Metal roofing isn’t just flat panels

Many people picture barn roofing when they hear “metal roof.” Today, however, metal roofs come in profiles that look like cedar shakes, slate or traditional shingles, plus standing seam for clean, modern lines. The roof is a big part of what you see from the street, so the style you choose changes the whole look of your home.

Which style suits your home?

• Cedar-shake look. Classic Aluminum Rustic and Country Manor Shake suit cottages, rural homes and traditional neighbourhoods. You get the texture of wood without the rot, splitting or upkeep.
• Slate look. Armadura’s slate profile suits older homes and steep rooflines, without the weight or fragility of real slate.
• Traditional shingle. Classic Aluminum Oxford gives a clean, classic shingle look.
• Standing seam. Long vertical panels suit modern homes, farmhouse designs and porches. See a standing seam roof in Thornhill.

Approved for heritage homes

Heritage committees have approved our Rustic cedar-shake and Armadura slate-look profiles as alternatives to real cedar and slate. Your local committee makes the final call, but it’s a strong place to start.

It still looks good years later

Metal doesn’t curl, crack or lose granules, so it doesn’t get the tired, patchy look asphalt gets with age. A quality finish also resists fading. Here’s what to ask about the finish. In fact, a Rustic roof we photographed in Markham 10 years after installation still looks new. See the Markham roof 10 years later.

Choosing a colour

Classic Aluminum offers the most colour options of any roof we install, and custom colours are available too. Armadura comes in Eclipse, Kodiak, Stone and Ember, plus Rustic Slate as a premium option. Standing seam colours come from current mill stock, and we order your whole roof from the same colour lot, so every panel matches. Best of all, we bring samples to your home, so you can see them against your own brick or siding.

The post Do Metal Roofs Improve Curb Appeal? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

When it can go over shingles

Our architectural steel and aluminum shingles can go over one or two layers of existing asphalt shingles, as long as the deck underneath is sound. If we find soft spots, the crew replaces the damaged plywood in that area and makes sure the roof is level before the metal goes on.

When the old shingles have to come off

Standing seam always goes on a bare deck, so the old shingles come off first. Likewise, if your roof already has more than two layers, we remove them before the new roof goes on.

Ice and water protection

On a bare plywood deck, we cover the entire roof with ice and water protection before the metal goes on. Over existing shingles, on the other hand, it typically isn’t needed, because the old shingles already provide a layer of water protection.

Why homeowners choose to go over shingles

• Less mess. There’s no tear-off, so nothing goes to the landfill. Here’s why that matters.
• Faster. Your new roof goes on more quickly.
• Lower cost. You save the tear-off labour and disposal fees.

Also, the old shingles add one more solid layer under the metal, which helps keep the roof quiet in the rain. Here’s why our roofs stay quiet.

The post Can I Install a Metal Roof Over Existing Shingles? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

However, if you’re collecting estimates for a premium metal roof, there’s something important to know: we probably won’t be the cheapest quote you receive. And we’re comfortable with that, because we believe the best value comes from quality products, expert installation and long-term performance, not simply the lowest upfront price.

Not All Metal Roofs Are Created Equal

One of the biggest misconceptions in the roofing industry is that all metal roofs are essentially the same. They’re not. A premium direct-to-deck metal roofing system is very different from lower-cost products installed over wood strapping, exposed-fastener panels or other budget systems. Here’s more on direct-to-deck vs batten (strapping) roofs.

The roofing system you choose affects durability, appearance, maintenance and overall lifespan. That’s why it’s important to compare much more than the final price on a quote.

We Compete on Value, Not Price

When homeowners compare metal roofing quotes in Ontario, they’re often comparing completely different products, installation methods and levels of service. Our quotes include premium aluminum and architectural steel roofing systems, crews led by factory-trained crew leaders, and installation practices designed to protect your home for decades.

Before choosing the lowest price, ask yourself:

• Are the roofing systems truly comparable?
• Are premium aluminum or architectural steel products being used?
• Are the installers factory-trained?
• What warranty is included? Here’s how metal roof warranties work.
• Will the company still be around if service is needed years from now?

The lowest price isn’t always the lowest cost over the life of the roof.

Premium Installation Makes the Difference

Even the highest-quality roofing product can underperform if it isn’t installed correctly. That’s why we work with carefully selected crews, led by factory-trained crew leaders, who specialize in premium metal roofing systems. Our installation practices are designed to meet or exceed manufacturer specifications.

For example, when installing our architectural aluminum or steel roofing systems on a bare roof deck, we install a full ice and water shield over the entire roof, not just along the eaves and valleys. This adds to the initial cost, but it provides much better protection against water getting in. These are the kinds of details that don’t always show up when comparing roofing quotes.

We Don’t Cut Corners

Keeping prices low usually means making compromises somewhere. That might include lower-quality materials, less roof preparation, fewer protective underlayments, less experienced installers or limited service after the installation is complete.

At Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc, we believe your roof is too important for shortcuts. Instead, we focus on delivering a roofing system that provides real curb appeal, dependable performance and lasting peace of mind.

Your Roof Protects Everything Beneath It

When homeowners compare roofing quotes, it’s easy to think of the roof as just another home improvement project. In reality, your roof is your home’s first line of defence. It protects not only the structure of your home, but also your attic, insulation, drywall, flooring, furniture and personal belongings.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen what happens when a roofing system fails. We’re often called to repair or replace roofs that were installed using lower-quality materials or poor installation practices. In many cases, the roof itself isn’t the only problem. We’ve found mould in attics caused by ongoing moisture, damaged roof decking, stained ceilings, deteriorated drywall, warped flooring and other costly damage that could often have been avoided with a properly installed roof. Here’s what to do if your installer has gone out of business.

Choosing quality materials and professional installation won’t prevent every problem, but it greatly reduces the risk of water getting in and the expensive repairs that often follow. When you invest in a quality roof, you’re protecting your entire home, not just the roofing panels.

Experience Has Value

Since 2004, homeowners throughout Southern Ontario have trusted Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc for premium metal roofing. Our team understands the demands of Ontario’s climate, including heavy snow, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, high winds and driving rain. We don’t simply install roofs. We help homeowners choose the roofing system that’s best suited to their home, their budget and their long-term goals.

Compare Roofing Quotes Carefully

Before making your final decision, make sure you’re comparing more than price. Compare the roofing system, installation methods, warranty coverage, company reputation and long-term service commitment. The answers often reveal that the lowest quote isn’t necessarily the best value. Here’s what a metal roof costs in Southern Ontario.

A roof is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. At Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc, we believe homeowners deserve honest advice, premium products and quality workmanship that stands the test of time.

The post Why We Won’t Be the Cheapest Roofing Quote appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

What the warranties tell you

The clearest guide to how long a metal roof will last is the warranty behind it:

• Armadura steel: 50-year non-prorated warranty
• Standing seam steel: 40-year warranty
• Classic Aluminum: lifetime limited warranty

On top of that, we give a 10-year workmanship warranty on every installation. Here’s how metal roof warranties work.

What our older roofs look like

In Markham, we photographed a Classic Aluminum Rustic roof 10 years after we installed it, and it still looks new. See the Markham roof 10 years later.

Our earliest roofs went on in 2004, and they’re still protecting those homes today, more than 20 years later.

What makes a metal roof last

• Installed directly on the deck. With no strapping, there are no hidden gaps where condensation can rot the wood. Here’s why we never use strapping.
• Hidden fasteners. There are no exposed screws or washers to crack and loosen over time.
• Panels that lock on all four sides. As a result, wind has a hard time catching an edge.
• A quality finish. The coating keeps the metal from fading, chalking and rusting. Here’s what to ask about the metal.

Asphalt vs metal over 40 years

Over 40 years, an asphalt roof that lasts 9 to 13 years could need replacing three or four times. A metal roof costs more up front. However, with a 40-year, 50-year or lifetime warranty behind it, you shouldn’t have to pay for it again. Here’s what a metal roof costs in Southern Ontario.

The post How Long Does a Metal Roof Last? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

Why the way it’s installed matters

Every roof we install is fastened directly to the plywood deck, or over existing shingles, with 4-way interlocking panels and hidden fasteners. The bottom of each shingle is nailed to the deck, and the top locks into the next shingle, leaving a small pocket of air at each interlock. The panels are well supported, but some spots are firmer than others, and a step in the wrong place can dent a panel.

Roofs installed on strapping (wood strips, also called battens) are worse. Long open gaps run under the panels between the strips, and stepping between them can bend or dent the metal. It’s one of the reasons we never install on strapping. Here’s more on direct-to-deck vs strapping.

Knowing where to step

Our crews know where to step on each type of panel and where not to. That’s hard to know if you’ve never been on a metal roof. For Classic Aluminum roofs, homeowners can buy foam inserts that let you walk anywhere on the roof without worrying about where you step. Ask us about them.

When to stay off the roof

• It’s wet, or there’s dew, frost, ice or any snow on it. A wet metal roof is very slippery.
• The roof is steep enough that you can’t stand comfortably.
• You’d be working near the edge without fall protection.
• You’re going up to clear snow. If snow sliding off your roof is the problem, snow guards are the fix, not a shovel.

If you do need to go up

• Pick a dry, mild day.
• Wear soft, rubber-soled shoes.
• Step flat and don’t twist or drag your feet.
• Stay off flashings, trim pieces, vents and skylights.
• Never go up alone.

What about the warranty?

Damage from foot traffic, like a dent or bent trim, isn’t a manufacturing defect, so a product warranty won’t cover it. If you’re not sure, check your warranty papers or call us before you go up. Here’s how metal roof warranties work.

When to call instead

A loose piece of trim, flashing around a chimney, or anything that looks out of place after a storm is better left to a crew used to working on metal. If it’s one of our roofs, call us. If another company installed it, call them first so you don’t affect their warranty.

The post Can You Walk on a Metal Roof? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

At Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc, we work with carefully selected installation crews who operate as independent subtrades, each led by a factory-trained crew leader. While some homeowners assume an employee-based model is automatically better, our experience over many years has shown the opposite.

In fact, we’ve achieved better installation results and greater consistency working with trusted subcontractors than we did when using installers directly on payroll.

Here’s why.

Quality Matters More Than Employment Status

When it comes to a metal roof installation, the most important question isn’t whether the installer receives a T4 or a subcontractor invoice. The important question is: “Who is most committed to getting the job done right?”

Our installation partners have built their reputations on quality workmanship. Their future business depends on customer satisfaction and delivering excellent results every time. That’s a powerful motivator.

Accountability Drives Better Results

One of the biggest advantages of working with trusted subtrades is accountability.

If an employee makes a mistake, they are typically paid for their time regardless. If they need to return and correct their work, they are often paid for that time as well.

Subtrades operate differently. When one of our installation partners is responsible for a project, they stand behind their workmanship. If an issue arises because of their installation, returning to correct it comes out of their own time and at their own expense. That creates a strong incentive to get the job done properly the first time, and that’s a benefit for the homeowner.

We Don’t Hire Just Anyone

Not every contractor qualifies to install a Classic roof. We carefully select installation partners based on:

• Experience with metal roofing systems
• Factory training
• Proven workmanship
• Professionalism
• Safety practices
• Customer satisfaction

Our crew leaders, the owners of each installation company, are factory-trained on Classic Aluminum and Armadura. On standing seam, the manufacturer has come out to review our crew leaders’ work and given instruction where needed. Many of our crews have worked with us for years, and they don’t install for our competitors.

Specialized Experience Makes a Difference

Metal roofing is a specialized trade. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing systems require an understanding of:

• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Flashing details
• Ventilation requirements
• Snow and ice management
• Specialized fastening systems
• Manufacturer installation standards

Our installation partners focus on these systems every day, giving them the experience needed to consistently deliver quality results.

Every Installation Is Backed by Classic

While our installation crews operate independently, homeowners still deal directly with Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc. We remain involved throughout the process, providing:

• Project oversight
• Product expertise
• Customer support
• Our 10-year workmanship warranty
• Ongoing service after installation

This approach combines the craftsmanship of experienced specialists with the support and accountability of an established Ontario roofing company.

The Goal Is a Better Roof

At the end of the day, homeowners don’t buy a roof because they care about employment structures. They buy a roof because they want:

• Quality workmanship
• Long-term performance
• Reliable warranty coverage
• Confidence in the company behind the product

Our experience has shown that carefully selected subtrades, led by factory-trained crew leaders, consistently help us deliver those results. That’s why we continue to use this model today.

The post Why We Use Metal Roof Subcontractors for Our Installations appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

Why metal and solar go well together

Solar panels usually stay on a roof for 25 years or more. An asphalt roof that lasts 9 to 13 years will likely need replacing while the panels are still working, which means paying to take the panels off and put them back on. A metal roof, on the other hand, is backed by a 40-year, 50-year or lifetime warranty. Here’s how long a metal roof lasts.

Standing seam: clamps, not holes

On a standing seam roof, the solar mounts clamp onto the raised seams. As a result, there’s no need to drill through the roof panels to hold the racking.

Interlocking metal shingles: flashed mounts

On interlocking shingles, like Armadura and Classic Aluminum, the mounts go through the roof into the deck. Each one needs proper flashing and sealing, so the solar installer’s experience matters. A badly installed mount can leak, and work by another company can affect your roof warranty. Here’s how metal roof warranties work.

Why direct-to-deck helps

Our roofs sit directly on the deck, so mounts fasten into solid wood, and the roof stays firm when the solar crew walks on it. In contrast, roofs on battens (strapping) have gaps under the metal that can dent underfoot and make mounting harder. Here’s more on direct-to-deck vs batten (strapping) roofs.

How we work with solar companies

If you’re planning both, put the new roof on first. That way, the solar company installs the panels on a roof that won’t need replacing under them.

Already have solar panels on an asphalt roof? We contact your solar company to remove the panels, install your new metal roof, and then work with them on the right mounting brackets before the panels go back on.

Adding solar to a roof we installed? Connect us with your solar company first, and we’ll agree together on the best mounting for your roof. Some homeowners also book us to come back afterward and look over the mounting brackets.

The post Can You Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

It’s a valid question. The metal roofing industry has seen many companies come and go over the years. Unfortunately, some homeowners find themselves needing repairs, modifications, or warranty assistance only to discover that the roofing company they purchased from is no longer in business.

At Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc, we help homeowners in this exact situation every year.

Yes, We Service Metal Roofs Installed by Other Companies

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that we regularly perform service work on metal roofs that were not installed by us.

Whether your original contractor has retired, closed their doors, or simply isn’t returning calls, our team may be able to help.

Common service requests include:

• Snow guard installations
• Leak repairs
• Flashing repairs
• Storm damage repairs
• Vent replacements
• Corrective work for improper installations

Our experience with a wide variety of metal roofing systems means we know how to repair them properly.

Why Experience Matters

Metal roofing is a specialized trade.

Every roofing system has unique installation details, attachment methods, and flashing requirements. A contractor who primarily works with asphalt shingles may not understand how to properly service a metal roof.

That’s why homeowners across Ontario turn to Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc when they need help with their metal roof.

Our team has extensive experience working with both steel and aluminum roofing systems, including roofs installed by other companies.

Is your installer still in business? Call them first.

If the company that installed your roof is still around, call them first. Work by another company can void a roof’s warranty, and that’s true of ours too. So if your original installer is still in business, we’ll always point you back to them. If they’re not, we’re glad to help.

The post Need Service on a Metal Roof Installed by Another Company? appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

1. Signs the roof itself is failing

• Curling, cracked or missing shingles. Once asphalt shingles start to curl or crack, patching them rarely lasts.
• Granules in the eavestroughs. The granules protect the shingles. When they wash off, the shingles break down quickly.
• Sagging or soft spots. These usually mean water has reached the roof deck, and that needs more than a patch.
• Leaks in more than one place. When leaks keep showing up in new spots, the whole roof is wearing out, not just one area.

2. How old is your roof?

Asphalt shingles are often sold with 25 to 30 year warranties, but in Ontario we typically see them last 9 to 13 years. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, wind and summer heat all wear them down. Once an asphalt roof reaches that age, repairs tend to come more often and last less time.

A metal roof is built to last decades longer. Here’s how long a metal roof lasts in Southern Ontario.

3. What an asphalt warranty actually covers

Many homeowners are surprised by how little an asphalt warranty covers:

• Most are prorated, so coverage drops after the first few years
• Labour is rarely covered
• Installation errors, poor ventilation and weather damage are often excluded

So when an asphalt roof wears out early, the cost of replacing it usually falls on you. Here’s how metal roof warranties compare.

4. When repairs stop making sense

Repairs make sense for a roof with years left in it. They stop making sense when:

• You’re paying for repairs every year
• Water is reaching ceilings, walls or insulation
• The roof is already near the end of its life

At that point, the money going into repairs is better spent on a new roof built to last.

5. If you replace it, consider metal

Every metal roof we install goes directly on the roof deck, with panels that lock together on all four sides and fasteners hidden underneath. There’s nothing to curl, crack or lose granules, and no exposed screws to loosen over time.

If the deck is sound, a metal roof can often go right over one or two layers of existing shingles, which saves the cost and mess of a tear-off. Here’s how a metal roof over shingles works. If there are soft spots, the crew replaces the damaged plywood in that area and makes sure the roof is level before the metal goes on. When a roof comes off down to the deck, we cover the entire deck with ice and water protection before the metal goes on.

Wondering about the price? Here’s what a metal roof costs in Southern Ontario.

Not sure whether to repair or replace?

We’ll give you a straight answer. We’ll talk you through the whole picture: your roof’s age, its ventilation and its long-term value, not just the damage you can see.

The post Signs You Need a New Roof — Not Just a Repair appeared first on Classic Products Roofing Systems | Canadian Metal Roofing.

Roof maintenance tips for any roof

• Look at your roof twice a year. In spring and fall, check it from the ground for loose, damaged or missing pieces. There’s no need to climb up. Here’s why we’d rather you stay off the roof.
• Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear. Blocked eavestroughs back water up at the roof edge. Clean them after the leaves fall and again after the spring thaw.
• Watch for ice dams in winter. Big icicles and ice along the eaves are a sign that heat is escaping into the attic. Good ventilation and insulation help. Here’s how roof venting works.
• Keep an eye on vents, chimneys and skylights. On any roof, these are the spots where leaks usually start.
• Trim overhanging branches. Branches that rub the roof wear it down and drop debris into the eavestroughs.
• If something looks wrong, call your installer. They know your roof, and their work won’t affect your warranty. If they’ve gone out of business, here’s what to do.

Asphalt shingles: the most upkeep

Asphalt shingles crack, curl and lose granules as they age, and storms loosen them. In Ontario, we typically see them last 9 to 13 years. Here are the signs you need a new roof, not just a repair.

Batten metal roofs: hidden maintenance

Metal roofs on battens (strapping) usually have exposed screws with rubber washers. Over the years, the washers crack and the screws work loose, so they need replacing. On top of that, the gaps under the panels collect moisture. Here’s more on direct-to-deck vs batten (strapping) roofs.

Direct-to-deck metal roofs: next to nothing

Our roofs go directly on the deck, with panels that lock on all four sides and fasteners hidden out of the weather. There are no screws to tighten, and nothing to crack, curl or lose granules. That’s why we call them maintenance-free. Even so, keep the eavestroughs clear and look the roof over from the ground now and then.

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