Metal Roofing Sheets – Types, Prices & Where to Buy

Metal sheets have become a popular choice in residential and commercial roofing. Shifting towards steel sheets, manufacturers and roofers are catering to consumers considering this material worldwide. 

Affordable, durable, and versatile, these sheets offer remarkable value-for-money and are replacing other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles in certain applications. Metal roofing sheets provide great protection to buildings, especially those situated in areas plagued by harsh weather. Because they are designed to withstand storms and hurricanes, they serve as a long-lasting solution for homes and schools, and facilities equipped for the public.

Metal roofing sheets are not only enduring but also save a lot of money over the long term. They are highly durable and energy-efficient, which helps to lower heating and cooling costs. The low maintenance requirements of metal roofing sheets also make them a viable choice for both busy homeowners and businesses.

There are so many types of materials such as galvanised steel, aluminium etc to opt for various requirements and budget. Whether you are constructing a new house/ building or renovating an old commercial structure/ just upgrading the existing roof , metal roofing sheets list has every choice to match your needs. 

This blogpost discusses metal roofing sheets using in Canada in 2024. It concentrates on their characteristics and benefits, also on their applicability in different areas.  We will argue for their usage in some simple structures, and we will briefly discuss where to buy metal roofing sheets.

You will also learn how to find the cheapest places to buy metal roofing sheets and get a brief preview of pricing.

Types of Metal Sheets Roofing

Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets

Corrugated sheets have a waved structure, which makes them strong, light and cheap. They are commonly used for agricultural, industrial and civil engineering buildings, in which the installation and maintenance is simple.

There are two main types of corrugated sheets, made from steel or aluminium. Both can be coated with a layer of material to prevent rusting.

Galvanized Metal Sheets

Galvanised sheets are coated with zinc to guard against rust, specially suited for coastal and humid areas of Ontario. These come with a smooth surface and have a low maintenance cost. Residential and commercial projects find them durable in the long run.

Standing Seam Metal Sheets

These sheets have hidden fasteners and interlocking seams and are not suitable for a crude look of tin-like rooftops. Their smooth finish allows them to reflect heat and resist the impact of rain and snow, making them a popular choice for many modern houses. They can also be used to over-clad a house. Standing seam sheets are usually made of copper, stainless steel or aluminium. These corrosion resistant metal sheets are durable and expensive yet they would look classy over your house. 

Ribbed Metal Roofing Sheets

Ribbed sheets give strong structural rigidity and can be used for residential and industrial purposes which not only sheds water quite effectively but they are also available in a variety of finishes providing strength without having to sacrifice beauty.

Metal Tile Sheets

Metal tile sheets offer the same appearance of clay or slate-cut tiles with the robustness of metal. Cut to the size of ceramic tiles, metal tiles are light enough to be installed by yourself with ease, and they are great for each Canadian house that needs a classical style of roof heavily.

3 Types of Metal Tiles:

Monterrei metal tile

Monterrei 

– Monterrei Tile is made from clay and has been used in construction since the early 1900s for many centuries. It’s highly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or warping.

– This metal tile is aesthetically pleasing.

– It’s easy to install.

– This type of metal tile comes in a wide range of colors.

– Monterrei Tiles are very easy to clean. 

– Monterrei Tiles are more affordable than other metal tiles (not true, the same price), making them budget-friendly for homeowners.

Tampere metal tile

Tampere

– Tampere tiles are manufactured using a unique process that creates a layer of zinc between the steel and the tile surface. This layer prevents rust and corrosion, making the tiles more resistant to harsh weather conditions. In addition, the paint coating on top of the zinc layer provides a protective barrier against UV rays, making them ideal for use in areas with a lot of sunlight.

– Tampere tiles are hail-proof and fireproof

– Tampere tiles are designed to look like the traditional clay roof style, offering protection against extreme weather conditions.

– Tampere tiles are lightweight, secure, and have minimal noise during rain conditions.

Venice

Venice metal tile

– It protects against wind, rain, snow, hail, and fire damage.

– The metal tile requires no maintenance.

– It is resistant to water penetration and corrosion.

 – It’s aesthetically pleasing and adds value to your property.

– The Venice Tile is environmentally friendly because it contains no harmful chemicals.

– It’s suitable for use on both new construction and remodelling projects.

– This metal tile is ideal for residential and commercial properties.

– It is appropriate for use on steeply pitched roofs.

Key Takeaways:

Corrugated: Budget-friendly, wavy design, ideal for industrial use.

Galvanized: Rust-resistant, smooth finish, low maintenance.

Standing Seam: Sleek, premium, hidden fasteners.

Ribbed: Strong, water-shedding, versatile.

Metal Tile: Traditional look, lightweight, durable.

Differences Between Corrugated & Galvanized Metal Sheets

Design and Aesthetics:

The main difference among corrugated and galvanized metal roofing sheets is their appearance.

• First, corrugated sheets look more like waves.  They are often used in industrial and agricultural areas.
• Second, galvanized sheets are more flat and smooth texture. This look is better for residential houses and some hotels and factories.

Aesthetically, the choice of materials depend on whether you want a rustic, farmhouse look or something sleeker and less literal. Corrugated sheets are largely still limited to rugged jobs, stylistically speaking. For decades now, they’ve been used on barns, warehouses and outbuildings now that the look is familiar. Galvanized material is preferred by many homeowners because it is more aesthetically pleasing and fits better with a wider range of styles.

Durability and Longevity:

Both corrugated and galvanised metal roofing sheets have good longevity. Environmental factors can affect their performance. Galvanised sheets benefit from a zinc coating that provides superior rust resistance and corrosion protection as compared with standard corrugated sheets.

Read more: 10 Key Differences Between Standing Seam and Corrugated Metal Roof

This makes galvanised sheets an excellent option for regions with high relative humidity. Because there is a zinc layer between the steel and the environment, it effectively acts as a sacrificial layer of protection.

While less resistant to rust than galvanised sheets, corrugated is quite strong and impact-resistant: it does in fact last decades if coated and well-maintained.

In arid climates, corrugated might hold water as well as galvanised, and their longevity is truly comparable. In such conditions, corrugated sheets may be preferable to galvanised since they are cheaper.

Installation and Maintenance:

In terms of installation, corrugated sheets’ simple overlap profile makes it relatively straightforward, requiring less technical knowhow than the profiled overlap of galvanised sheets. This means less demand for skilled labour, and therefore quicker installation with reduced labour costs and time. The simple overlap profile of corrugated sheets means they can be fitted by a moderately capable DIYer, but fitting galvanised roofing tiles needs greater technical ability to ensure the integrity of the zinc coating and prevent premature wear.

Galvanised roofs, in the main, should be installed by professionals to achieve proper sealing and performance.

Read more: Metal Roof Installation: DIY vs. Professional Help

Maintenance requirements, however, are different between the two. Galvanised metal sheets require less maintenance compared to other metal sheets because of their superior corrosion resistance. Corrugated sheets – depending on the finish of the corrugated sheets – may require periodic inspection or touch-up to avoid rust. While both are less in need of maintenance when compared to traditional roofing materials such as shingles, often galvanised sheets offer better long-term maintenance than corrugated sheet since they don’t require a repainting or sprucing up for the lifespan of the roof.  

Cost Considerations:

Another crucial factor when it comes to deciding between corrugated and galvanised metal roofing sheets is the price. Corrugated sheets are way more affordable than their galvanised counterparts – starting at $18-22 per sheet. This makes it an ideal choice for smaller projects or when you are on a tight budget. In addition to the lower initial cost, corrugated sheets are widely available and are relatively straightforward to install, further reducing overall cost. Galvanised sheets may be more expensive initially from $30-35 per sheet, but provide great long-term savings as a result of strong durability and low maintenance.

It all comes down to choosing between quick budget alternatives and long-term value. If you’re looking for a roof that’s there and fit for use in the short term for low costs, then corrugated sheets are a good choice. But if you’d rather have a roof that can stand up better against tougher environments with regular negligible maintenance put in, then galvanised sheets are a better buy.

Ribbed metal sheets

Where to Buy Metal Roofing Sheets

Local Roofing Suppliers:

Having a local metal roofing supplier with a great inventory of a variety of metal sheets will allow you to see and to choose materials that work for you and your home. One local supplier we highly recommend is Metal Exterior Products. They will help educate you on the differences between metals and offer advice, as well as make deliveries to the job site much quicker (which reduces the overall cost). They also offer an additional service as gutters manufacturing on-site.

Read more: Gutters: The Role of the Eavestrough in Your Roof

Online Marketplaces:

Nowadays, the worldwide web has become a wonderful sourcing platform for any type of materials, commodities and products, including metal roofing sheets, in particular. Digital online bazaars (Home Depot, Lowe’s, RONA etc) are unbelievable: one can avail of a vast assortment of products with life-size pictures, product descriptions, customer reviews, all sorts of feedback, recommendations and hints. And most important – really competitive prices for metal roofing sheets offered by numerous merchants from all over the world! 

If one is a prudent shopper, it is possible to compare up to ten similar products to each other, evaluate their features, characteristics and prices almost side-by-side, be it new products or the ones repurposed from scrap material parts, right in the very comfort of your living room.

You can even ask your supplier to make your metal roofing sheets exactly of the size and colour that you need. Some suppliers are specialized in the metal-roofing do-it-yourself market and can customize their product to cater for your needs.

Important! A disadvantage with buying online is that a customer cannot see the merchandise before buying it and sending it home. However, many online chains offer a return policy and provide warranties that lessen the risk posed by this. Shipping time can be an issue for those who order a large amount of merchandise. Some online stores waiver the shipping cost when customers make bulk purchases.

Manufacturer Websites:

Buying directly from the manufacturer may be the best option for larger projects or when your needs are unique, since many manufacturers have their own websites or sell through a network of independent, authorised distributors. Buying directly is frequently cheaper, especially if it’s in bulk, because you eliminate the middleman. Also, the manufacturer may be able to help you find a custom specification – such as a spigot with a particular length or colour – that regular suppliers might not have on hand.

Often, you’ll find full product specifications, technical details, and installation instructions on a manufacturer’s website. And, in many cases, manufacturers will offer financing for larger projects – a big plus. Lastly, another perk to buying directly is that you’ll often get access to a customer support team that can answer questions or address problems should they arise.

Finding Cheap Metal Sheets Near You

Second-Hand Options:

Many metal roofing sheets can be found at low prices used. Look for them in the classified section of Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or other buying-and-selling groups. These sellers are often individual homeowners or contractors with a left-over supply from some past metal roofing project.

Another ideal source to look for metal roofing panels is salvage yards as they deal with many old home construction materials, most of which are reclaimed building materials. Metal sheets are no exception. Salvage yards stock up reclaimed metal sheets of various types to be sold at a low price. However, the selection is somewhat limited.

You have to check them carefully for damage, rust or wear and tear before buying them second-hand.

Using low-hand metal can be cheaper at first, but you may have to pay more for repairs later on. For example, if you are building a storage shed or a garage, you can easily save money by using second-hand sheets, but for a bigger project, like a house, I would recommend using fresh materials.

Sales and Discounts:

Another smart way to purchase affordable metal roofing sheets is to get advantage of any sales or discounts that happen in the market. Some local suppliers provide very good deals during seasons or festive occasions as they try to clear their stock and make way for the new year’s purchases.

You can always keep a watch out for online coupons that offer flat discounts on the purchase of certain materials or even free shipping. Canadian forum redflagdeals.com can help with alerts about hot deals.

However, if you’re willing to sign up for newsletters or alerts from your retailer on an ongoing basis, then maybe you will get notified about sales in advance. Many online retailers also offer coupon codes or a reduction in price for your first order; if you can plan your purchase within a sale, you can save money without sacrificing quality.

Bulk Purchasing:

If you have a large project, or are part of a group buy, you can save a lot of money per-sheet by purchasing metal roofing sheets in bulk. First of all, suppliers often have special discounts for larger orders, especially if you are willing to negotiate the price. Secondly, when you buy in bulk, you are likely to get roofing sheets that are all from a single production batch and as a result have the same color and finish.

Another big advantage of bulk orders is that it simplifies quality control so that retailers can sell you a quality product. If you are undertaking a commercial project or building multiple residential units, this is definitely your option since all the roofs will have the same color and finish.

If you’re buying in bulk, make sure the quantities are calculated to the inch so you don’t waste material. You may be able to return some of these long sheets to your supplier, but it’s better to account for waste up front. Bulk orders are especially suited for properties that share a wall or roof with neighbours or other property owners who have similar roofing needs.

Metal Sheets Price Overview

Average Costs for Different Types:

The pricing of different metal roofing sheets also varies drastically based on factors such as type, material and thickness. 

• On average, corrugated metal roofing sheets cost between $4 and $7 per square foot. 
• Galvanized sheets that are more resistant to rusting and deterioration costs between $4.5 and $12 per square foot. 
• The most expensive ones would be standing seam sheets. They price between $9 and $16 per square foot. 
• Metal tile sheets, on the other hand, are priced between $4.5 and $8 per square foot, and they mimic tiles for an appearance that is especially appealing to the eye.

Read more: Metal Roof Cost Ontario in 2024: Online Calculator

Materials of high cost would be cheaper in the long run because they tend to require fewer repairs and replacements along the years.However Lower priced materials may be cheaper at the moment, their lifespan may be shorter. Also the main factor that could influence the price would be the part of the world where the product will be installed/supplied and also the supplier. Additionally, the price could be higher if you required a customized rubber.

Factors Affecting Price:

A range of factors will affect the price of your metal roofing sheets. 

Thickness: a thicker sheet is naturally more expensive but also provides greater longevity and impact resistance. 

The most common Gauges of metal roofing in Canada are 29, 26, 24, and 22 (although we do see orders for 27, 25 or 23). The most common type is 26 or 24 Gauge metal roofing:

• 26 or 29 Gauge for the lower end of the agricultural market;
• 24 or 25 Gauge for standing seam roofing on high-end homes (0.52-0.53 mm thickness).

Material: pricing is also affected by the specific coating or finish applied to the sheet. Special purpose coatings for enhanced rust-resistance or better energy efficiency for instance come at a premium. 

Shipping: the cost for shipping and handling will also be factored into the price, especially for larger orders.

Customisation, whether it is a non-standard colour or texture, will also hike up the price, as will if you request a non-standard size or finish. Installation costs will also be a factor if you’re hiring specialist contractors.

But the good news is that now you can make an informed decision on what will work best for your budget and your project. 

Local vs. Online Price Comparison:

It is also possible to compare metal sheets prices from local suppliers to those on an online marketplace. Local suppliers might offer better prices if you need a larger quantity and carry the items in stock for immediate delivery, which can be helpful if you need the materials urgently. Similarly, local suppliers might offer installation services or a package deal that bundles materials and labour.

By contrast, an online marketplace might have a wider selection of products to choose from, and carry competitors within the site that can offer lower prices if you are comparing items the suppliers sell.

If comparing prices online, remember that shipping costs and delivery timeframes need to be considered when finding the cheapest deals. If the costs of shipping and delivery are increased due to the purchase being from an online outlet, then there are no savings, or a limited number of savings compared to purchasing the same item from a local supplier.

By weighing the pros and cons, the consumer will be rewarded with the cheapest price at no compromise on quality.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on transparency and sustainability within the steel supply chain. For those interested in the broader implications of metal roofing, it’s important to stay informed about industry developments. The Government of Canada has been taking steps to improve supply chain transparency for steel, which can influence the availability and pricing of metal roofing materials. You can learn more about these initiatives here.

FAQs about Metal Sheets

1. Which Type of Metal Roofing Is Best for My Home or Building?

Consider your budget, climate, and desired style. Consult a roofing expert for specific recommendations.

2. What Is the Lifespan of Metal Roofing Sheets?

Metal sheets typically last over 50 and up to 70 years with proper maintenance.

3. Are Metal Roofing Sheets Energy Efficient?

Yes, they reflect heat and reduce cooling costs, especially with cool roof coatings.

4. Do Metal Roofing Sheets Require Special Maintenance?

Regular inspections and cleaning are usually enough. Galvanized sheets need the least maintenance.

5. Can I Install Metal Sheets for My Roof Without Professionals?

You can most likely do it yourself with the right tools and practice but get some professional help with the more involved kind (eg, standing seam).

Conclusion

Looking for a combination of durability, style and price? Metal roofing sheets are tough to beat. From the most economical corrugated sheets to the super-premium standing seam panels, there’s a solution for every roofing need. Knowing the differences between the different types, where to buy and how to get the best deals will help you make the right decision for your project.

Considering the costs of installation and maintenance, as well as the long-term value, will help you get the most for your money when you choose metal roofing sheets for your next project. DIY enthusiasts and large-scale builders will find that sheeting delivers the dependable performance that modern homes and businesses require.