The Local Case
WHY METAL SUITS
THIS PART OF THE COAST
Victoria's climate is unusual even by Canadian standards: mild, relentlessly wet through winter, and windy along the water. That combination is specifically hard on conventional roofing.
- Moss. Constant damp feeds moss, which lifts and separates asphalt shingles and holds water against them. Metal gives it nothing to grip.
- Rainfall volume. Water sheets off metal instead of soaking in, so valleys, skylights and vents are less likely to be overwhelmed in a sustained downpour.
- Coastal wind. A shingle's wind rating drops as its tar seal ages. A properly fastened metal roof doesn't degrade the same way.
- Salt air. Near the water, corrosion-resistant metals and concealed fasteners hold up where ordinary materials break down.
- Lifespan. 40–70 years versus roughly 15–20 for asphalt here — often the last roof a house needs.
- Fire. Metal carries a Class A fire rating, which matters more every dry summer.
Worth being straight about the trade-off: metal costs more upfront — typically 1.5 to 1.8 times asphalt. The full comparison is here, including where asphalt still wins.
