Standing Seam Roofs Built Right Here in the Okanagan
When you hire me for a standing seam metal roof in Kelowna, you work directly with me, Jared Hanson. I personally design, fabricate and install every roof. No middlemen, no large crews, and no one else touching your project. Just me, from the first measurement to the final panel.
I’m a journeyman architectural sheet metal worker and building envelope specialist, and I completed my apprenticeship through the Roofing Contractors Association of BC (RCABC). You can read more about me and my background. Standing seam metal roofing is my main focus. I bring the roll former right to your property, roll the panels on site, and install a true hidden fastener system. Here’s how I do it and why.
Why Standing Seam Metal Roofing Makes Sense in Kelowna
When it comes to metal roofing, Kelowna’s weather is the main reason I recommend standing seam. Kelowna and the Okanagan get heavy snow in winter, strong winds, intense summer sun and big temperature swings. A properly installed standing seam metal roof handles it very well. I wrote about this in more detail in why standing seam metal roofing makes sense in Kelowna and the Okanagan, but here’s the short version.
1. Built for Our Snow, Wind and Sun
The raised seams help shed snow, and the metal expands and contracts with the temperature instead of cracking the way asphalt shingles often do.
2. A Long Life with Very Little Upkeep
When it’s installed correctly, a standing seam metal roof can easily last 40 to 60 years or more with very little upkeep. The key words are “installed correctly.”
3. A Clean Look That Suits Okanagan Homes
The straight lines of a standing seam roof give a home a clean, high-quality look. It works on both modern and traditional Okanagan homes.
My Standing Seam Profile
My signature profile is a 1-inch standing seam with flat pans and a hidden fastener clip system. I can vary the panel width when a roof calls for it, but a 21-inch panel leaves no waste, so it’s my standard and the width I prefer. It’s a European-inspired design that gives excellent water shedding, good thermal performance and a clean, modern look. Every roof is customized to suit the architecture of the house and the building requirements.
I can work with any material in the Cascadia Metals catalogue except stainless. My standard is 24 gauge painted steel or heavier, and it’s what I recommend for most roofs. I can supply 26 gauge on request, but it’s a lighter, thinner steel and not as strong, so I’ll always talk it through with you first. Colours come from the Cascadia Metals colour catalogue, so there’s a wide range to choose from.
True Hidden Fasteners vs Exposed Screws
This is one of the biggest decisions on any metal roof. If you’re comparing quotes, always ask what fastening system the installer plans to use.
How exposed screw roofs work
Most standard metal roofs use exposed screws with rubber (neoprene) washers. The screws go straight through the panel into the structure below. Here’s the problem: metal moves. Every time the sun heats the roof or a cold night cools it down, the panels expand and contract, and that puts stress right on the screws. Over time the washers dry out, crack and shrink, the seal breaks, and water can get in through the screw holes.
How a true hidden fastener system works
On the roofs I install, the clips and screws are completely hidden under the standing seams. That means:
- Protected fasteners. They’re out of the UV and the weather, so they don’t break down as fast.
- Room to move. The panels can expand and contract more freely, so there’s far less stress on the fastening points.
- Fewer holes. The metal itself, your first layer of waterproofing, stays intact.
- Better backup. The underlayment underneath, your second line of defence, stays better protected.
The result is less maintenance, a much lower risk of leaks and a cleaner look. I install both systems and I’m happy to show you samples of each. For most homes in Kelowna and the Okanagan, I strongly recommend a proper hidden fastener standing seam system. You can read my full take in hidden fastener systems vs exposed screws.
Why I Roll the Panels On Site
Shop-built panels are made in a factory and shipped to your home in fixed lengths. On-site fabrication means I bring the roll former to your property and form the panels right there, to the exact lengths your roof needs. Here’s what that gets you:
- A more precise fit. Every roof has its own valleys, hips, chimneys and odd shapes. I measure, cut and form each panel as I go.
- Long, continuous panels. Fewer seams and cleaner lines from eave to ridge.
- Wider panels. I can roll panels wider than what’s usually practical to ship, which means fewer seams overall.
- Less waste. I only roll what your roof needs.
- Less handling damage. Panels don’t get scratched or dented on a truck or at a supplier’s yard.
For a very small or simple roof, shop-built panels can work fine. For most homes in the Okanagan, especially ones with complex rooflines, on-site fabrication gives a better result. More on that in on-site fabrication vs shop-built panels.
Flashing, Details and Snow Retention
The details are where roofs leak or last: the eaves, rakes, valleys, ridges, walls and anything that comes through the roof. I custom fabricate the panels, flashing and details right on site, so the whole roof fits together as one system from edge to edge. I also make custom flashing for walls, windows and parapets.
A standing seam roof is very good at shedding snow, so it’s worth thinking about where that snow lands. Over doors, decks, driveways and walkways, I recommend snow retention. I install my own low-profile square-bar system that clamps to the seams, and it’s easiest to plan in while the roof is going on.
New Roofs and Roof Replacements
Whether you’re replacing an aging asphalt roof or building a new home, I handle the whole process from start to finish:
- On-site consultation. I come out, look at your roof and take measurements. No pressure.
- Custom design. We go over colour, flashing and snow retention, and I give you an upfront price and a realistic timeline.
- On-site fabrication. I bring the roll former to your property and roll each panel to length.
- Precision installation. I always tear off the old roof first. I bring in a crew for the tear-off and oversee it myself, then put down a high-temperature synthetic underlayment (Roofnado StormTread or AnchorDeck PSU) before installing the clips, panels, flashing and trim myself.
- Walk-through. I clean up after myself and walk the finished roof with you.
I work with homeowners, builders, general contractors and commercial clients, on projects big and small. If you’re building new, I’m happy to work alongside your builder or general contractor, and commercial roofs are welcome too.
What Affects the Cost of a Metal Roof
I don’t publish one price because no two roofs are the same. These are the main things that affect the cost of a standing seam roof:
- Roof size. The total area and the length of each slope.
- Pitch. Steeper roofs take more time and more safety setup.
- Complexity. Valleys, hips, dormers, chimneys, skylights and walls all add flashing and labour.
- Tear-off. Removing the old roof, and what shape the decking is in underneath. If I find rotten or unsuitable decking, it has to be repaired before the new roof goes on. I bring it to your attention right away, explain the cost and how it affects the timeline, and wait for your approval before going ahead.
- Metal and colour. The material and finish you choose.
- Extras. Snow retention, custom flashing, awnings and other details.
- Access. How easy it is to get the roll former and material close to the house.
I’m upfront with pricing. I measure the roof and give you a free quote before any work starts.
Other Roofing Options
Standing seam is my focus, but it isn’t the only option. For customers who want a more traditional sloped roof style, I also provide architectural shingle roofing and corrugated metal roofing. I’ll give you an honest opinion on what suits your home and budget.
Metal Roofing: Kelowna, West Kelowna and Across the Okanagan
I’m based in Kelowna and install standing seam metal roofing across the Okanagan, including West Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Penticton, Peachland and Summerland. I’ll also travel for the right project; I’ve worked as far away as Saskatchewan.
Why Local Homeowners Choose Me
- I do every job myself. I personally handle every step, from design and on-site fabrication to the final installation. The person who quotes your roof is the person on it.
- RCABC-trained journeyman. My apprenticeship gave me a strong foundation in architectural sheet metal, proper installation and building envelope systems, and I still use those standards on every roof.
- On-site roll forming and true hidden fasteners. Long, continuous panels made to fit your roof, with no exposed screws.
- Upfront pricing and realistic timelines. I give one roof my full attention at a time, so every detail gets done right.
- I stand behind every roof I install, with a 10-year craftsmanship warranty on my work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a standing seam metal roof last?
When it’s installed correctly, a standing seam metal roof can easily last 40 to 60 years or more with very little upkeep. The fastening system and the flashing details make a big difference, which is why I install a true hidden fastener system.
Is a hidden fastener roof really better than exposed screws?
For most homes in the Okanagan, yes. The fasteners stay out of the weather and there are far fewer holes through the metal. Exposed screw roofs rely on rubber washers that eventually dry out and crack.
Will snow slide off my metal roof?
Yes, a standing seam roof sheds snow well. Over entrances, decks, driveways and walkways, I recommend snow retention so the snow melts off slowly instead of sliding off all at once.
Can you put a metal roof over my old shingles?
No. I’ll always look at your roof and explain the options before you decide, but I never install a metal roof over an old one. I always tear off first. Covering an old roof doesn’t really save you money, it doesn’t look as good, and it raises the chance of the roof system failing or even coming loose down the road. Starting from clean decking is the only way I’ll do it.
How long does it take to install a metal roof?
A full new roof typically takes about two weeks, and larger or more complex roofs can take longer. I give one roof my full attention at a time instead of juggling several crews and jobs, so every panel and flashing gets done thoroughly. Weather plays a part too, and I’ll give you a realistic timeline with your quote.
What warranty do I get?
I give a 10-year craftsmanship warranty on my workmanship. The panels and paint are covered separately by Cascadia Metals’ manufacturer warranty. Their terms depend on the product and paint system: Cascadia lists limited warranties of up to 40 years for its SMP and PVDF paint systems. See their warranty and specification details. I’ll tell you which product and paint system your roof uses so you know exactly what applies.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost in Kelowna?
It depends on the size, pitch and complexity of the roof, whether there’s a tear-off, the metal you choose and extras like snow retention. I give free quotes with upfront pricing.
Thinking About a New Metal Roof?
If you’re thinking about replacing your current roof or building new with metal roofing, Kelowna or elsewhere in the Okanagan, I’d be happy to come take a look at your home and give you an honest opinion with no pressure. Call or text me directly at 250-503-7577 for a free quote.