Frequently Asked Questions

Rare Manufacturing Inc. is the manufacturer of the products that we supply.

How much does an Ironwood permanent metal roof cost?
Where can I see an Ironwood roof "in person"?
Why is an Ironwood roof better than other metal roofs?
How long will my permanent metal roof last?
What is the length of warranty for an Ironwood permanent metal roof?
Where do you install?
Why is permanent metal an "environmentally friendly" roofing material?
What about rust?
Is a permanent metal roof noisy?
Is a metal roof safe during a lightning storm?
How well will a permanent metal roof withstand hail?
Are permanent metal roofs fire-resistant?
Will moss grow on my permanent metal roof?
Will I be able to walk on my permanent metal roof?
Why is it important to choose a lightweight roofing material like permanent metal?
Can I install a permanent metal roof myself?
Where can I find more information on your permanent metal roofing products?

1. How much does a permanent metal roof cost?

Our most economical option, Ironwood Shake, costs about 10% more than cedar shakes but is substantially less expensive when you factor in the maintenance and replacement costs of a cedar roof. All of our profiles are priced competitively with other lifetime roofing materials, such as concrete tile. As with cedar shakes, however, a permanent metal roof has several advantages over concrete tile. (see a full comparison of roofing materials at VancouverIslandsBestRoof.com)

2. Where can I see an Ironwood roof "in person"?

Contact us to request a drive-by list of Ironwood homes in your neighbourhood. We won't just give you one or two ! we'll give you the addresses of every home we've roofed in your area. We like showing off our work!

3. Why is an Ironwood roof better than other metal roofs?

With the old fashioned, long-form metal roofs that you typically find on Vancouver Island, the panels can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. This eventually causes the panels to loosen, which leads to leaks and annoying vibrations during inclement weather. Even worse, repair jobs can be very expensive since the entire roof often needs to be removed in order to replace a single damaged panel. With an Ironwood roof, the panels are much smaller, and our hidden fastener system makes it easy to replace an individual panel should the need arise. Ironwood roofs are also not susceptible to the expansion and contraction that affects long-form metal roofs.

4. How long will my permanent metal roof last?

Many permanent metal roofs have lasted well over 100 years. The permanent metal roofs produced today are engineered to withstand severe weather conditions, and we believe they will outlast our lifetime warranty.

5. What is the length of warranty for an Ironwood permanent metal roof?

We offer a limited lifetime transferable warranty.

6. Where do you install?

Ironwood Shake & Tile services all of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Our crews are located in Victoria, Nanaimo and the Comox Valley, making us one of the most responsive roofing companies on the Island.

7. Why is permanent metal an "environmentally friendly" roofing material?

Here are four reasons:

All of our permanent metal roofs have an Energy Star "Cool Roof" rating, meaning they'll likely reduce your home energy consumption by 20% to 30%.
Our roofs are recyclable. For comparison, an estimated 30 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are taken to landfills every single year!
Ninety-five per cent of the time, our roofs can be installed right on top of existing asphalt roofs, keeping more asphalt shingles out of landfills!
Our roofing products are manufactured right here in BC, which means fewer greenhouse gasses are emitted during transport.

8. What about rust?

Your Ironwood permanent metal roof will never rust. Our roofing panels are treated with a high-quality protective coating just before the paint finish is applied in order to protect the metal from oxidization.

9. Is a permanent metal roof noisy?

No. Our roofs are comprised of overlapping metal panels that are fastened above an insulating underlayment, making them no noisier than any other roof during rain, hail or other inclement weather.

10. Is a metal roof safe during a lightning storm?

Yes. Lightning is attracted to the highest object in an area, regardless of material. Therefore, metal roofing does not attract lightning and poses no additional risk over other roofing materials.

11. How well will a permanent metal roof withstand hail?

All of our roofing products have been tested by repeatedly dropping two-inch steel balls from a height of 20 feet. We're happy to say that hail will not compromise your roof, nor will it crack or otherwise damage your roof's paint finish. It's also worth noting that, unlike most other roofing products, metal doesn't lose its impact resistance with age.

12. Are permanent metal roofs fire-resistant?

Yes. Our roofs have the highest fire resistance rating of any roofing material. Our roofing panels have been tested in accordance with many test standards (ASTM E 108-95, UBC Standard 15-2(1997), UL 790(1997), CAN S107) and have received an overall non-combustible rating.

13. Will moss grow on my permanent metal roof?

No. The smooth surface of our roofing panels inhibits the growth of moss and the accumulation of other debris. In fact, our roofs are virtually self-cleaning with every rainfall.

14. Will I be able to walk on my permanent metal roof?

Yes. Our roofing panels are extremely durable and can be walked on with proper care and attention to safety. Of course, appropriate footwear should be worn during such endeavours.

15. Why is it important to choose a lightweight roofing material like permanent metal?

In an earthquake-prone region like Vancouver Island, topping your home with a heavy roof like concrete or slate can have disastrous consequences, especially if you or someone you love happens to be inside the home when an earthquake strikes. Because an Ironwood roof is one of the lightest roofs available on Vancouver Island, it's also one of the safest in the event of an earthquake. Also, re-roofing your home with a heavy roofing material like concrete tile may require expensive truss reinforcement or extra bracing.

16. Can I install a permanent metal roof myself?

We do not recommend installing your own metal roof. First of all, permanent metal roofs are much more sophisticated than asphalt or cedar shingles, and their proper installation is much more complicated. There would also be no installation warranty against leaks, and the manufacturer does not provide a product warranty unless an authorized installer, such as Ironwood Shake & Tile, installs your roof.

17. Where can I find more information on your permanent metal roofing products?

Simply contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have, provide you with a free, no-pressure estimate and/or direct you to further information. You can also click here to visit our manufacturer's web site.

Links of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions