If you own a home in Burnaby, you know your roof is subject to heavy rainfall from October through April, aggressive moss growth on anything that stays damp, and summer heat spikes. Choosing the right roofing system isn’t just about how it looks, which we know is important, but also about picking materials that can hold up to everything our weather system throws at them, year after year.

Our team at Canuck Roofing has been protecting Burnaby homes since 2008. Here’s what we’ve learned about what actually works for residential roofs in Burnaby.

Understanding Burnaby’s Roofing Challenges

Burnaby sits in a temperate rainforest climate. That means high moisture, mild but wet winters, and humidity levels that stay elevated through much of the year. These conditions create three main threats to any roof:

Water infiltration: from sustained rainfall and improper drainage
Moss and algae growth: from the damp, shaded conditions common in residential neighbourhoods
Wind uplift: during fall and winter storms rolling off Burrard Inlet

The best roofing systems for Burnaby homes address all three of these issues at once.

Asphalt Shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles are probably one of the most widely installed roofing materials we see. There’s a solid reason for that. When you choose premium-grade asphalt shingles, you get excellent waterproofing, an expected lifespan of 25 years, and strong wind resistance ratings.

We work with top-tier material partners, including IKO and CertainTeed, two of North America’s most respected shingle manufacturers. These aren’t the basic entry-level shingles you’d find at a big box store. IKO’s Dynasty lines and CertainTeed’s Landmark and Presidential products are engineered with advanced granule coatings that resist algae growth. This is a critical feature for homes in our climate, like those you see on the North Shore and in Burnaby neighbourhoods like Edmonds, Metrotown, and Capitol Hill.

If you’re replacing an aging roof, we’ll always recommend going up at least one tier from the builder-grade product that was originally installed. The difference in longevity and performance is significant, and the cost gap is smaller than most homeowners expect.

Torch-On (Flat and Low-Slope Roofs)

Many Burnaby homes, especially mid-century ranchers, contemporary builds, and coach houses, feature flat or low-slope roof sections. For these areas, torch-on roofing (also called modified bitumen) is the gold standard in our climate.

We use Soprema & IKO membranes, premium waterproofing systems trusted on commercial and residential projects across Canada. Torch-on roofing, when properly installed by certified professionals, can last up to 30 years and provides unmatched waterproofing for sections that don’t shed water as efficiently as steep-slope roofs.

Torch-on roofing requires trained installers using open-flame equipment, which is why Canuck Roofing carries $10 million in liability insurance, including full coverage for hot-works and open-flame operations.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity across Burnaby’s higher-end residential market, and it’s easy to see why. A properly installed metal roof lasts two to three times longer than asphalt shingles, often 50 years or more, and requires very little maintenance.

In our rainy climate, metal is highly resistant to moss and algae because water simply doesn’t pool or soak in. It’s also lightweight relative to tile, which means less structural stress on your home. And when it does reach the end of life, metal is fully recyclable, a meaningful benefit for environmentally conscious homeowners. We install standing seam and steel panel systems, and we’ll walk you through which profile suits your home’s architecture and neighbourhood aesthetic.

A Note on Moss and Maintenance

Even with the best materials, Burnaby’s climate means moss management is part of responsible roof ownership. Staying on top of moss, by scheduling regular assessments and cleanings, prevents the root systems from growing into the shingles and shortening your roof’s lifespan prematurely.

Regular assessments, ideally every one to three years, allow us to catch small issues like loose flashing, cracked shingles, or gutter blockages.

Our Commitment to Safety and Quality

Every Canuck Roofing project is completed with the highest safety standards in the industry. We are fully WCB Compliant with a Gold Star Clearance from WorkSafeBC, and we hold the BCCSA Certificate of Recognition (COR Safety Certification), a designation that demonstrates our health and safety management systems meet provincial and national standards. Our dedicated National Construction Safety Officer, Cam, leads safety planning on every major project, with comprehensive fall protection plans, proper safety equipment, and regular toolbox safety meetings built into every job.

We back our work with a 10-year labour warranty on all new and re-roofing installations, and material warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on the system.

Award-Winning, Trusted in Burnaby

We’re proud to be one of Burnaby’s most recognized roofing companies. Our accolades include:

Best of Burnaby Winner – 2024 and 2025
HomeStars Best of Award – 2024
Three Best Rated roofing contractor in Burnaby
Best of Vancouver recognition
Quality Business Award – 2024
BBB A+ Accreditation
BCCSA Certificate of Recognition (COR)
WCB Gold Star Clearance

Our accolades reflect years of quality work, transparent communication, and roofs built to last.

Are You Ready to Talk About Your Roof?

If you’re planning a full re-roof or just want to know what condition your roof is actually in, Canuck Roofing offers no-obligation assessments. We’ll give you a straight answer, quality recommendations, and the best materials available.

Call us at (778) 772-1969 or request an estimate to get started.