Complete Roof Replacement Ontario | New Roof Installation Quotes

Expert roof replacement services across Ontario

Your roof is probably the biggest investment you'll make in your home after buying it. That's why you need straight answers from people who know what they're doing. Our network connects you with licensed roofing contractors across Ontario who actually care about doing the job right.

Maybe your roof is old and you know it needs replacing. Maybe a storm tore it up and now you're dealing with leaks. Or maybe you just want to upgrade before problems start. Whatever your situation, getting quotes from multiple contractors helps you make the right choice without getting taken advantage of.

Here's what makes our network different. These contractors won't push you into a new roof if you don't need one yet. They make more money from referrals and repeat business than from one rushed sale, so they'll tell you the truth about what your roof actually needs.

How to know when you need a complete roof replacement

Not every roof problem needs a full tear-off and rebuild. Good contractors will fix what can be fixed and save you money. But sometimes replacement is the only smart move.

Ontario-specific heads up: Our freeze-thaw cycles are brutal. A roof that might last another 2-3 years in a milder climate could fail in just one Ontario winter. When contractors say your roof is near the end, believe them.

What's included in a complete roof replacement

A new roof is way more than just slapping on new shingles. There's a whole process that good contractors follow to make sure your roof actually lasts as long as it should.

Complete tear-off to bare deck

Most quality contractors strip everything down to the plywood. Yes, you could just layer new shingles over old ones, but that's asking for problems. When you go down to bare deck, the contractor can check for rot and damage, install proper underlayment, spot structural issues before they get worse, and you'll get better warranty coverage. It costs a bit more but it's worth it.

Deck inspection and repair

With the old shingles gone, contractors can finally see what's happening with your plywood or OSB decking. They're looking for rot from old leaks, warped boards, loose fasteners, and whether everything meets current building codes. Any damaged sections get replaced before the new roof goes on. You don't want to put a $15,000 roof on top of rotting wood.

Modern underlayment

This is the waterproof layer that goes on before shingles. Most contractors use synthetic underlayment now instead of old tar paper because it doesn't rip as easily during installation, handles UV exposure better if weather delays the job, and provides way better waterproofing. Think of it as your roof's insurance policy.

Ice and water shield

This is huge in Ontario. Ice and water shield is a self-sealing membrane that goes in the spots most likely to leak. That means your eaves where ice dams form, valleys where water concentrates, around chimneys and skylights, and any low-slope areas. When ice dams push water up under your shingles, this membrane stops it from getting into your house.

Drip edge and shingle installation

Drip edge is thin metal that goes along your roof edges to direct water into gutters instead of behind your fascia boards. Small detail, big difference in preventing wood rot.

Then the shingles go on following the manufacturer's specs. Proper overlap, the right number of nails per shingle (usually 4-6), starter strips at the bottom edges, and ridge caps along the peaks. Get any of this wrong and you'll void your warranty.

All new flashing

Flashing is the metal or rubber that seals around anything sticking up through your roof. That includes chimney flashing with proper counter-flashing, rubber or lead boots around vent pipes, valley flashing in spots where two roof planes meet, skylight flashing kits, and wall flashing where your roof meets siding. Old flashing is almost always the source of leaks, so good contractors replace everything.

Proper ventilation

Your attic needs to breathe. Without proper ventilation, you'll get moisture buildup in winter and crazy heat buildup in summer. Both kill your roof faster. Contractors install soffit vents to pull air in and ridge vents or other exhaust to let it out. The balanced airflow keeps your attic temperature close to outside temperature, which stops ice dams from forming.

Cleanup

Good contractors leave your property cleaner than they found it. Complete debris removal, magnetic sweeps for nails and metal pieces, proper disposal of old materials, and they'll even clean your gutters. You shouldn't find a single nail in your driveway when they're done.

Roof replacement timeline

Most roof replacements take 2-3 days from start to finish. Here's what actually happens.

Before installation (1-3 weeks out)

You'll meet with contractors and get detailed quotes. Pick your shingle style, color, and warranty level. The contractor handles the building permit, which usually takes 1-2 weeks to process. Then you pick installation dates based on the weather forecast. Materials show up 1-3 days before the crew arrives.

Day one

The crew shows up in the morning and sets up tarps and protection around your property. Then they tear off everything down to bare deck, which takes 3-5 hours and makes a lot of noise. They inspect the deck for damage and replace any bad sections. By end of day, they'll have new underlayment and ice shield installed so your roof is weatherproof even if work continues tomorrow.

Days two and three

Shingles go on starting from the bottom and working up. All the flashing gets installed around chimneys, vents, and valleys. Ridge caps go on last for a finished look. Ventilation systems get installed. Then comes the big cleanup with debris removal and a magnetic sweep for nails. The contractor does a final walkthrough with you.

After installation

A municipal inspector comes out if your area requires it. You make final payment once you're satisfied with the work. The contractor registers your manufacturer warranty and gives you copies of all permits, warranties, and invoices.

About Ontario weather: Rain, extreme heat, or cold weather will delay the job. Good contractors won't install when temperatures are too low for shingles to seal properly. Spring and fall are the most reliable windows.

Roofing material options for Ontario homes

Asphalt shingles

About 85% of Ontario homes have asphalt shingles. There's a reason for that. They're affordable, contractors know how to install them properly, and they come in hundreds of colors and styles.

You've got three tiers. Basic 3-tab shingles run $90-$120 per square installed with a 20-25 year warranty. Architectural shingles are $125-$160 per square with 30-50 year warranties and they look way better. Premium designer shingles go $165-$250 per square with 50-year or lifetime warranties.

The good: affordable, proven track record, easy to repair if you need to. The bad: shorter lifespan than metal and hail or high winds can damage them. Most Ontario homeowners go with architectural shingles because they're the sweet spot between cost and quality.

Learn more about asphalt shingles →

Metal roofing

Metal is getting more popular in Ontario because it handles our winters better. Steel roofing runs $250-$400 per square and lasts 40-50 years. Aluminum is $350-$550 per square and can go 50+ years. Standing seam is the premium option with hidden fasteners.

Metal roofs are fire resistant, energy efficient, and snow slides right off them. The downsides are higher upfront cost and they can be noisy in heavy rain if you don't have good attic insulation.

Learn more about metal roofing →

Cedar shakes

Cedar looks beautiful and provides excellent insulation, but it's expensive at $400-$650 per square and needs regular maintenance. Some municipalities restrict them because of fire concerns. If you have a historic home and want that traditional look, cedar makes sense. Otherwise, you're probably better off with asphalt or metal.

Roof replacement costs in Ontario (2025)

Most Ontario homeowners spend between $10,000 and $20,000 for a complete asphalt shingle roof replacement. That's based on current 2025 market rates. Here's what you can expect for different home sizes.

Average costs by home size

Metal roofing in the Toronto area runs $18,000-$32,000 for a standard home. That's roughly double the cost of asphalt, but you're getting a roof that lasts twice as long.

What changes your price

Your actual quote depends on a bunch of factors. Complex roofs with lots of valleys, dormers, and skylights take more labor. Steep roofs need extra safety gear and take longer. If your property has limited access, that adds difficulty.

Deck repairs run $75-$150 per sheet of plywood that needs replacing. Dumpster rental adds $400-$800. Building permits cost $100-$500 depending on your municipality. Premium shingles obviously cost more than basic ones, and complex roofs waste more material because of all the cuts and angles.

How payment works

Most contractors want 10-25% as a deposit to lock in your dates and order materials. Some ask for a progress payment mid-job. The bulk of the payment, usually 50-75%, comes after the work is done and you're happy with it.

Watch out for this: If a contractor wants 50% or more upfront, that's a red flag. Good contractors don't need your money to buy materials because they're financially stable.

Why use our contractor network

We screen them first

Every contractor in our network has a valid Ontario business license, $2M+ liability insurance, and WSIB coverage for their workers. They have a proven track record in your area with positive reviews, and they're financially stable. No fly-by-night operations that disappear after taking your deposit.

They tell you the truth

These contractors make their living from referrals and word-of-mouth. If your roof can be repaired instead of replaced, they'll tell you. A customer who trusts them is worth way more than one quick sale.

The work is done right

All installations follow manufacturer specs so your warranty stays valid. They meet Ontario Building Code requirements, use industry best practices, and follow proper safety protocols. You're not dealing with cowboys here.

Multiple warranties protect you

You get the manufacturer warranty on materials, which ranges from 20-50 years to lifetime depending on what you choose. The contractor's workmanship warranty typically covers installation for 5-15 years. Some contractors even warrant deck repairs separately.

Compare before you commit

We connect you with 3-5 qualified contractors in your area. That means you can compare pricing and value, see different material options, find someone whose personality meshes with yours, understand what market rates actually are, and negotiate from a position of knowledge instead of guessing.

Why Ontario roofs need special attention

Our temperature swings are extreme

Ontario sees temperatures from -30°C in January to +35°C in July. That's a 65-degree swing. Your roof materials expand and contract with every temperature change, which is why proper fastening matters so much. Nails need to be placed right so they don't back out over time, and sealants around flashing need to be flexible enough to move without cracking.

Freeze-thaw cycles kill roofs faster

We go through 40-60 freeze-thaw cycles every year in Ontario. Water gets into small cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts. That constant movement tears roofs apart faster than anywhere with a milder climate. This is why ice and water shield at your eaves isn't optional here, and why proper ventilation and sealed flashing matter so much.

Heavy snow loads

Ontario building code requires roofs to handle serious snow weight. Southern Ontario roofs need to support 1.8-2.4 kPa. Up north, it goes up to 4.8 kPa in some areas. That's why deck thickness and rafter spacing have to meet code. Metal roofs shed snow better than asphalt if you're in an area that gets hammered every winter.

Ice dams are a real problem

When your attic is too warm, snow melts on your roof and then refreezes at the cold eaves. That creates ice dams that push water back up under your shingles. You need R-50+ insulation in your attic, proper ventilation to keep your roof cold, and ice and water shield extending 2-3 feet past your exterior walls. In bad spots, heated cables can help.

Learn more about ice dam prevention →

Wind exposure near the Great Lakes

If you're anywhere near the lakes or in an open area, you get hit with high winds. Pick shingles rated for 110+ mph winds. Make sure nails are placed exactly right because wind resistance depends on it. Sealed shingles resist uplift better than unsealed ones, and edges need extra attention.

When to install your new roof

The best times are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). You get moderate temperatures so shingles seal properly, less chance of rain delays, and contractors are less busy so scheduling is easier and prices are sometimes better.

Avoid mid-winter when it's too cold for adhesive to seal and mid-summer when extreme heat makes shingles brittle during installation.