February 22, 2026 · By Jeff Therrien
Asphalt vs. Metal Roofing in Sarnia: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Every quote I do for a full replacement, the customer asks: should I go asphalt or metal? Here's how I actually answer it.
Cost
Asphalt: $8,000–$18,000 for an average Sarnia home. Metal: typically 2–3x that. But metal lasts 2–3x longer, so the cost-per-year is similar.
Lifespan
Asphalt: 25–35 years if installed right. Metal: 50+ years, often outlasts the owner.
Noise
The myth: metal roofs are loud in rain. The reality: a metal roof installed over a solid deck with proper underlayment is no louder than asphalt. The loud metal roofs are bare metal over open framing — like an old barn.
Energy efficiency
Metal reflects more heat in summer — measurable savings on AC bills in Sarnia. Cool-roof asphalt shingles exist too, but metal wins here.
Appearance
Asphalt comes in dozens of colors and styles. Metal has come a long way — standing seam looks sleek and modern, steel shingles can mimic slate or shake. Drive around newer Sarnia subdivisions and you'll see both.
My honest take
If you plan to stay in your home 15+ years and you have the budget, metal is the better long-term value. If you're staying short-term or your budget is tight, premium architectural asphalt is excellent and will easily outlast your time there.
Either way, the install matters more than the material. Call (519) 328-2142 and we'll talk through what makes sense for your home.