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Your roof is more than just the cherry on top of your home. It protects everything underneath it! From the structure itself to your comfort, energy efficiency, and day-to-day peace of mind…through snow, heat, rain, and sun…the roof never complains.
For homeowners in Armstrong and across the BC Interior, choosing roofing material for home projects is a decision that deserves careful thought. It’s not just a finishing choice; it’s a long-term investment. Safety, curb appeal, property value…it all adds up. And when you’re making a decision this important, it helps to have a trusted local team in your corner.
Shepherd’s Hardware is a family-owned Armstrong business with a 100-year history, and our goal is simple: help homeowners make smart, confident choices with practical advice and quality products.
In this guide, we’ll walk through…
Before comparing materials, it helps to know what you’re actually looking for. The best roof for one home may be the wrong fit for another, especially in a climate like we have here in British Columbia.
The sticker price matters, but it’s only part of the picture. A lower-cost roof may need repairs sooner or require replacement earlier, while a higher upfront investment can sometimes reduce long-term costs by way of durability, lower maintenance, or better energy performance.
Armstrong-area homes need roofing that can handle real seasonal extremes:
Material performance in its ability to shed snow, reflect heat, and resist fire should be part of the decision.
Roof lifespan should match your plans for the home. If this is your long-term home, investing in a longer-lasting material may make sense; if you plan to move sooner, a reliable mid-range option may be the better financial fit (though, a high-quality roof can drive up the price of your house for selling, as well).
Your roof is one of the biggest visual features of your home, so it has a major impact on curb appeal. The right material and color can complement your home’s architecture and even support resale value.
Some roofs are more “set it and forget it,” while others need regular upkeep. Be realistic about whether you want to spend time and money on cleaning, inspections, and maintenance, or if you’d prefer a lower-maintenance option altogether.
Not every roof structure is built for every material. Heavier roofing products may require structural reinforcement, which can increase project cost and complexity, so this should be checked early in the planning process.
Here’s a practical look at three common roofing choices for Armstrong and the BC Interior.
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in North America, and for good reason. They’re widely used because they offer a strong balance of affordability, appearance, and performance for many different home styles. They’re a popular all-around choice and relatively easy to repair when individual shingles are damaged.
Metal roofing includes styles like standing seam panels and metal shingles/shakes. It has become increasingly popular in climates with heavy snowfall and wildfire concerns because it’s durable, long-lasting, and highly weather resistant. The one major drawback is that it requires specialized skills for installation.
Cedar shakes offer a natural, textured look that fits beautifully with the character and landscape of the BC Interior. They’re often chosen for their appearance first, but they also come with tradeoffs, especially in maintenance and fire performance if untreated.
Note: Lifespans vary based on product quality, installation quality, and maintenance.
It’s easy to compare quotes and choose the cheapest option, but that can backfire if the roof needs more repairs or replacement sooner than expected. A better approach is to compare lifetime value (durability, maintenance, and expected lifespan) not just upfront cost.
Some materials need more ongoing care than others. If you choose a high-maintenance roof for the look, make sure you’re also prepared for the upkeep, or the roof may not perform the way you expect over time.
A roofing material that performs well in another region may not be the best fit for Armstrong. Snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, UV exposure, and wildfire concerns should all shape your decision.
Roofing decisions affect structure, budget, and long-term performance. Getting advice from experienced local professionals can help you avoid costly surprises—especially around installation requirements, structural support, and material fit for your home (we can help with that).
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing roofing material for home projects. The right choice comes down to balancing your budget, your home’s style, and the level of performance you need or want.
The best material is the one that fits your priorities and your home.
If you’re weighing your options, Shepherd’s Hardware is here to help. With 100 years of local history in Armstrong, their team understands what BC Interior homes need and can help guide you toward a roofing decision you can feel good about for years to come!
Stop by for a visit or give us a call today: 1 (250) 546-3002
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