The roof is your home’s ultimate defence against harsh Canadian weather conditions. It protects your biggest investment and if you don’t replace your roof with the right materials or you decide to use inexperienced workers, you could be setting yourself up for major headaches and great financial loss.

Roof replacement in the GTA can cost anywhere between $1,200 and $50,000, but this all depends on many factors including the size, shape, and condition of your existing roof. At Dream Roof, our experienced crews will offer you a competitive quote and we’ll get the job done right. Here’s a look at roof replacement costs in 2024:

Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Cost

Your Home’s Size

How much it costs to replace your roof depends on your home’s size. Most quality roofers will use square footage to determine the cost. If you are replacing your roof with metal roofing, the roofing cost per square foot is usually between $6.00 and $8.00.

If you are replacing your roof with asphalt shingles, the cost is much lower, between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot, although asphalt won’t last nearly as long as metal.

Roof Slope

Cost to roof a house can vary greatly depending on your roof’s slope or pitch, also known as the angle of your roof.

The pitch of your roof goes a long way in determining exactly how much material is needed for your particular type of slope and of course, the more material needed, the higher your final cost will be.

Roof Accessibility

If your roof is not easy to access or needs specialized gear to get the materials and roofers to the desired area, this will increase your labor hours and therefore the entire cost of your total roof replacement.

Here are some of the most common types of roof slopes we encounter:

Gable: One of the most common roof types with two sides that meet in the middle and slope downward.
Saltbox: Very much like a gable roof, but one of the sides is longer so it’s a bit trickier to cover a much steeper slope on that side.
Gambrel: Also known as a barn roof, this type of slope can have two or even three slopes on each side of the roof’s peak (the roof’s highest point).
Mansard: Instead of two sides, this gambrel-style roof has four sides to cover.
Pyramid: These types of roofs have four sides but only one peak. All four sides are triangular and have a downward slope.

It should be noted that because the Gable is the simplest and most commonly found design in roofs, it’s also the most affordable option for many homeowners. Something more complex, such as a gambrel roof, for example, demands more materials and could result in a final cost that’s as much as 15% higher.

The Roof’s Condition

Does your entire roof need to be replaced or just a few sections?

Also, once we remove the old shingles or metal roofing, we need to determine if there has been any significant water damage to the boards underneath as well as the fascia, soffits, eaves and more.

Materials For Your Roof

The cost will be greatly affected by which roofing materials you choose for your home. The most common materials used on Canadian homes are asphalt shingles.

More and more people are getting into metal roofs as well because they’re made from recycled materials and tend to be much more energy-efficient. Other customers will select different materials for their roof such as composite, cedar, and slate.

How much does a roof replacement cost by materials?

While prices can vary widely, here are some rough estimates of how much a roof replacement costs depending on each material:

Metal Roofing Cost

Metal roofing costs between $4.50 and $16 per square foot. Homeowners can also save up to 25% in energy costs if installed to optimize ventilation and if solar reflective coating is used. This material is extremely durable and can last for around 40 to 70 years.

Asphalt Shingles Cost

This is the cheapest roofing material available in Canada. You can expect to pay anywhere from $4-$8 per square foot for asphalt shingles. This material comes in different colours and can last around 15 to 30 years.

Steel Shingles Cost

There are a few different steel shingle options to choose from. Galvanized steel shingles is a popular choice for its strength and durability. It’s coated with zinc to deter corrosion. Galvalume is a cheaper alternative, an aluminum-coated steel. The last one is a bit rarer and is on the high end of the scale: stainless steel. Generally, steel shingles range from $6 to $20 per square foot, with costs varying depending on the type of steel used.

Aluminum Shingles Cost

Aluminum roofing is inexpensive, with costs ranging from $6 to $12 per square foot when installed. It’s a versatile, lightweight option that is resistant to corrosion and saltwater damage. The downside of aluminum is it doesn’t age well and dents easily.

This can make for an unattractive appearance as it begins to show signs of deterioration. Aluminum also expands and contracts more than other metals typically used for roofing, which can wear down the roof and cause creaking sounds as temperatures change.

Zinc Roofing Cost

Zinc tiles are the second-most expensive metal roofing option, ranging from $10 to $16 per square foot. A few reasons why they are expensive is because they’re less available and zinc is one of the most corrosion-resistant roofing materials.

Consider zinc tiles if you want a high-quality metal roof that’s more affordable than copper and more durable than aluminum. This material has self-healing coating that covers scratches and scrapes so it can last up to 100 years with little to no maintenance.

Copper Roofing Cost

Copper roofing is among the most expensive roofing materials, costing $14 to $22 per square foot to install. This material is extremely durable and lightweight. It’s also one of the most visually pleasing options for metal roof tiles.

How Much Does a New Metal Roof Cost by Square Foot?

Our experts suggest budgeting anywhere between $4,500 and $16,000 for a 1,000 square foot metal roof. To calculate a new roof cost, first determine the square footage of your current roof, and then deciding on the type of material you want. Keep in mind the larger the roof, the more materials, time, and labour are required, so costs will increase.

Below is a chart of the average metal roof costs by square foot with estimates for a roof size up to 3,500 square feet.

Roof Size in Sq Ft	Price per Sq Ft	Cost Range	Average Cost
1,000	$4.50 – $16	$4,500-$16,000	$12,500
1,100	$4.50 – $16	$4,950 – $17,600	$13,750
1,200	$4.50 – $16	$5,400 – $19,200	$15,000
1,500	$4.50 – $16	$6,750 – $24,000	$15,375
1,700	$4.50 – $16	$7,650 – $27,200	$17,425
2,000	$4.50 – $16	$9,000 – $32,000	$20,500
2,500	$4.50 – $16	$11,250 – 40,000	$25,625
3,000	$4.50 – $16	$13,500 – $48,000	$30,750
3,500	$4.50 – $16	$15,750 – 56,000	$35,875

Costs may also fluctuate based on the specific shape of your roof. If the parts needing to be repaired or replaced are limited or your roof is less accessible, a roofer typically charges more. Similarly, if your roof is steep or more than two stories than the renovation project will be more expensive.

Additional Costs to Consider When Installing New Roof

In addition to the cost of materials, there are many factors that affect your budget. Let’s look at some of the additional costs to consider when installing a new roof.

Removing old roofing materials

The cost of removing old roofing materials depends on the type of material which must be removed, the amount of debris, and how easy it is to appropriately dispose of these materials at proper disposal site.

For example, costs will be even higher if there are multiple layers of shingles or hazardous materials like types of asbestos. This labor-intensive process contributes to the overall cost because it requires carefully removing, transferring, and discarding old roofing materials.

Installing underlayment or insulation

When installing a roof, it’s critical to lay down underlayment. This material acts as a moisture barrier and provides a stable surface when installing your new roof. More expensive or thicker underlayment and insulation will raise costs, but also needed to enhance performance and energy efficiency.

Deck condition

If your roof has sustained significant damage or deterioration, a repair may not suffice.

In such cases where decking, framing, or another part of the underlying roof structure is in less-than-ideal condition, a full roof replacement is necessary to address these structural issues. This in turn will lead to higher expenses.

Adding eavestroughs, snow guards, and skylights

Since Canada gets significant snowfall, it’s worthwhile to invest in snow guards to stop large amounts of snow and freezing rain from sliding off your roof all at once. Another important component of not only your roofing system, but your building’s water management system is an eavestrough. This essential piece disperses water away from your property to save your home from facing foundation problems and water damage.
Skylights are also a popular addition homeowners will place inside their metal roof.

Additional materials are needed however to provide a waterproof seal around the skylight as well as further insulation for the skylight itself. Despite the functional and aesthetic benefits these features provide, adding snowguards, eavestroughs, and skylights will contribute to your total metal roofing cost. Metal roofs are low-maintenance and durable and these accessories help maximize its longevity.

Cost of Replacing Roof With Asphalt Shingles

If you’re looking for the lowest budget option, you would have to go with asphalt because it’s the most affordable. Metal can cost three times as much while slate can run your costs up even higher. However, it should be noted that more expensive materials such as metal or slate will last longer and will save you from having to replace your roof as often if you had gone with asphalt shingles.

Average cost to tear off and replace roof per sq ft

Square Footage Of Roof	Average Price Paid By Customer
Less than 1,000	$1,250 to $3,000
1,500 to 2,500	$3,500 to $7,000
2,500 to 3,500	$7,000 to $10,500
More than 4,000	More than $11,000

Now that you’re aware of the base cost for roof replacement using asphalt shingles, it’s important to note that you can purchase different types of shingles that will all vary in quality and ultimately how long they will withstand the rigours of the changing seasons.

new black metal roof on modern design bungallow

3-Tab 25 Year Shingles

These are the most inexpensive types of shingles to buy that can still protect your home from the elements. Even though they are the cheaper option among the current selection of asphalt shingles, 3-Tab shingles actually require extra care during installation.

All of the rows and columns of tabs have to align just right to form a proper barrier to protect your underlayers and plyboard from rain, snow, and ice.

30-Year Architectural Shingles

For a bit more money, you can get better quality, longer-lasting shingles. Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable than the 3-Tab variety.

However, depending on your home, they usually take less time to install because they are not as finicky as the 3-Tab system.

50-Year Shingles, Premium Designer Brands

This is the most expensive type of asphalt shingle you can buy on the market because these shingles will last the longest.

It’s important to note, however, that the years listed on the names of these products do not correlate to the number of years they will last. Even if you buy 50-year shingles, you will have done well if they last for 30 years.

Installing A New Roof

What Are The Labour Costs Of Installing A New Roof?

In terms of labour costs to install a new metal roof in the Greater Toronto Area, you can pay anywhere between $13,000 and $18,000. Meanwhile, an asphalt roof can run you anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000. But there are many factors at play including how much many materials you’ll need, the quality of materials you are using, the type of home you own and your home’s size.

Some Other Stuff To Consider

The final price usually tends to include the removal and disposal of your old shingles as well as any other under layers that must be removed during the roofing process. Your final bill should also include the use of all tools, accessories and building permits.

red brick house shingles replacement with metal roof

Ask About Warranties

Most roofers will also offer warranties on their work that can range anywhere from 5-10 years, but you should at least be getting some kind of guarantee on your new roof. If there’s no warranty offered, you should avoid signing any kind of deal.

To make sure that your warranty claim is never denied, ensure that a roofing professional signs off on your roof deck and attic venting systems. These are the pillars of your roof’s overall health and two of the most common reasons that homeowners’ warranty claims are rejected by roofing contractors after installation.

Assure That They’re Insured!

Be sure that you are only hiring fully insured roofing contractors against all accidents and damages to your home and your neighbors’ homes. If you decide to go with uninsured contractors, you could be 100% liable financially and criminally for anything bad that happens, including a worker’s injury or damaged property.

Working with uninsured contractors also means that your home insurance could refuse to payout in the event a claim is made related to your roof’s replacement.

Don’t Take The Lowest Estimate

If you get an estimate from another roofing company that seems a lot lower than other estimates you’ve already received, this is a red flag.

Chances are that these roofers are uninsured, inexperienced, or not certified to do this dangerous and important job. The savings may be tempting, but don’t do it!

Check References

You should always take time to extensively look at reviews from the company’s past customers. Try and look out for descriptions and pictures of jobs similar to yours.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask the company for the contact information of past customers. The best way to get a good reference is to speak with someone directly.

Get Professional Roofers On Top Of It

It’s time to get your Dream Roof! Our team of professional roofing contractors is fully trained, licensed, insured, and honest with you about every step of the roofing process. We promise to deliver the best quality service from the first consultation to clean up and all the finishing touches.

We stand by all of our work with industry-leading warranty programs and a long list of satisfied customers eager to share their positive experiences working with all of our roofers.

If you have no idea where to start, just give us a call and one of our friendly staff will help you figure out what roofing materials will work best for you and your home. Contact us today for a free consultation.