Best roofing materials Canada [2024 guide]

Are you looking for the best roofing material for your home but finding it hard to choose between all the options on the market? Not even sure which places sell the best roofing shingles?

Don’t panic! To walk you through it, here are a few pointers from our roofing experts at Duro-Toit. Find out the pros and cons of our favourite roofing materials and discover the best product for your humble abode!

Types of roof coverings

There are many different roofing materials available today! This makes it difficult to know which one to choose. Finding the most suitable roof covering is important since your roof is there to protect you and your home. Beyond finding a roofing material that is visually appealing, you also need to make sure that it’ll do a good job at regulating the temperature inside your home and helping to cut down on your energy bills.

Here are several roofing materials in more detail:

Asphalt shingles

Popular for their classic appearance, asphalt shingles are a widely used roofing material. There are two types of asphalt shingles: organic shingles and their evolution, fiberglass shingles.

Well used in the past, organic singles are now replaced by fiberglass shingles, way more reliable.

Fiberglass shingles:

Fiberglass shingles are just as popular as organic asphalt shingles. However, they are more heat-resistant and slightly lighter. With these shingles, it is important to install an underlayment beforehand. Additionally, fiberglass shingles are available in a wide range of colours and designs.

Advantages: maintaining and repairing fiberglass shingles is straightforward. You can hire a professional roofer to quickly retouch a fiberglass roof. Fiberglass shingles are also very durable, lasting 20-25 years on average, up to 50 years for some manufacturers.

At Duro-Toit, we propose manufacturer warranties up to 50 years!

Disadvantages: Fiberglass shingles are affected by sudden changes in temperature and extreme weather conditions.

Wood shingles:

Wooden tiles, whether they are made from pine, oak, or acacia, are popular because they allow for optimal water drainage. In addition, this material has an authentic look, giving your home a warm, cosy feel. Roofs made from this material can last between 30 and 40 years if the wood is of good quality and possesses certain characteristics (e.g. if cedar wood, no knots, flat wood grain etc.)

Advantages: Wood shingles have an aura of the past, which gives them this unique charm. This roofing material also has a strong insulating capacity, being a better insulator than asphalt shingles.

Disadvantages: This type of roofing is not always allowed due to health and safety regulations. In some countries where there is a lot of humidity, the wood tends to rot and even crack.

Elastomeric membrane:

Elastomeric membranes have many advantages and work particularly well onflat roofs. They contain two layers (base and finish), which makes them waterproof and resistant to weather and extreme temperatures.

In addition, this type of roofing requires minimal maintenance and can last up to 35 years.

Note: the installation of an elastomeric membrane roofing system is a job for a professional.  The Duro-Toit team is available to answer any questions you may have about this type of roof.

Advantages: excellent resistance to sunlight, knocks and tears. It is also waterproof thanks to being securely fused down with a torch.

Disadvantages: Despite its resistance, this material will not work miracles. Your roof will still have to be maintained to avoid letting water, ice or snow accumulate. This material is also not always renewable.

Tiles: terracotta and concrete

Tiles are widely used in Europe and are very resistant to weather and ice. Roofing tiles are all made from natural materials and available in a whole range of colours and shapes to appeal to everyone’s tastes. Finally, terracotta roofing lasts up to 30 years and adapts well to sunny and humid climates.

Don’t forget to install a waterproofing membrane under your tiles to prevent water penetration. For maintenance, regularly clean your tiles with soap and water.

Note: some tile installations can be expensive.

Metal roofing 

Whether you choose galvanized steel, aluminum or copper, metal roof coverings are both durable (up to 50 years) and lightweight.

In addition, other advantages include their waterproofing, resistance, and ease of maintenance (especially for roof snow removal and de-icing). Additionally, if you want your roof to look original, metal roofing may be the solution for you!

Slate roofing

Slate roofing is durable and aesthetic, yet an expensive roofing material. If properly maintained and well-chosen, slate roofing is a fantastic investment.

Advantages: Slate is durable (50 to 100 years), environmentally friendly and fire resistant. In addition, it will bring a unique charm to your home.

Disadvantages: It is expensive. Slate is also a heavy and fragile material that requires a professional roofer to install and retouch.

Contact Duro-Toit for the best roofing material!

Choosing the right roof covering is very important! It much comes down to your preferences and living environment. After reading this article, we hope you now have a better understanding of the different options available.

At Duro-Toit, we offer efficient roofing services! Our company has been recognized by CAA Habitation for providing sure-handed roofing work. Take a look at our previous projects for inspiration!

Get a quote today! Or feel free to contact us for more advice on choosing the right roofing material for your home.