Roofing by Area in Greater Vancouver
Last updated: February 2026
Different communities across Metro Vancouver have unique roofing considerations based on rainfall patterns, housing stock, terrain, and local regulations. From North Vancouver's heavy rainfall to Richmond's flat rooflines, from West Vancouver's luxury estates to New Westminster's heritage homes—each area presents distinct challenges. This guide provides community-specific roofing information to help you understand what matters for your location.
Explore Your Area
Click any community below for detailed roofing information including local climate factors, common housing types, permit requirements, and specific considerations for that area.
Vancouver
From heritage homes in Kitsilano to modern builds in Yaletown, Vancouver's diverse housing stock requires roofing expertise for every style. Permit requirements and heritage considerations for specific neighbourhoods.
View Vancouver guide →North Vancouver
Higher rainfall than the city core (up to 3,000mm annually in upper elevations) makes quality roofing critical. Steep-slope expertise needed for hillside homes with mountain views.
View North Vancouver guide →West Vancouver
Luxury homes with complex roof designs, ocean exposure, and wildfire interface concerns. Premium materials and experienced contractors essential for high-value properties.
View West Vancouver guide →Burnaby
Mix of post-war bungalows, 1970s-80s homes, and new construction. Significant heritage stock in areas like Deer Lake and Capitol Hill. Varied roofing needs across neighbourhoods.
View Burnaby guide →New Westminster
BC's oldest city with significant Victorian and Edwardian heritage housing. Specialized roofing knowledge needed for historic homes in Queens Park and surrounding areas.
View New Westminster guide →Coquitlam
Rapid growth with newer subdivisions alongside established areas. Burke Mountain's hillside homes require steep-slope expertise. Home to Penfolds Roofing's headquarters.
View Coquitlam guide →Surrey
Metro Vancouver's largest city by area with diverse housing from South Surrey estates to Whalley townhomes. Growing market with wide range of roofing needs.
View Surrey guide →Richmond
Sea-level location means many flat or low-slope roofs requiring specialized membrane systems. Moisture management is critical in this below-sea-level community.
View Richmond guide →Why Location Matters for Roofing
Metro Vancouver spans dramatically different microclimates within a compact region. Downtown Vancouver receives approximately 1,189mm of annual rainfall, while North Vancouver's upper elevations can see 2,500-3,000mm annually—more than double. West Vancouver's oceanfront properties face salt air exposure, while Richmond's sea-level homes deal with different moisture challenges than hillside properties in Coquitlam or Burnaby.
Housing stock also varies significantly. New Westminster and parts of Vancouver have concentrations of heritage homes requiring specialized roofing approaches. Newer communities like Burke Mountain feature contemporary designs with different material requirements. Understanding your location's specific factors helps ensure the right roofing solution.
Metro Vancouver Climate Overview
All Metro Vancouver communities share the region's wet winter, dry summer pattern, but intensity varies considerably by location:
- Annual rainfall: 1,000-3,000mm depending on location and elevation
- Rainy days: 160-190 days per year
- Wettest months: November through January
- Moss/algae risk: Very high region-wide (humid conditions)
- Snow: Rare at sea level; more common in North/West Vancouver hills
- Wind exposure: Varies significantly by location and terrain
These conditions make proper roofing installation critical everywhere in Metro Vancouver. Quality materials, proper ventilation, and experienced installation are non-negotiable for long roof life in this climate.
Our #1 Recommended Roofer
Penfolds Roofing & Solar
Why we recommend Penfolds Roofing & Solar:
- 87+ years serving Greater Vancouver since 1937
- Family-owned with lifetime warranty on workmanship
- BBB A+ rating with hundreds of verified reviews
- 24/7 emergency roofing service available
- Full-service: residential, commercial, and solar installation
- Three convenient locations across Metro Vancouver
Free estimates · Licensed & insured · Serving Vancouver since 1937