We install asphalt shingles. We don't do metal and we don't do cedar. Here's an honest comparison anyway, because the right answer depends on your house, your budget, and how long you plan to stay.
Asphalt shingles
Cost: $8,000–$18,000 for a typical GTA home (full tear-off and install).
Lifespan: 20–25 years for architectural shingles with proper installation and ventilation.
Pros: - Most cost-effective option upfront - Wide selection of colours and profiles - Easy to repair — any roofer can work with them - Quick installation (1-2 days for most homes) - Well-understood performance in Ontario climate
Cons: - Shorter lifespan than metal - Susceptible to wind lift if poorly nailed - Granule loss over time reduces UV protection - Not the most environmentally friendly option (petroleum-based, hard to recycle)
Best for: Most residential homes in the GTA. If you're replacing a standard shingle roof and want proven, cost-effective results, this is the default choice for good reason.
Standing seam metal
Cost: $18,000–$40,000+ for a typical GTA home. Sometimes 2–3× the cost of asphalt.
Lifespan: 40–60 years with proper installation.
Pros: - Exceptional lifespan — you may never replace it again - Snow and ice slide off rather than building up - Fire-resistant - Recyclable at end of life - Can reduce cooling costs in summer (reflects solar heat)
Cons: - High upfront cost — often 2–3× asphalt - Fewer qualified installers (bad metal installation is worse than bad shingle installation) - Can be noisy in rain and hail without proper underlayment - Denting from hail or falling branches - Not all HOAs or neighbourhood aesthetics accommodate metal
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay 20+ years who can absorb the upfront cost. Low-slope roofs where snow buildup is a concern. Rural or semi-rural properties where the aesthetic fits.
Cedar shake
Cost: $20,000–$35,000 for a typical GTA home.
Lifespan: 20–30 years with regular maintenance. Without maintenance, 15 or less.
Pros: - Beautiful natural appearance that ages to a silver-grey - Natural insulation properties - Biodegradable
Cons: - High maintenance — needs treatment every 3–5 years to prevent rot, moss, and splitting - Fire risk unless treated (some municipalities restrict untreated cedar) - Susceptible to moisture damage in Ontario's wet climate - Increasingly expensive as quality cedar becomes scarcer - Requires specialized installation
Best for: Heritage homes where maintaining the original aesthetic matters. Properties in areas with no fire restrictions. Homeowners who genuinely enjoy maintenance (or have a budget for regular professional treatment).
Our honest take
For 90% of GTA homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles are the right choice. They balance cost, performance, and durability in a way that makes financial sense for most residential properties.
If you're considering metal and your budget supports it, find a metal roofing specialist with 10+ years of local references. Metal is only as good as its installation.
If you're considering cedar, be honest about whether you'll maintain it. An unmaintained cedar roof in Ontario fails faster than a properly installed asphalt roof.
We do asphalt because we believe in doing one thing well. If metal or cedar is right for your situation, we'll tell you that and recommend someone who specializes in it.