Decra Steel Roofing Overview

The majority of Canadian homeowners’ install asphalt roofing because it is the cheapest roof material, simple attractive design, and has a manufacturer claimed lifespan of 15 – 30 years. In fact, in most cases asphalt shingles are not coming to terms or even close to the warranty.
CBC Market watch did a broadcast on shingle warranty claims in January 2010 showing that warranty claims are just as thin as their shingles. “We find in 12 years they are falling apart. This roof is supposed to last 25 years. This shingle looks to me like garbage.” - Contractor at Cavanaugh Roofing. When a homeowner went to claim a 25 year warranty on a 10 year old roof, he found out about the “limited” section.” A new roof would cost him $6000 and he will only receive $600 worth of shingles toward his roof. 10 years ago, this homeowner forked out $3000 for a new roof. He bought 25 year shingles.

However, the lifespan of a shingle depends on environmental impacts. The average asphalt shingle is only made of wood and paper fibers, so once the granules wear away the exposed shingle begins to breakdown and curl. In fact, asphalt roods need to be replaced 4 – 8 times before a metal roof.

When installing new asphalt shingles, most roofing companies must strip old shingles before laying down the new ones. The typical cost to for a shingle roof tear off is up to $150 per square. Each year, asphalt roofs are being stripped and reinstalled causing a huge landfill build-up as non recycled shingles take 100-300 years to decompose.

Metal roofing material has incomparable engineered strength, longevity, weather resistance and energy conservation to traditional asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing has evolved dramatically over the years. According to MRA president, "originally, metal roofing companies offered only vertical, roll-formed panels, which don't really fit well into suburban neighborhoods. But today, there are products that resemble shingles, tile, slate, cedar shakes and any other product. It's even possible to have the panels painted or treated to give the metal an aged appearance, so the "shakes" fit with the age of the home.

A few years ago, metal roofing was a hard sell but homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the downfalls of the quick fix solution of asphalt shingles. In truth metal roofing is expensive when compared to the initial price of an asphalt shingle but it is a wise investment. Metal roofing actually costs less than asphalt roofing when life cycle costing is considered.

Recouped Costs

Homes upgraded with quality metal roofing typically see costs recouped at more than three quarters of the job cost. In some cases, home appraisers increase the sale price of home with metal roofs by $1.45 per square. Some insurance companies provide up to a 35% discount on home insurance due to the extra hail and weather protection of metal roofs.
Eco and Energy Benefits
Energy savings are strongly influenced by the solar reflective properties of the roofing material. Homeowners report on energy savings of 20% or more due to a reduction in attic heat gain and the sun’s reflection.