Metal Roofing in British Columbia: Why More Homeowners & Contractors Are Choosing Steel

When choosing a roofing material in British Columbia, homeowners, contractors, farmers, and commercial property owners have plenty of options. However, metal roofing continues to become an increasingly popular choice for projects across the province.

From homes and garages to shops, barns, warehouses, and commercial buildings, steel roofing provides a combination of durability, appearance, and versatility that works particularly well for BC's varied climate.

At Fraser Valley Metal Rolling, we manufacture cut-to-length metal roofing and siding panels in British Columbia and supply projects throughout the province. We also offer installation services for customers looking for a complete roofing or siding solution.

Why Choose Metal Roofing in BC?

British Columbia buildings can experience everything from prolonged rain and coastal moisture to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hot summer temperatures.

A properly designed and installed metal roofing system provides a durable exterior that can handle these changing conditions while requiring relatively little maintenance.

Unlike many roofing materials, steel panels don't rely on hundreds of individual pieces to cover a roof. Long panels can often run continuously from the eave toward the ridge, helping create a clean and straightforward roofing system.

Cut-to-Length Panels Reduce Waste

One major advantage of ordering directly from a metal roofing manufacturer is the ability to have panels produced specifically for your project.

Instead of purchasing predetermined sheet lengths and cutting them on site, cut-to-length metal roofing panels can be manufactured according to the measurements of your roof.

For example, if your project requires 17'6" panels, they can be manufactured at 17'6".

This can provide several benefits:

• Less material waste
• Fewer unnecessary cuts
• Cleaner finished appearance
• Faster installation
• Easier material planning

Accurate measurements are especially important when ordering custom-length material, which is why measurements should always be verified before production.

Metal Roofing Isn't Just for Agricultural Buildings

Metal roofing has traditionally been associated with barns, shops, and agricultural buildings, but it is now widely used for residential construction as well.

Modern steel is available in numerous colours and profiles, allowing metal roofing to complement both traditional and contemporary homes.

The same material can also be used as metal siding, making it possible to create matching or contrasting roof and wall systems.

Steel siding has become particularly popular for shops, garages, commercial buildings, modern homes, and accent walls.

Choosing the Right Gauge

Two common steel thicknesses used for metal roofing and siding are 26 gauge and 29 gauge.

While both can be suitable depending on the application, they aren't identical.

Generally, 26-gauge steel is thicker and more rigid than 29-gauge steel. It may be preferred for projects where additional rigidity, durability, or resistance to denting is important.

29-gauge steel provides a more economical option and is commonly used on many agricultural and other building applications.

The appropriate gauge ultimately depends on the building, panel profile, supporting structure, budget, and requirements of the project.

Exposed vs. Concealed Fastener Roofing

Another decision is whether to use an exposed-fastener or concealed-fastener roofing system.

Exposed-fastener panels use screws that pass through the face of the steel and secure the panel to the structure below. They provide an economical and proven roofing solution and are commonly found on residential, agricultural, and commercial buildings.

Concealed-fastener systems hide the majority of the fastening system beneath the panels.

This creates a cleaner appearance and is particularly popular for architectural and higher-end residential projects.

At Fraser Valley Metal Rolling, our Classic Rib profile provides an exposed-fastener roofing and siding option, while our 1" Snaplock profile provides a concealed-fastener option.

Don't Forget the Flashing

The panels make up most of the roof, but they're only one part of a complete metal roofing system.

Depending on the roof design, a project may also require components such as ridge caps, gable/rake flashing, eave or starter flashing, valleys, end-wall flashing, sidewall flashing and other custom trim.

Proper flashing helps manage water around roof edges, transitions, valleys, walls and penetrations.

Because buildings aren't all designed the same way, custom flashing can also be manufactured for applications where standard dimensions aren't suitable.

Screws and Accessories Matter Too

Using appropriate fasteners is another important part of a metal roofing installation.

Fastener length and type depend on the panel, substrate, and installation method. Exposed roofing screws typically incorporate a sealing washer that helps create a weather-resistant seal around the penetration.

Colour-matched fasteners can also help screws blend into the finished roofing or siding.

Underlayment, closures, sealants and other accessories may also be required depending on the project.

Supply or Installation

Some customers already have a contractor or plan to install their metal themselves. Others would rather have one company handle both the material and installation.

That's why we offer customers the option of purchasing metal roofing and siding as supply-only material or contacting our team regarding installation.

For larger projects, providing measurements, drawings, building plans or photos can also help determine the panels and accessories that may be required.

Buying Direct From a BC Manufacturer

Buying metal roofing directly from a manufacturer has an important advantage: you're dealing with the company actually producing the panels.

Panels can be manufactured to the required lengths, and customers can order the corresponding flashing, fasteners and accessories for their project.

It also makes it easier to discuss unusual lengths, larger orders and custom requirements instead of being limited to whatever standard sheets happen to be sitting on a retail shelf.

Metal Roofing for Projects Across British Columbia

Whether you're building a new shop, replacing the roof on your home, finishing a barn, adding steel siding to a commercial building, or starting another project, choosing the right material is an important first step.

Fraser Valley Metal Rolling manufactures cut-to-length metal roofing and siding in Abbotsford, BC, with material available for homeowners, contractors, builders and agricultural customers.

Customers can order material for their own installation or contact us for supply and installation options.

Planning a Project?

Browse our metal roofing, siding, flashing and accessories online, or contact Fraser Valley Metal Rolling for a project quote.