way, attic ventilation and insulation are the real keys to comfort and energy efficiency in our climate.
Maintenance & Repairs
Asphalt shingles: Inspect annually for lifted tabs, blocked valleys, and moss. Gentle cleaning and zinc/copper strips can help control growth. Expect occasional patch repairs.
Metal roofing: Minimal maintenance—keep gutters clear, check sealants and flashings every few years. Coastal homes should rinse salt spray periodically (or let our frequent rains do it).
Environmental Impact
Asphalt shingles: Petroleum-based; disposal can be landfill-intensive, though some recycling programs exist.
Metal roofing: Often contains recycled content and is fully recyclable at end of life. The long service life reduces material turnover and hauling.
Aesthetics & Curb Appeal
Shingles: Architectural profiles mimic wood shake and offer a classic look that blends in across Metro Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. Wide colour selection—earth tones and greys dominate locally.
Metal: Contemporary standing seam delivers crisp lines suited to modern West Coast architecture. Metal shingles can emulate slate or shake if you prefer a traditional look with metal’s durability.
Installation Quality Matters—A Lot
Vancouver’s weather punishes shortcuts. For either system, prioritize:
Premium underlayment (synthetic or self-adhered membrane at eaves and valleys)
Expert flashing details at walls, chimneys, skylights, and penetrations
Balanced attic ventilation (intake + exhaust) to control moisture and temperature
Correct fasteners and accessories (especially for metal near the coast)
Manufacturer-certified installers to preserve warranty coverage
A well-installed mid-range product will usually outperform a top-tier product installed poorly.
When to Choose Asphalt Shingles
Opt for shingles if you value:
Lower upfront cost and broad availability
Traditional neighbourhood look with strata-friendly profiles
Ease of small repairs and straightforward maintenance routines
To maximize performance for your Shingles Roof Replacement Metro Vancouver project, choose architectural shingles with algae resistance, a robust wind rating, and pair them with a self-adhered membrane at eaves/valleys plus proper ventilation.
When to Choose Metal Roofing
Choose metal if you want:
Longest service life and strong storm performance
Modern aesthetic or metal shingle styles that mimic shake/slate
Sustainability (recyclability and potential energy benefits)
Lower lifetime ownership cost, especially if you’ll own the home 20+ years
For coastal or high-exposure sites, consider aluminum or high-quality coated steel, stainless fasteners, and a contractor experienced with marine environments.
Special Considerations for Metro Vancouver
Moss & Algae: North-facing slopes see more growth. Add zinc or copper control strips and keep nearby trees pruned for sun and airflow.
Gutters & Drainage: Oversized gutters and clean downspouts are essential in our heavy fall rains.
Snow Guards (metal): Protect entrances, decks, and landscaping from sudden slides.
Skylights: Upgrade aging skylights during a re-roof to avoid future leaks.
Permits & Strata: Check municipal permit requirements and any strata bylaws about roof materials, profiles, and colours.
Solar-Ready: If you’re planning solar in the next decade, standing seam metal is ideal because panels can clamp to seams with minimal penetrations. Asphalt shingles can work too—just coordinate flashing and layout now.
Budgeting & Quotes: What to Ask
When you collect quotes for a Shingles Roof Replacement Metro Vancouver job (or a metal roof), ask contractors to specify:
Material brand, profile, coating, and warranty terms
Underlayment types (including any ice-and-water membranes)
Flashing metals and thicknesses
Ventilation approach (intake/exhaust CFM targets)
Fastener types (stainless/galvanized; compatible with chosen metal)
Snow management plan (if applicable)
Site protection, cleanup, and disposal/recycling
Timelines and weather contingency plans
Proof of insurance, WCB coverage, references, and recent local installs
FAQs
Will a metal roof be noisier in Vancouver rain?
Not if installed over solid decking with quality underlayment. Most homeowners report similar or quieter interiors compared to shingles.
Can I install new shingles over old ones?
While a second layer might be allowed in some cases, we don’t recommend it in our wet climate. Tear-off allows inspection of decking, proper membrane at eaves/valleys, and better long-term performance.
Do I need ice-and-water shield here?
Yes—use self-adhered membrane at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. It’s cheap insurance in heavy rain events and occasional freeze-thaw cycles.
Will moss destroy my shingles?
Moss can lift shingle edges and trap moisture. Prevention (zinc/copper strips, occasional cleaning, good sun/airflow) is key.
How long will my roof last?
Architectural shingles: about 18–25 years locally with good maintenance. Quality metal: 40–60+ years.
Bottom Line: Which Is Better?
Pick asphalt shingles if you want the best upfront value, a classic look, and a solid 20-year solution with proper care.
Pick metal roofing if you prioritize longevity, storm resilience, and lifetime cost savings, or you’re building a modern West Coast aesthetic.
Either way, success in Metro Vancouver comes down to excellent installation, moisture management, and the right product for your site conditions. If you’re planning a Shingles Roof Replacement Metro Vancouver project, gather two to three detailed quotes, compare the full system (not just the shingle or panel), and choose a contractor with deep local experience. Your future, drier self will thank you.