Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner. Your roof protects everything beneath it, and the material you select affects your home's durability, energy efficiency, appearance, and long-term costs. For London, Ontario homeowners, the two most popular residential roofing options are metal roofing and asphalt shingles. Both are excellent choices, each with distinct advantages depending on your priorities and budget.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between metal roofing and asphalt shingles across the factors that matter most to London homeowners. Whether you are planning a new roof installation or replacing an aging roof, this comparison will help you make a confident, informed decision.
Cost Comparison
The upfront cost is often the first factor homeowners consider, and this is where asphalt shingles hold a clear advantage. A standard asphalt shingle roof installation in London typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of your home and the grade of shingle you select. Architectural shingles sit at the higher end of that range but offer improved durability and a more attractive dimensional profile.
Metal roofing carries a higher initial price tag, generally ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 or more for a residential installation. The cost varies based on the type of metal (steel, aluminum, or copper), the panel style (standing seam versus corrugated), and the complexity of your roofline.
However, the cost picture changes significantly when you look at total lifetime expense. Because metal roofs last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles, you may need to replace an asphalt roof two or even three times over the same period that a single metal roof continues to perform. When you factor in repeated installation costs, disposal fees, and ongoing maintenance, metal roofing often proves to be the more economical choice over the full life of your home.
Durability and Lifespan
Asphalt shingles have a typical lifespan of 15 to 30 years. Premium architectural shingles can push toward the higher end of that range when properly installed and maintained, while basic three-tab shingles tend to last closer to 15 to 20 years. Over time, asphalt shingles lose their protective granules, become brittle, and grow increasingly vulnerable to wind uplift and water infiltration.
Metal roofing, by contrast, routinely lasts 40 to 70 years. Many metal roofs installed decades ago continue to perform without significant deterioration. Metal does not crack, curl, or lose granules the way asphalt does. It resists rot, insect damage, and mildew, making it an exceptionally durable choice for the demanding Ontario climate.
London experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, from heavy snow and ice in winter to intense summer heat and severe thunderstorms. These temperature swings and moisture cycles take a measurable toll on roofing materials over time, and metal's superior resilience makes it particularly well suited to our local conditions.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing offers a notable advantage when it comes to energy efficiency. Metal panels reflect a significant portion of the sun's radiant heat rather than absorbing it, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent during London's warm summer months. Many metal roofing products are available with reflective coatings that further enhance this benefit.
Asphalt shingles, particularly darker colours, tend to absorb more solar heat and transfer it into the attic space. This increases the workload on your air conditioning system and can contribute to higher energy bills during the summer. While lighter-coloured asphalt shingles absorb less heat than darker options, they still cannot match the reflective performance of metal.
During winter, both materials perform similarly when paired with proper attic insulation and ventilation. The key to winter energy efficiency lies more in the insulation beneath the roof than in the roofing material itself. That said, metal roofs shed snow more efficiently, reducing the weight load on your roof structure and minimizing the risk of ice dams forming along the eaves.
Weather Resistance
London homeowners know that our weather can be unpredictable and sometimes severe. Both metal and asphalt roofing are engineered to handle typical weather conditions, but they respond differently to extreme events.
Wind resistance: Metal roofing panels are interlocked or fastened securely, giving them excellent wind resistance that often exceeds 150 kilometres per hour. Asphalt shingles are rated for wind speeds between 95 and 210 kilometres per hour depending on the product line, but individual shingles can lift, curl, or tear away in strong gusts, especially as they age.
Hail resistance: Both materials can withstand moderate hail, but metal roofing is generally more resilient against large hailstones. Asphalt shingles may crack or lose granules from hail impacts, accelerating their deterioration. Some metal roofing products carry Class 4 impact ratings, the highest available.
Snow and ice: Metal roofs shed snow more readily due to their smooth surface, which helps prevent dangerous snow accumulation. Asphalt roofs tend to hold snow longer, which can contribute to ice dam formation along the eaves. Ice dams occur when heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the colder eaves, potentially forcing water beneath the shingles.
Aesthetics and Curb Appeal
Asphalt shingles offer an enormous variety of colours, styles, and profiles. From traditional three-tab shingles to premium designer styles that mimic the appearance of cedar shake or natural slate, asphalt provides flexibility to match virtually any architectural style. This variety makes asphalt a popular choice for homeowners who want a specific look to complement their home's design.
Metal roofing has evolved considerably in recent years and is now available in a wide range of colours, finishes, and profiles. Standing seam metal roofs deliver a clean, modern appearance that suits contemporary and farmhouse-style homes. Metal shingle panels can replicate the look of traditional shingles, slate, or wood shake while offering the performance benefits of metal. The sleek lines of a metal roof can give your home a distinctive, polished appearance that stands out on any London street.
Both materials can enhance your home's curb appeal when chosen thoughtfully. The best choice depends on your home's architectural style, your personal taste, and the character of your neighbourhood.
Maintenance Requirements
Asphalt shingle roofs require regular inspection and periodic maintenance to reach their full lifespan. Homeowners should check for damaged, missing, or curling shingles at least once or twice a year, and especially after major storms. Moss and algae growth can be a concern on shaded areas of asphalt roofs, requiring cleaning or treatment. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys should be inspected regularly for signs of deterioration or separation.
Metal roofing is nearly maintenance-free by comparison. Beyond occasional visual inspections and clearing debris from valleys or gutters, a metal roof demands very little attention. Metal panels do not crack, curl, or develop moss. The factory-applied finishes resist fading and chalking for decades. If a panel is damaged by a fallen branch or severe impact, individual panels can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof.
For homeowners who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach to roof care, metal roofing delivers a significant advantage. For detailed seasonal care advice, see our roof maintenance tips guide.
Environmental Impact
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important to London homeowners, and roofing material choice has a meaningful impact. Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based products, and when they reach the end of their life, the vast majority end up in landfills. While shingle recycling programs exist, they are not widely available in all areas, and a large portion of the approximately 11 million tonnes of asphalt shingle waste generated annually across North America still goes to disposal.
Metal roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly roofing options available. Most metal roofing products contain 25 to 95 percent recycled content, and at the end of their extremely long service life, metal roofs are 100 percent recyclable. Because a metal roof lasts two to three times longer than asphalt, it generates far less waste over the lifetime of a home. The energy efficiency benefits of metal roofing also contribute to reduced carbon emissions from heating and cooling.
If minimizing your environmental footprint is a priority, metal roofing is the clear winner in this category.
Which Should You Choose?
The right roofing material for your London home depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and budget. Here is a straightforward guide to help you decide:
Choose asphalt shingles if:
- You are working within a tighter budget and need to minimize upfront costs
- You want the widest possible selection of colours and styles
- You plan to sell your home within the next 10 to 15 years and want a solid, cost-effective roof in the meantime
- Your home's architecture suits the traditional appearance of shingles
Choose metal roofing if:
- You are looking at your roof as a long-term investment and want to avoid future replacements
- Energy efficiency and lower lifetime costs are priorities
- You prefer minimal maintenance and maximum durability
- Environmental sustainability matters to you
- You want superior protection against severe weather, snow, and ice dams
Regardless of which material you choose, the quality of the installation matters just as much as the material itself. A poorly installed metal roof will underperform a well-installed asphalt roof, and vice versa. Working with an experienced, licensed London roofing contractor ensures your new roof delivers the full performance and lifespan you are paying for.
At London Roofers, we install both asphalt shingles and metal roofing to the highest standards. We are happy to visit your home, assess your needs, and provide an honest recommendation based on your goals and budget. Our consultations and estimates are always free, with no pressure or obligation.