Watertight Barrier
Watertight Barrier | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Kingston
Kingston’s weather can turn on a dime, but your home stays calm and dry under HEP’s watertight barrier solution. Our skilled roofers fuse high-grade panels with precision-sealed seams, creating a sleek shield that shrugs off driving rain, lake-effect snow, and summer heat. The result is quiet confidence overhead: no leaks, no loose panels, just enduring beauty that complements every limestone façade in town.
Choosing metal roofing with HEP means investing in 50+ years of low-maintenance performance and measurable energy savings. The reflective finish keeps attic temperatures in check, the recycled steel lessens your environmental footprint, and the bold colour palette lets you match heritage charm or modern minimalism. From the first on-site assessment to the final fastener, our local team handles every detail—so all you notice is the flawless finish.
FAQs
What makes a watertight barrier metal roof different from traditional asphalt shingles?
A watertight barrier metal roof combines high-grade steel or aluminum panels with a fully adhered underlayment that seals around every fastener, creating a continuous moisture barrier. Unlike asphalt shingles, which rely on overlapping courses and gravity, the metal panels interlock and are often installed with concealed clips that eliminate exposed screw holes. This design stops wind-driven rain, ice, and snow from penetrating the roof system, giving you superior leak protection, longer service life (40–70 years versus 15–25 for shingles), and greater resistance to Kingston’s freeze–thaw cycles.
How does Kingston’s climate affect the performance of metal roofing systems?
Kingston sits on the shores of Lake Ontario and experiences wide temperature swings, heavy lake-effect snow, and periodic wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h. A watertight barrier metal roof is engineered for precisely these conditions. The panels shed snow quickly, reducing rooftop weight and ice-dam formation. A high-temperature, self-sealing underlayment stays flexible from –40 °C to 120 °C, so it won’t crack in winter or liquefy in summer. Standing-seam metal also meets or exceeds CSA A123.21 wind uplift standards, ensuring your roof stays secure during sudden storms that roll off the lake.
Are watertight barrier metal roofs noisy during rain or hail storms?
Modern installations include a solid plywood or OSB deck, a high-density synthetic underlayment, and, in many cases, an optional acoustic mat. These layers absorb vibration, making interior sound levels comparable to—or quieter than—those under an asphalt roof. Homeowners in Kingston who upgrade to metal typically report only a gentle patter during heavy rain, thanks to the tight fastener system and continuous insulation used in most homes.
Can a watertight barrier metal roof be installed over my existing roof?
Yes—provided your current roof deck is structurally sound and local building codes allow a recover. In Kingston, the Ontario Building Code permits one additional layer if the combined weight does not exceed design limits and if ventilation requirements are met. Our crew first verifies that there are no rotten boards, then installs a vented metal-to-deck system with a self-adhered underlayment over the shingles. This saves tear-off costs, reduces landfill waste, and adds an extra layer of insulation without compromising watertight integrity.
How long does a watertight barrier metal roof last and what maintenance is required?
High-quality steel or aluminum panels coated with Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® finishes routinely last 50 years or more. Manufacturer warranties typically cover paint fade and chalk for up to 35 years and weather-tightness for up to 40 years. Maintenance is minimal: keep gutters clear, trim overhanging branches, and schedule a professional inspection every 3–5 years to check flashing and fasteners. In Kingston’s climate, an annual spring roof wash to remove lake salt and pollen will extend coating life even further.
What is the cost range for installing a watertight barrier metal roof in Kingston, and are there energy savings or incentives?
Installed prices generally run from $10 to $16 per square foot, depending on panel profile, metal thickness, colour, roof complexity, and whether an existing tear-off is required. While upfront costs are higher than asphalt shingles, energy studies show Kingston homeowners can reduce cooling loads by 10–15 % thanks to the metal’s reflective finish and vented airspace. You may also qualify for rebates under the Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $5,000) or the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate. We provide documentation for both programs and energy-efficient ‘cool roof’ coatings that meet ENERGY STAR® criteria.