How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Ontario? (2026 Price Guide)
Roofing is one of the bigger cheques a homeowner writes. Here's what real Ontario contractors are charging in 2026, what makes prices swing, and how to spot a fair quote.
2026 roofing prices per square foot (installed)
Prices below cover materials + labour + tear-off + disposal, before HST.
| Roof type | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingle | $4.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | Budget option, 15–20 yr lifespan |
| Architectural asphalt shingle | $6.00/sq ft | $9.00/sq ft | Most common in Ontario, 25–30 yr |
| Metal roof (standing seam) | $12.00/sq ft | $18.00/sq ft | 40–60 yr lifespan, quieter than people think |
| Cedar shake | $10.00/sq ft | $15.00/sq ft | Premium look, more maintenance |
| Flat roof (modified bitumen / TPO) | $7.00/sq ft | $12.00/sq ft | Common on additions and low-slopes |
What drives the price up
- • Pitch. Anything over 8/12 needs harnesses and slows the crew — adds 15–25%.
- • Tear-off layers. Removing two layers of old shingles doubles dump fees.
- • Decking replacement. Rotten plywood found after tear-off runs $80–$120 per 4×8 sheet installed.
- • Flashings, skylights, chimneys. Each penetration adds labour and material.
- • Eavestrough and vent upgrades. Often bundled with re-roof to save a second mobilization.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a typical asphalt shingle roof cost in the GTA?
For a standard 1,800 sq ft two-storey home (about 22–28 squares of roof), expect $7,000–$13,000 installed with architectural shingles, including tear-off and disposal. Steep pitches, multiple valleys, and skylight flashing push it higher.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
On a 30-year horizon, metal is usually cheaper per year than asphalt and adds resale value. Upfront cost is roughly 2× — about $18,000–$32,000 installed on the same 1,800 sq ft home.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most Ontario homes are torn off and re-shingled in 1–2 days with a 4–6 person crew. Metal and cedar take 4–7 days.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Ontario?
A like-for-like shingle replacement doesn't need a building permit in most municipalities. Structural changes (adding dormers, changing roof line, full sheathing replacement) usually do — confirm with your local building department.
Should I repair or replace?
If your shingles are curling, granules are filling your gutters, or you can see daylight in the attic, you're past repair. Patching a roof older than ~20 years usually costs more over 5 years than just replacing it.
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