Category: structurally insulated roof panels in Canada

Choosing A Metal Roof Color

What Color Should You Choose for a Metal Roof?

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One of the most exciting parts of deciding on a metal roof for your structure is undoubtedly choosing which color panel to go with. That being said, this is simultaneously one of the hardest decisions a home or business owner will need to make. After all…there are so many colors to choose from, and these panels can last decades! But it is important to not get lost in the abundance of options. That’s why we have put together some tips for helping you choose which color to go with on your metal roof.

Tip #1: Consider The Type of Panel

The type of metal panel you have can be a determining factor in what colors are available to you. A standing seam metal roof is most often paired with a PVDF Paint System. PVDF Systems come in an array of color choices including metallic, bright and vibrant colors, matte finishes, and even designer paint finishes! These systems also hold their integrity longer than other paint systems, such as the SMP Paint System commonly found in exposed fastener roofing panels.

Tip #2: Consider The Paint Quality

It is crucial to select a high-quality paint finish for your metal roof that will stand up to the elements, while looking fresh and new for years to come. Make sure to choose a paint that has been treated with a special acrylic resin that blocks ultraviolet light. It will help prevent premature fading, peeling, corrosion, rust, and water infiltration. We suggest paints labeled as either Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000.

Tip #3: Consistency is Key

It’s critical to match the metal roofing color to your house. You want the color to blend in with your neighborhood, environment, and property. It should complement all of the surrounding features. You can compare paint samples side by side with features of your home to see how they will blend together – both in daylight and in the dark. You may also want to consider the existing architecture. A modern home will enjoy blacks, bronzes, coppers, and grays. While a spanish style home may enjoy more of a clay or rusted look. A tropical style home may be more vibrant, playing with sage green or metallics. 

Tip #4: Consider The Energy Efficiency

Metal roofing in a lighter color will reflect the heat of the sun much better than a darker colored metal roof. Lighter colored roofs will help safeguard your roof from intense heat. In fact, a lighter colored roof can decrease your energy bill. If you live in a hot climate and want a dark colored metal roof then you should consider a “ Cool Metal Roof “ in a dark color. This will allow you to go with a dark metal roof and it will lessen the impact of the darker color versus the lighter color.

Have more questions? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs

Pros And Cons of Metal Roofing For Homes

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Your roof may be in need of a total makeover, or perhaps you are choosing roofing for a newly constructed home. Either way, there are many materials available to you. Metal is one of the most attractive roofing options for residential homes today. This is due to their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. What other advantages come with metal roofing? 

Advantages of Metal Roofing

  • Metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit any design preference. Material choices include steel (galvanized, galvalume or weathering), aluminum, copper, zinc, or tin. Style choices allow you to have the look of shingles, slate, tile, shakes or vertical panels.
  • Metal roofs have an unbeatable lifespan, often lasting anywhere from 50 to 100 years. By comparison, asphalt roofing materials have an expected shelf life of 12 to 20. This means more maintenance, or more replacement, and more money spent. That being said, the roof should be inspected periodically to ensure everything is in good condition.
  • Metal panels are one of the most durable materials out there. They undergo rigorous standards for impact resistance, can withstand high gusts of wind, and fluctuate more easily with changes in temperature. 
  • Metal panels are environmentally friendly. They are both made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable. On top of that, metal panels are energy efficient. They can result in a 10% to 25% reduction in cooling costs. 

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

  • While metal roofs come with a host of advantages, there are some potential drawbacks. These include:
  • High Initial Cost. Metal panels are an investment. They are best suited for your “forever” home, as the cost benefits work out over time. 
  • Noisy. Metal roofs are noisier than other materials, mainly during rain or hailstorms. Choosing an insulated panel can help with this. 
  • Inconsistency. Oftentimes panels experience slight variations in color. This is especially true if you need to repair a hole years later – it may be difficult to find an exact match. 

With a full list of pros and cons, you can more easily make a decision on whether or not a metal roof is suitable for your home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our qualified team for answers. We can be reached at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Roof Upgrade

Can Roofing Be Upgraded With Metal Panels?

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If you need to repair or replace a damaged roof, you may be wondering if upgrading to a metal roofing system is the answer. We’re here to tell you it is! In this article we will discuss the advantages of metal panels when it comes to restoring your building’s roof and what options are available to you.

1. Cost Effective

If you are avoiding replacing your roof due to the cost of removing the existing one, we have good news! There are metal panels specially designed to be installed directly over an existing roof. This retrofit system is not only cost-effective. but the need for fewer construction components also saves on installation time. Did we mention the new roof warranty? An advantage to consider when thinking of repairing versus replacing.

2. Variety of Options

Worried about the aesthetic of your building when considering a new roof? Don’t worry! These versatile metal panels come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. With endless options available, you can be sure to find a panel that suits your taste.

3. Conserve Energy

Another advantage of upgrading to metal roof panels is energy conservation. Metal roofs are known to keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This benefit can be enhanced when adding insulation during your upgrade. Sub-purlins can be installed that not only support a new layer of roofing, but also eliminate the need to remove an existing roof, all while improving the energy performance of the building.

4. Ability to Alter the Roof Slope

Metal roofing systems are by far the most economical choice if you need to alter the slope of your roof. The existing structural system will play a role in determining the geometry and shape of the new roof, however, improving the drainage system and overall appearance of the roof is more than possible.


All of these options are available to be used over an existing roofing system and provide energy benefits, making metal panels a superior choice when it comes to replacing your roof. For more information on metal roofing panels, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

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Eco-Friendly Roofing Options for Every Homeowner

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Homeowners looking for roofing materials need reliable, sturdy, long-lasting options. Find quality eco-friendly roofs from the best metal roof manufacturer in Canada. These environmentally friendly options increase energy efficiency, reduce overall heating and cooling costs, and increase home value. What are some popular options?

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs are a long-lasting and light option. They are one hundred percent recyclable and advantageous to eco-friendly homeowners. These roofs last for half a century. Their fire-resistant design protects your family from weather-related fires and stray embers.

Most standing seam metal roofs are easily fitted with solar panels. For the especially green homeowners, look into options for harvesting rainwater for garden use. Additionally, a metal roof may be placed over a traditional older roof. This reduces overall cost in both labor and tearing down the old roof.

Standing seam metal roofs are ideal in snowy harsh climates. Why? The roof allows for snow slide. This prevents unwanted ice dams. Protect your home with a metal roof that is ideal for cold weather like snow, hail, and sleet. Check the roof warranty and storm ratings prior to installation.

Shingle Roof

If you want the durability of a metal roof but desire a more aesthetic look, ask your roofing professional about options like shingle roofs. These metal shingles come in an almost unlimited range of colors and popular styles. Imitate traditional roofing options but enjoy the durability of a metal roof.

Hiring a Professional

Whether you opt for a standing seam metal roof or a shingle roof, be sure to hire a professional for high-quality installation. Call us today for an assessment and quote.

Comparing Structurally Insulated Roof Panels to Regular Roof Panels

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Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in CanadaNowadays people are doing all they can in order to conserve energy – whether it’s for the planet or for the wallet. Advances have been made all over the home to try and improve insulation, and structurally insulated roof panels in Canada have proven to be popular. Here’s a guide on what they are, and how they compare to regular roof panels.

What are Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada?

Structurally insulated panels, or SIPs, are a form of sandwich panel that has become more and more popular in construction due to their effectiveness compared to regular roof panels. Resembling an ice cream sandwich, the two outside pieces are usually some sort of rigid wooden board whereas the “ice cream” filling is usually an effective, lightweight insulator like Styrofoam, polystyrene or another similar material.

Benefits of Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada

These kinds of roof panels come with a range of benefits.

  • Perhaps the greatest benefit is just how effective they are when it comes to energy efficiency. Given that they are layered, there’s greater heat retention than conventional wooden panels. Both the outer and inner parts of structurally insulated roof panels are effective at retaining heat, and so when they are used together it well outperforms conventional roof panels in this regard.
  • Not only does that help to keep your property warmer, it can help to save you money too. By minimizing heat loss through the roof, this means you won’t have to run your heating as long or as high, saving on your fuel costs and eventually paying for themselves.
  • A further way that they can save money is in labour costs. SIPs are lighter than regular roof panels and easier to install, meaning fewer men are needed to install them and that the job should be completed much quicker than you might have expected.
  • Not only that, but they come with a high life expectancy of around 50 years. Given that they are airtight, this reduces the possibility of mold occurring on your roof or the elements causing problems such as nail pops or twisting and warping.

Drawbacks of Structurally Insulated Roof Panels in Canada

Whilst they are a quality product, they do come with some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

  • Whilst it may be rare, it’s not unheard of for rodents and insects to bore through the lightweight centre of SIPs, causing potential problems, thought applying insecticides and keeping humidity levels low can help prevent this.
  • Performance during fires is also a concern, fearing they may be less effective than regular roof panels. However, covering them with a substance like gypsum can help them perform better.
  • They’re more expensive than regular panels.

Cost vs. Quality

When it comes to deciding on roof panels for your property, it comes down to cost vs quality. Whilst regular roof panels may be cheaper, SIPs perform better and have more benefits which helps justify their cost – but in the end, that choice is yours to make

Common Mistakes Made When Buying Structurally Insulated Roof Panels

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structurally insulated roof panels in CanadaA structurally insulated roof panel is a panel composed of two layers of metal or another rigid material sandwiching a thick layer of rigid insulation. Structural insulated roof panels serve a variety of functions simultaneously and eliminate the need for having several different trades involved in your building project. Simplicity aside people still make mistakes when purchasing structurally insulated roof panels (SIRP) and in this post we’ll look at a few of those mistakes.

Structurally Insulated Roof Panels Canada: The Devil’s in the Details

Here are 5 of the most common mistakes people make when buying structurally insulated roof panels in Canada for their home or business.

  • Not making sure the fasteners are compatible – Using the wrong type of fastener can and will lead to the SIRP coming loose and/or a negative reaction between incompatible metal types in the fastener and roof panel. It’s crucial to make sure you’ve got the right type of fastener and that you don’t simply grab the first thing that looks good.
  • Failing to specify a colour – In some cases the solar heat absorbed by the outer layer on the SIRP may be significant enough – and the temperature difference between it and the inner layer great enough – that stress can come to bear on the panel as a whole. The situation can be exacerbated by using the wrong colour on the outer layer; one that absorbs heat rather than reflecting it. Make sure you specify the colour early on in the process.
  • Ignoring the manufacturer’s joinery guidelines – In order for structurally insulated roof panels to do their job as an effective air and water barrier as well as insulator the quality of the joinery is critical. Some manufacturers use proprietary joinery systems that can be quite detailed. Ignoring the manufacturer’s joinery guidelines and purchasing any old sealant or gaskets for instance will likely result in joint failure and worse.
  • Failing to account for expansion/contraction – The nature of their construction means SIRPs can be more susceptible to expansion and contraction than other construction materials like masonry or wood. This movement must be accounted for in the overall design and will influence the size of the panels and the joints between them. Failure to do so could again lead to failure of the panel system as a whole.
  • Buying SIRPs with an insufficient R-value – Since SIRPs can be up to 90% more airtight than conventional roofing techniques and materials their ability to insulate is sometimes overestimated and customers will wind up with panels with an inadequate R-value. Make sure you consult closely with the manufacturer to determine the proper R-value for your panels before purchasing.

Structurally insulated roof panels are revolutionizing the construction trades in Canada. But the fact that they seem so straightforward and simple often masks important considerations that should not be taken for granted or forgotten when purchasing SIRPs for your home or business. Talk to the insulated roof panel experts at Eco-Insulated Panel Manufacturing to learn more about structurally insulated roof panels in Canada.