Metal Roofing vs. Shingles: Which Is Better for Homes in the GTA and Durham Region (2025 Guide)

Metal or shingles? Compare durability, cost, and energy efficiency to find the best roofing option for your GTA or Durham Region home.

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Metal Roofing vs. Shingles: Which Is Better for Homes in the GTA and Durham Region (2025 Guide)

Thinking about replacing your roof in the GTA or Durham Region? This 2025 guide compares metal roofing and shingles — including costs, lifespan, and energy savings — to help homeowners in Toronto, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and nearby areas choose the right system for their home.

If you’re planning to replace your roof in Toronto or the Durham Region, you’ve likely asked yourself the big question:
Should I choose a metal roof or stick with traditional shingles?

It’s a decision more homeowners are facing as Ontario’s weather grows harsher each year. From heavy snow to heat waves, the roof you choose can directly affect your home’s durability, energy efficiency, and long-term value.

Let’s break down how both options compare in 2025.

1. Durability

Asphalt Shingles:

  • Typically last 15–25 years.
  • Affordable and widely available, but more prone to curling and cracking in Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Metal Roofing:

  • Lasts 40–70 years with minimal maintenance.
  • Withstands high winds, hail, and snow — perfect for southern Ontario’s unpredictable weather.

👉 Verdict: Metal roofs outlast shingles by decades and require fewer repairs over time.

2. Cost & Long-Term Value

Shingles:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Ideal for homeowners on a tight budget or short-term stay.

Metal Roofing:

  • Higher initial cost but pays off over time.
  • Lower maintenance, fewer replacements, and improved energy efficiency.

Over 30 years, most GTA homeowners find that metal roofing costs less in the long run due to its lifespan and lower upkeep.

3. Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs reflect sunlight, helping to keep attics cooler and cutting summer cooling costs by up to 25%.
Shingles, by contrast, absorb heat, which can make homes warmer during summer months.

For areas like Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby, where summer humidity and UV exposure are high, a metal roof’s reflective coating can make a noticeable difference in comfort and utility bills.

4. Aesthetics & Home Value

Modern metal roofing is sleek and customizable — available in standing seam, ribbed panels, and even shingle-style profiles that mimic traditional designs.

Beyond looks, a metal roof can add 5–10% to your home’s resale value thanks to its durability and curb appeal.
In competitive real estate markets like Toronto and Whitby, this can help your home stand out among listings.

5. Noise, Weather & Maintenance

Today’s metal roofs use insulated underlayments that absorb sound, so they’re no noisier than shingles during rain or hail.

Maintenance is minimal: no missing shingles, no moss buildup, and no re-roofing every couple of decades.
For homeowners across the Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes, that means less time on ladders — and more peace of mind.

6. Eco-Friendliness

Metal roofing is one of the most sustainable roofing options available.
It’s fully recyclable, often made from recycled steel or aluminum, and lasts twice as long as asphalt.
Shingles, on the other hand, are petroleum-based and typically end up in landfills after replacement.

Conclusion

Both metal and shingle roofs can protect your home — but when it comes to longevity, energy efficiency, and long-term value, metal roofing stands out as the clear winner for GTA homeowners.

At SealCo Construction Group, we install both asphalt and metal roofing systems throughout Toronto, Durham Region, and surrounding communities like Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Port Perry, and Kawartha Lakes.

👉 Call-to-Action:
Thinking about upgrading your roof?
📞 Contact SealCo Construction Group today for a free quote on metal and shingle roofing options tailored to your home and budget.

647-882-6337

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