Cost of Roof Replacement in Canada

When compared to the price of roofing in the United States, Canadian prices can seem high, but that’s mostly due to the exchange rate. In fact, the pricing tends to be quite similar in both nations, with the usual variations depending on where a roof is located. The country’s harsher climate in the northern and remote reaches often requires roofing materials that are both energy-efficient and durable.

Below, we have broken down the approximate costs of roofs in Canada by materials. Read on to find out how much you might be spending on a new or replacement roof.

Shingle

Asphalt shingles last around 25-50 years, the longevity depending on the quality of the shingle, which in turn is often dependent on who manufactured it. It’s one of the most affordable options and a popular one.

The choice of architectural shingles versus 3-tab shingles can also impact the overall cost of replacing a roof. If you are looking for the best-quality option, architectural shingles are probably the ones to choose—with a wind rating of 210 kilometers per hour, they can withstand a lot. They are also widely considered to be more aesthetically pleasing.

So, what’s the price tag?

On average, slightly less than asphalt roofing in the United States at $2.50-$4 per square foot. That puts the cost of an average 2,000 square foot roof at $5,000-$8,000.

Tile

Tile is an option for the milder parts of Canada—it can become fragile in extremely cold climates unless it is reinforced against the freeze-thaw cycle. This means customizing the materials, which adds cost. A factor to consider for Canadian homeowners.

Many beautiful and historic homes include tile, so while it’s certainly not the most cost-effective option or the best one for the climate, a lot of people like it—and it’s not unrealistic to use it in the more southerly reaches of the nation.

Cedar

Wood shakes and wood shingles are generally made out of Western Red cedar grown in Canada, and locally available. The quality of the wood used is extremely important when replacing your roof with cedar shingles in this region. Extreme temperatures and the possibility of forest fires can impact the choice of cedar roofing materials.

With a lot of red cedar grown right in Canada, cedar roofing is widely available—but still pricey. Often, it’s an aesthetic choice; it lends a natural, earthy air to a roof. Resawn and hand-split shakes are especially rustic. However, cedar is also naturally resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, is a natural insulator, and has a great strength-to-weight ratio. Although it can last as little as ten years when poorly installed, if properly done it can endure for 30.

So, what’s the price tag?

The average cost for a cedar roof is $9-$12 per square foot. At $10 per square foot, replacing a 2000sq ft roof would cost a total of around $20,000.

Metal

Metal roofing is a fantastic option for Canadian roofs: durable, impact-resistant, and fire-resistant. They have great longevity, enduring much longer than the popular asphalt roofs. Of course, there’s a rub: a metal roof does not come cheap. In many cases, though, it is worth the investment.

Metal roofs are great for preventing heat exchange, and they last a long time—most are good for between 40 and 60 years with proper installation and maintenance. A roof that lasts that long is often worth the initial cost! If you are in a part of Canada that has a fire risk, you might also appreciate the fire-resistant qualities of metal roofs.

There are several different types of metal roofing: steel, aluminum, corrugated metal, tin, and copper. You can also have sheets of metal roofing, or individual metal shingles—so the cost varies.

So, what’s the price tag?

To replace your roof with metal in Canada, you’ll likely be paying between $6 and $8.50 per square foot. If we assume the cost to be $7 per square foot, replacing a 2,000 square foot roof would cost $14,000.

Slate

Slate roofing is similarly priced in Canada to what it is in the USA. It’s quite expensive due to difficulty sourcing the material, and also because it has excellent longevity: a slate roof can last 50 years or more even in punishing climates like those that exist in much of Canada.

There’s a long history of slate roofing in the country (it became very popular in the second half of the 19th century), and it’s a great choice—albeit a pricey one in modern times.

So, what’s the price tag?

For a new or replacement slate roof in Canada, you’re looking at a cost of around $25-$30 per square foot. This means that your average 2,000 square foot roof would cost at least $50,000.

Modified bitumen

This option is popular in the commercial roofing industry—you won’t see modified bitumen on many residential homes, although it can be done. It stands up well to extremely cold temperatures, and are also cost-effective which is important for commercial roofing.

One of the reasons that it is used primarily for factories and similar commercial premises is that this material is only effective for large and low-slope roofs.

It’s important that modified bitumen is installed correctly. This means it will last longer with no leaks or issues—exactly what you want from a roof, really.

So, what’s the price tag?

A modified bitumen roof will generally cost between $6 and $10 per square foot.

TPO

This method of roofing, becoming increasingly popular as a green solution, employs heat to create a watertight seal and minimizer heat exchange. It’s strong and energy-efficient, and often employed on commercial properties—although some eco-conscious homeowners have embraced TPO roofs.

TPO membranes use heat to create a watertight seal and to minimize heat exchange. This results in a durable and energy-efficient roofing option for flat roof replacements. While TPO is usually used for commercial properties, some environmentally conscious homeowners have made the switch as well.

So, what’s the price tag?

On average, TPO roofing is actually cheaper in Canada than in the United States. It averages out to around $6-$10 a square foot, making it an affordable option if you have a flat or low-slope roof.

PVC

The harsh Canadian climate plays a big part in deciding on a roof. PVC roof replacements are becoming popular in both the commercial and residential arenas, as this material stands up to a range of conditions. It allows vapor to escape which prevents build-up of moisture, and can last more than twenty years.

PVC is another option that’s solely used on flat or low-slope roofs. Like TPO, it reflects the sun, making it energy-efficient—it’s also a recyclable material. It is, however, a little more expensive.

So, what’s the price tag?

In Canada, the average cost of PVC roofing is around $9 per square foot. It’s more expensive than in the United States, but it offers long-term value.

EPDM

The evolution of building codes in Canada has seen a rise in single-ply roofing membranes like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). It’s a versatile solution that performs well in many different environments, including Canada’s cold northern climate. Reflecting heat in the warm months and preventing condensation during freeze-thaw cycles in the winter, it’s an all-rounder—and it can last for four decades or more when done right.

So, what’s the price tag?

At $6 to $10 per square foot, durable EPDM has a fantastic return on investment.

Silicon coating

This isn’t a roofing solution in itself, but a great way to renew and reinforce an existing roof. It’s ideal for flat roofs which are at risk of water damage from ponding or other build-up issues. This is considered a semi-permanent solution in many cases, and can improve the longevity and quality of several different types of roof.

So, what’s the price tag?

To put a silicon coating on your roof in Canada costs, on average, $4 to $6 per square foot. For it to remain effective, it must be reapplied regularly.

Cover your head in Canada

Choosing a roofing material in this northern country is not a simple decision. Anyone picking their roof must take into consideration the climate, the cost, and the aesthetics they are aiming for—and even then, there is often more than one option.

We hope that the above information, although it is brief, is a helpful overview that will start any decision-making off in the right direction. However, always ask your Roofr representative to go over anything you’ve learnt here and give you their thoughts about roofing materials for your specific job! For more information and accurate quotes on your roofing project, take a look at our commercial services.