When choosing a roofing material for a home, shop, barn, garage, or commercial building, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use metal roofing or traditional asphalt shingles.

Both materials can provide a functional roof, but they are very different when it comes to durability, maintenance, appearance, weather resistance, and long-term value.

For property owners throughout Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Mission, Surrey, and the Fraser Valley, this decision is especially important. British Columbia's Lower Mainland experiences significant rainfall, changing temperatures, wind, moisture, and occasional snow. Your roofing system needs to be selected with these conditions in mind.

At Fraser Valley Metal Rolling, we manufacture cut-to-length metal roofing and siding panels for residential, agricultural, and commercial projects throughout British Columbia.

In this guide, we'll explain some of the major differences between metal roofing and asphalt shingles and why more BC property owners are considering steel for new construction and renovation projects.

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1. Lifespan: How Long Does Each Roofing Material Last?

One of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is its potential service life.

A roof isn't something most property owners want to replace every few years. Labour, disposal, materials, flashing, and other expenses can make roof replacement a significant investment.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are widely used because they offer a relatively low upfront material cost and are familiar to most roofing contractors.

However, shingles are constantly exposed to:

• Rain

• UV exposure

• Wind

• Temperature changes

• Moss and organic growth

• Snow and ice

• Falling branches and debris

Over time, shingles can curl, crack, lose granules, lift, or deteriorate.

The actual lifespan of an asphalt roof depends heavily on the quality of the shingles, installation, ventilation, roof design, exposure, and maintenance.

Metal Roofing

Properly selected and installed steel roofing is designed to provide decades of service.

Instead of relying on individual overlapping shingles, metal roofing uses large continuous panels that efficiently direct water from the ridge toward the eaves.

Quality pre-painted steel also uses protective metallic and paint coatings designed to protect the underlying steel from the environment.

For customers planning to keep a building for many years, the longer potential service life of metal roofing can make the higher initial investment worthwhile.

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2. Why Metal Roofing Makes Sense in British Columbia

The Fraser Valley is known for wet weather.

For roofing, managing water is one of the most important parts of the entire system.

Metal roofing provides a smooth, non-porous exterior surface that allows rainwater to move quickly down the roof and into the gutter system.

This makes metal roofing particularly attractive for properties throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

Metal roofing is commonly used on:

• Houses

• Garages

• Workshops

• Barns

• Agricultural buildings

• Equipment storage buildings

• Commercial buildings

• Warehouses

• Sheds

• Carports

The same material can therefore be used across many different building styles.

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3. Metal Roofing Is Not Just for Barns Anymore

When some people hear "metal roof," they immediately picture an old agricultural barn.

Modern metal roofing is very different.

Today's steel roofing is available in numerous profiles, gauges, colours, coatings, and fastening systems.

At Fraser Valley Metal Rolling, customers can choose between profiles designed for different architectural styles and budgets.

Classic Rib

Our Classic Rib profile provides a traditional metal roofing appearance and is suitable for residential, agricultural, and commercial applications.

It provides approximately 42 inches of coverage per panel, allowing large areas to be covered efficiently.

Classic Rib is available in both 26 gauge and 29 gauge steel, allowing customers to select the material that best fits their project and budget.

1" Snaplock

For projects where appearance is especially important, our 1" Snaplock system provides a clean architectural appearance with concealed fasteners.

Instead of having rows of exposed screws across the face of the roof, the fastening system is concealed beneath the panels.

Snaplock is particularly popular for:

• Modern homes

• Custom homes

• Architectural projects

• Feature walls

• Shop exteriors

• Residential siding

• Modern agricultural buildings

It can be used for both roofing and siding, depending on the project.

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4. Exposed Fastener vs. Concealed Fastener Metal Roofing

Not every metal roof uses the same fastening system.

Understanding the difference can help customers choose the right product.

Exposed Fastener Roofing

Profiles such as Classic Rib use screws that fasten through the panel.

These roofing screws typically incorporate sealing washers designed to create a weather-resistant seal around the penetration.

Exposed-fastener roofing is popular because it is:

• Cost effective

• Straightforward to install

• Easy to repair

• Available in long custom lengths

• Suitable for many different buildings

It is especially common on shops, barns, garages, agricultural buildings, and cost-conscious residential projects.

Concealed Fastener Roofing

Snaplock uses a concealed fastening system.

The screws are hidden beneath the overlapping portion of the panel rather than being exposed across the finished roof surface.

This creates a much cleaner appearance and reduces the number of exposed fastening points on the finished roof.

For homeowners looking for a modern or premium appearance, Snaplock can be an excellent option.

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5. Metal Roofing Can Be Manufactured to the Length of Your Roof

One major advantage of roll-formed metal roofing is the ability to manufacture panels specifically for the project.

At Fraser Valley Metal Rolling, our roofing and siding panels are cut to the required length.

Instead of purchasing a fixed-size sheet and trying to make it work, customers can provide the lengths they need.

For example, if a roof requires panels that are 18' 7" long, panels can be manufactured specifically for that roof.

This can help reduce unnecessary:

• Cutting

• Material waste

• Horizontal joints

• Installation time

Long continuous panels can run from the eave toward the ridge, creating a clean finished appearance.

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6. What About the Cost?

Asphalt shingles will often have a lower initial material cost.

That is one of the main reasons shingles remain popular.

However, the cheapest material on the day of installation isn't necessarily the least expensive option over the life of the building.

Property owners should consider more than the initial purchase price.

Important considerations include:

• Expected service life

• Maintenance requirements

• Future replacement costs

• Labour

• Disposal of old roofing

• Durability

• Building use

• Appearance

• Property value

For a small shed that only needs an inexpensive roof, the decision may be completely different from a homeowner building a house they intend to own for several decades.

There isn't one roofing material that makes sense for every project.

The goal should be choosing the material that provides the best combination of price, performance, appearance, and longevity for your particular building.

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7. 26 Gauge vs. 29 Gauge Metal Roofing

Even after deciding to use metal roofing, another important decision is steel thickness.

Two common options are 26 gauge and 29 gauge steel.

With steel gauge numbers, the lower gauge generally represents thicker material.

That means 26 gauge steel is thicker than 29 gauge steel.

29 Gauge

29 gauge is an economical option commonly used for:

• Agricultural buildings

• Sheds

• Garages

• Barns

• Smaller structures

• Budget-conscious projects

It provides customers with the benefits of steel roofing while keeping material costs lower.

26 Gauge

26 gauge provides additional rigidity and strength.

It is often selected for:

• Residential homes

• Commercial buildings

• Larger shops

• Higher-end agricultural buildings

• Projects where additional rigidity is preferred

Because the steel is thicker, 26 gauge generally feels more substantial and is more resistant to handling damage and denting than thinner material.

The correct choice ultimately depends on the building, panel profile, supporting structure, budget, and project requirements.

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8. Roofing Gauge Isn't the Only Thing That Matters

Customers sometimes focus entirely on steel gauge when comparing metal roofing.

Thickness is important, but it is only one part of a roofing system.

You should also consider:

Steel coating:
The metallic coating helps protect the steel substrate against corrosion.

Paint system:
The quality and type of paint system can affect colour retention, weather resistance, and long-term appearance.

Panel profile:
The shape and spacing of the ribs affects the panel's rigidity and appearance.

Fasteners:
Correct roofing screws and sealing washers are important for exposed-fastener systems.

Flashing:
A roof is only as good as its details. Ridge caps, gable flashing, eave flashing, valleys, transitions, and penetrations need to be handled correctly.

Installation:
Even premium steel can perform poorly if it is installed incorrectly.

A complete metal roofing system should therefore be considered rather than comparing products based solely on gauge.

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9. Maintenance Requirements

No roofing system should be completely ignored after installation.

Asphalt Roof Maintenance

Asphalt roofs should periodically be inspected for issues such as:

• Missing shingles

• Lifted shingles

• Cracking

• Damaged flashing

• Moss growth

• Granule loss

• Leaks

Metal Roof Maintenance

Metal roofing should also be inspected periodically.

For exposed-fastener systems, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the screws and sealing washers over the life of the roof. Proper fastener installation is important because screws that are over-tightened or under-tightened can create problems.

Property owners should also watch for:

• Loose fasteners

• Damaged flashing

• Scratches or coating damage

• Debris accumulation

• Damage from branches

• Unusual movement around penetrations

Preventative inspection is considerably easier than waiting until water enters the building.

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10. Metal Roofing and Snow

Although the Lower Mainland doesn't experience the same snowfall as many areas of interior British Columbia, snow should still be considered when designing a roof.

Metal has a relatively smooth surface, meaning accumulated snow may release from the roof differently than it does from asphalt shingles.

Depending on the building and roof design, snow-retention systems may be considered above areas such as:

• Entrances

• Walkways

• Driveways

• Doors

• Loading areas

Structural requirements, snow loads, and appropriate panel specifications should always be confirmed for the specific building and location.

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11. Metal Roofing for Agricultural Buildings

Metal roofing is especially well suited to agricultural construction.

Throughout the Fraser Valley, steel panels are commonly used on:

• Dairy barns

• Poultry barns

• Equipment shops

• Hay storage buildings

• Machine sheds

• Workshops

• Farm offices

• Storage buildings

Large agricultural buildings require significant amounts of roofing material, making efficient panel coverage extremely important.

Cut-to-length panels can also help simplify installation because panels can be manufactured according to the dimensions of the building.

Steel siding can then be used on the walls to create a complete metal exterior.

This provides a durable and professional appearance while allowing the roof and siding colours to complement each other.

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12. Metal Roofing for Shops and Garages

One of the most popular applications for metal roofing in BC is the detached shop.

Whether you're building a small backyard workshop or a large commercial shop, metal panels provide a practical combination of durability and appearance.

The same profile can often be installed vertically as siding, allowing the entire building to have a consistent design.

For example, a customer could choose:

• Charcoal roofing

• Matching or contrasting siding

• Colour-matched flashing

• Colour-matched screws

This allows even a simple steel building to have a clean finished appearance.

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13. Metal Siding Is Another Option

Steel isn't limited to roofs.

Metal siding has become increasingly popular for houses, shops, barns, commercial buildings, and architectural projects.

Corrugated and ribbed profiles can provide a more traditional industrial or agricultural appearance.

Snaplock siding can create a cleaner modern appearance with strong vertical lines and concealed fasteners.

Some customers also combine materials.

For example:

Metal + wood

Metal + stone

Metal + concrete

Metal + traditional siding

Using steel as an accent material can completely change the appearance of a building without requiring the entire exterior to be metal.

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14. Flashing Is Just as Important as the Panels

Customers naturally focus on the roofing panels because they make up most of the visible roof.

But flashing is equally important.

Depending on the project, a metal roofing package may require components such as:

• Ridge cap

• Gable flashing

• Eave or starter flashing

• Valley flashing

• J-trim

• End caps

• Transition flashing

• Inside corners

• Outside corners

Flashings protect edges, transitions, joints, and other vulnerable areas of the building.

They also give the finished project a clean, professional appearance.

Whenever possible, roofing panels and flashing should be planned together instead of treating flashing as an afterthought.

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15. Proper Handling Matters

Pre-painted steel is extremely durable once installed, but panels should still be handled correctly before and during installation.

Avoid dragging one panel across another because this can scratch the painted surface.

Panels should also be lifted and supported appropriately, especially when dealing with long lengths.

When material is stored before installation, it should be protected from moisture accumulating between stacked panels.

Water trapped between tightly stacked sheets for extended periods can potentially damage the finish.

Proper transportation, storage, handling, and installation all contribute to the finished quality of a metal roof.

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16. Is Metal Roofing Noisy When It Rains?

This is one of the most common questions customers ask.

Many people associate metal roofing with the loud sound of rain hitting an old barn roof.

However, those buildings often have metal panels installed directly over open framing with little or no insulation or solid roof deck underneath.

A residential roofing assembly can include sheathing, underlayment, attic space, insulation, drywall, and other materials between the exterior panel and living area.

Because of this, the experience inside a properly constructed residential building can be very different from standing inside an uninsulated metal barn during a rainstorm.

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17. Can Metal Roofing Rust?

Steel can corrode when left unprotected, which is why modern roofing steel uses protective coatings.

Quality pre-painted roofing steel isn't simply bare steel with colour sprayed onto it.

The steel substrate is protected by metallic coatings and a factory-applied paint system designed for exterior exposure.

However, installation and handling still matter.

Deep scratches, incompatible materials, improper cutting methods, or poor detailing can compromise protection.

This is another reason customers should pay attention to the entire roofing system, rather than simply asking for the cheapest steel available.

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18. Which Roofing Material Should You Choose?

There isn't a universal answer.

If your priority is the lowest possible initial cost, asphalt shingles may make sense.

If your priorities include durability, long-term value, custom panel lengths, modern appearance, and the ability to use the same material across roofing and siding, metal becomes extremely attractive.

Before making your decision, consider:

• How long you plan to own the building

• Your budget

• Building type

• Roof design

• Desired appearance

• Maintenance expectations

• Local weather exposure

• Structural requirements

For many BC homeowners, farmers, contractors, and business owners, metal roofing provides a strong balance between appearance, durability, and long-term value.

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Metal Roofing Manufactured in Abbotsford, BC

Fraser Valley Metal Rolling supplies cut-to-length metal roofing and siding panels for projects throughout British Columbia.

We manufacture products for:

• Residential projects

• Agricultural buildings

• Commercial buildings

• Shops and garages

• Barns

• Siding projects

• Fencing

• Renovations

• New construction

Our available profiles include Classic Rib, corrugated metal panels, and 1" Snaplock, along with matching flashing, trim, and fasteners for complete project packages.

With local manufacturing in Abbotsford, BC, customers can order panels according to the dimensions required for their project instead of relying entirely on predetermined stock lengths.

We supply customers throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Okanagan, and other areas of British Columbia.

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Need Metal Roofing or Siding for Your Next Project?

Whether you're building a house, shop, barn, garage, commercial building, or simply replacing an existing roof, Fraser Valley Metal Rolling can help determine the materials required for your project.

If you already have building plans, send them to us and we can review the project and help determine the appropriate panels, lengths, flashing, fasteners, and accessories.

Fraser Valley Metal Rolling
Premium Steel. Simplified Ordering.

Contact us today for pricing on custom-length metal roofing and siding panels manufactured in Abbotsford, BC.