Replacing a roof is one of the biggest investments homeowners make. When faced with a five-digit bill it can cause quite some hesitation. And that’s a good thing as you’ll be more inclined to research different roofing options until you find the best option for you. So now that you’re doing research you’re probably wondering what the typical roof replacement costs in Ontario are. Let’s find out.
Average Cost of a Roof Replacement in Ontario
Here we’ll have a look at some of the most common roof types and their average replacement costs in Ontario. The rates listed will vary depending on your specific circumstances listed below. Once you’ve decided on a roofing option, make sure to get multiple quotes so you know you’re getting a fair rate. If you can get a trusted referral to a professional roofing company from a friend or family member, even better.
Factors Affecting Cost
Slope of your roof – The steeper the roof the more expensive it is to replace since roofers have to move more slowly to get the job done, and more care needs to be put into fall protection.
Design of your roof – Complex roof designs with more protrusions, multiple levels, or are difficult to access, cost more to replace.
Regional variations within the province – Cities with higher living costs translates to higher labour costs. However, based on supply and demand, if you live in an area without much competition (even if the cost of living is relatively low) it could also result in high labour costs. The opposite of that can also be true.
The particular contractor hired for the job – Rates can vary significantly from one contractor to another. Some contractors are professional, some are unlicensed and just doing it as a side job. Larger companies have more overhead than a small crew since they’ll employ marketing and sales people, have large offices, etc.
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Size of roof – The cost per square foot goes down when the roof size is larger because the initial costs are distributed.
| Type of Roof | Cost per sq. ft. | Cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. house | Average Lifespan |
| Asphalt | $5 – $12 | $10,000 – $24,000 | 15 – 30 years |
| Clay | $15 – $30 | $30,000 – $60,000 | 50 – 100 years |
| Metal | $7 – $30 | $14,000 – $60,000 | 40 – 70 years |
| Cedar | $15 – $25 | $30,000 – $50,000 | 25 – 50 years |
| Slate | $20 – $35 | $40,000 – $70,000 | 100 years |
| Flat | $5 – $17 | $10,000 – $34,000 | 15 – 25 years |
Cost to Replace Roof Shingles
Shingles are the most commonly used roofing material for residential homes since they’re relatively cheap and easy to install, thus lowering their labour costs.
Shingles don’t just come in the cheap, boring look anymore. There are thicker ones that look a lot better and last longer, called dimensional shingles or architectural shingles. There are also products that mimic the look of more expensive options like slate or wood shakes, referred to as premium shingles or designer shingles. Asphalt shingles generally last between 15 and 20 years while the higher end ones can last up to 30 years.
In terms of cost, replacing a roof with shingles should cost anywhere between $5 to $9 per square foot. However, for premium options, this price can go up to $12 per square foot. This cost includes stripping the old shingles, installing a new underlayment and installing the new shingles. Replacing plywood decking will cost extra. Other additional costs could include doing repairs or replacing vents or fascia.
For example, a 2,000 square foot roof would therefore cost anywhere between $10,000 and $18,000. For premium shingles, the price could range up to $24,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof.
Clay Tile Roof Replacement Cost
One of the most durable and long-lasting types of roofs, clay roofs have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
Clay roofs offer a number of advantages. They require very little maintenance, they’re resistant to rot, insects and fire. They also reflect the sun and provide some insulation, which will help with heating and cooling costs. If you’re looking for a sustainable material, clay is a great option since it’s natural and can be recycled.
To replace your clay roof, expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $30 per square foot. That comes out to $30,000 to $60,000 for a 2,000 square foot house.
Average Cost of a Metal Roof Replacement
Metal roofs can be made out of steel, aluminum, copper and zinc. They’re available in panels, shingles, tiles and other styles. One of the biggest benefits of metal roofs is that they last a long time – anywhere between 40 and 70 years.
Metal roofs are ideal for areas that suffer a lot of harsh weather, including hail, wind and snow. Another benefit of metal roofs is that they are energy efficient since they reflect solar energy instead of absorbing it. Metal roofs also tend to be very lightweight, reducing the amount of pressure put on a structure and making them easier to install. Lastly, metal roofs offer an advantage in terms of sustainability – since metal is valuable it is quite likely to be recycled, so it’s a lot easier to find metal roof material that’s made of recycled content than other types of roofing.
Metal roofs are relatively cost effective, and on average cost between $7 to $30 per square foot ($14,000 to $60,000 for a 2,000 square foot house). The wide range in cost depends on the type of metal being used. Steel and aluminum are the most cost-effective options, while zinc and copper are on the higher end.
Cedar Roof Replacement Cost
If you want a really nice looking roof, check out cedar shakes or shingles. They don’t just look great, cedar is resistant to decay, rot and insects. They are biodegradable so they’re a sustainable choice and they provide both thermal insulation and sound insulation.
On the downside, cedar roofs require more maintenance than other options. Mold, mildew and moss can start to grow on these shingles so they need to be cleaned every year otherwise the wood degrades. They also need to be stained about every 3 to 5 years.
Cedar shakes and shingles can be costly, ranging between $15 and $25 per square foot to install ($30,000 to $50,000 for a 2,000 square foot house). And that’s just the installation. Think about the additional costs you’ll have to spend on maintenance.
Slate Roof Replacement Cost
Slate tiles look fantastic and they are super durable with a lifespan that can surpass 100 years.
Slate roofs can resist all sorts of weather conditions, fire, rot, insects and they’re also low maintenance. As a natural material, slate also happens to be environmentally friendly.
The obvious downside is of course that slate roofs can be quite expensive. However, when you factor the longevity of the roof and low maintenance costs, it starts to make a lot more sense. Another thing to keep in mind is that slate roofs are heavy, so they need significant structural support to hold them.
To get a slate roof expect to spend between $20 and $35 per square foot. That translates to $40,000 to $70,000 for a 2,000 square foot house.
Flat Roof Replacement Cost
Flat roofs are common on large residential complexes, apartments, or commercial units. They’re covered in materials such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, EPDM, TPO and PVC. One of the biggest benefits of flat roofs is that they are cost effective.
Flat roofs also provide a building with extra usable space since the roof can be utilized for other purposes. Flat roofs are also relatively quick to install and are easier to maintain. On the flip side, flat roofs are more susceptible to drainage issues, which can lead to leaks and structural damage.
At this time, the average cost of a flat roof replacement in Ontario generally runs from $5 to $17 per square foot with built-up roofing and modified bitumen on the lower end of the scale. That’s $10,000 to $34,000 for 2,000 sq. ft. of roof.
Roof Replacement Costs in Toronto
Toronto is an expensive city to live in, so labour costs are going to be higher than most other places. Average roof replacement costs run between $10,000 and $20,000 for a 2,000 square foot house. When compared to some of the other big cities in Canada, such as Montreal, Toronto has relatively high roofing costs.
For instance, for a basic asphalt shingle roof on an average house, you’ll pay around $9,000 in Toronto, whereas the same roof would cost closer to $7,000 in Montreal. The trend is the same across the board no matter the roofing material being used.
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Hi Fabian,
Thank you for the information you gave.
We have a back split house since we bout it there is a problem at the junction it was repaired several times and fully changed once. Still we have the problem.
Now we are thinking of putting a plywood under the shingle and change partially .
Can you give us advice.
We appreciate your help
Hi Yig, wish we could be of help but you would need to have a roofer come have a look. You can try searching through our directory to see if you find a suitable one in your neighbourhood.