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If you own a home in Ontario, your roof is one of the most important parts of protecting it. Over time, every roof wears down from wind, rain, snow, and general aging. Sooner or later, you’ll need to replace it — and naturally, the first question most homeowners ask is, how much will it cost?

Average Roof Replacement Cost in Ontario

In Ontario, most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $15,000 for a full roof replacement. However, depending on the materials you choose and the size and complexity of your roof, costs can easily rise much higher — sometimes exceeding $20,000 or more for large or luxury homes.

Here’s a rough cost guide based on home size:

Small homes (under 1,500 sq. ft., like bungalows or townhouses): $5,000 – $8,000

Medium homes (1,500 – 2,500 sq. ft., typical detached homes): $7,000 – $11,000

Large homes (over 2,500 sq. ft.): $10,000 – $20,000+

If you’re dealing with a very steep roof, lots of angles and dormers, or premium materials, you could be looking at even higher costs.

Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Cost

1. Size and Shape of Your Roof

The bigger your roof, the more material and labor you’ll need. That’s pretty straightforward. But roof shape also matters. Roofs with complex designs — like multiple slopes, hips, valleys, and dormers — cost more because they take longer and require more skill to install properly.

A steeply pitched roof (one that's sharply angled) is more dangerous and harder to work on. Contractors may need extra safety equipment and time, which usually adds 10–20% to labor costs compared to a flatter roof.

2. Roofing Materials

Material choice has a huge impact on your final price. Some common roofing materials in Ontario include:

Asphalt shingles: $3.50 – $6.00 per sq. ft.

(Most common, affordable, 15–30 years lifespan)

Metal roofing: $7.00 – $15.00 per sq. ft.

(Expensive upfront, but lasts 40–70 years)

Cedar shakes or shingles: $8.00 – $16.00 per sq. ft.

(Beautiful but requires maintenance, 30–50 years lifespan)

Slate tiles: $20.00+ per sq. ft.

(Extremely durable and heavy, 75–100+ years lifespan)

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular choice for Ontario homeowners because they strike a good balance between cost, durability, and style options.

3. Labor Costs

Labor typically accounts for 40%–50% of your total roofing bill. In Ontario, you can expect to pay about $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot just for labor. Rates can go higher if:

Your home is very tall (3+ storeys)

Your roof is very steep

Special safety gear is needed

Weather conditions are poor (cold, wet seasons)

4. Removing the Old Roof

Before a new roof can be installed, the old one often needs to be torn off. This "tear-off" process usually costs an extra $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot on top of the installation. If your existing roof is in reasonably good shape and local regulations allow it, you might be able to "overlay" a second layer of shingles, saving some money — but it’s not always recommended because it can shorten the lifespan of the new roof.

5. Condition of the Roof Deck

Once the old shingles are off, your contractor will inspect the wooden decking underneath. If it's rotted, soft, or damaged, it needs to be repaired or replaced before the new roof goes on. Deck repairs usually cost between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot depending on the extent of the damage.

Ignoring deck issues can lead to serious problems later, including water leaks and structural damage — so it’s important not to skip this step.

Types of Roof Replacement Projects

When you're replacing your roof, there are two main options:

Tear-off and replace:

Removing the old shingles completely and starting fresh. This is the best long-term option and gives you a chance to fix hidden problems.

Overlay (re-roofing):

Adding a new layer of shingles over the old ones. This is cheaper upfront but can create issues with ventilation, heat buildup, and added weight on your home\u2019s structure.

In Ontario, many municipalities and contractors recommend full tear-offs for better performance and longer warranty coverage.

Why Roof Replacement Costs Are Rising in Ontario

Over the last few years, roofing costs in Ontario have gone up. Here’s why:

Material shortages (especially asphalt and wood)

Increased labor costs (skilled trades are in high demand)

Higher fuel costs (impacting shipping and delivery fees)

More extreme weather (requiring stronger, more expensive materials)

It’s more important than ever to budget carefully and plan ahead for a roof replacement.

How to Save Money on a Roof Replacement

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Never hire the first roofer you talk to. Always get at least three quotes from different contractors. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars for the exact same work.

When comparing quotes, don’t just look at the total price — review what’s included:

Are materials, labor, permits, disposal fees, and cleanup costs all clearly listed?

What type of shingles or roofing materials are being quoted?

How many years of workmanship warranty is included?

Clear, detailed quotes help you avoid nasty "extra costs" later.

2. Choose the Right Materials for Your Budget

You don't need the most expensive materials for a great roof.

For most homeowners in Ontario, architectural asphalt shingles (also called "dimensional" shingles) offer the best mix of price, durability, and curb appeal.

They cost a little more than basic 3-tab shingles, but last about twice as long.

They usually come with better wind, water, and hail protection.

Metal roofing is excellent if you plan to stay in your home for 40+ years — but the higher upfront cost doesn’t make sense for everyone.

Always ask about energy-efficient options. Some shingles reflect more sunlight, keeping your home cooler and reducing your summer air conditioning bills.

3. Time Your Project for the Off-Season

Most homeowners want their roofs replaced in summer or early fall when the weather is nice. Roofing companies are busiest — and often most expensive — during this peak time.

If you can schedule your project in late fall or very early spring, you may be able to negotiate a better deal. Many companies offer discounts to fill their slower months.

Just make sure the weather forecast allows enough warm, dry days to finish the job properly.

4. Understand Roofing Warranties

There are two types of warranties you need to care about:

Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials.

(Usually 20–50 years, depending on the product.)

Workmanship warranty: Covers mistakes made during installation.

(Usually 5–10 years, sometimes longer with premium contractors.)

Good installation is just as important as good materials. Even the best shingles will fail early if installed poorly.

Always get your warranties in writing. Verbal promises mean nothing if something goes wrong later.

Avoid the Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Choosing the Cheapest Contractor

Low prices are tempting, but if a quote is way lower than others, it’s a red flag. They might cut corners, use cheap materials, or lack proper insurance.

Always verify:

WSIB insurance coverage

Liability insurance

Business license

Customer reviews (especially recent ones)

2. Not Getting a Written Contract

Every roofing project needs a detailed contract outlining:

Start and completion dates

Exact materials and brands used

Cleanup and disposal responsibilities

Payment schedule

Warranty coverage

No contract = no protection if disputes happen later.

3. Ignoring Ventilation

Good attic ventilation is critical to your new roof’s lifespan. Without it, moisture can build up inside your attic, leading to mold, rot, and early shingle failure.

Make sure your roofer evaluates your attic vents and includes any necessary upgrades in their quote.

Signs It's Time to Replace (Not Repair) Your Roof

If you’re unsure whether you need a full replacement or just a repair, watch for these signs:

Multiple leaks inside your home

Missing, curling, or cracked shingles across wide areas

Roof sagging or soft spots when walked on

Algae, moss, or mold growth that won’t go away

Your roof is 20+ years old (especially asphalt roofs)

One or two damaged shingles might just need a simple repair. Widespread problems mean it’s smarter to invest in a full replacement.

Do You Need a Permit in Ontario?

In many Ontario cities (like Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa), you don’t need a permit just to replace shingles if you’re not changing the roof’s structure.

However, you do need a permit if:

You’re altering or replacing roof framing

You’re adding new skylights, chimneys, or dormers

You're significantly changing the roof’s design

Permit costs typically range from $150–400.

Ask your roofing contractor — a good one will handle the permit process for you.

Average Roof Replacement Cost in Ontario

Replacing your roof is a big investment — but it’s one that protects everything underneath it.

In Ontario, expect to spend between $5,000 and $20,000 for most projects. Costs depend heavily on the size of your home, the complexity of your roof, the materials you choose, and the contractor you hire.

Plan ahead, compare quotes carefully, and work with trusted professionals. A properly installed roof can last decades and give you peace of mind through every storm, snowfall, and summer heatwave.

Your home — and your future self — will thank you for it.