Shingle replacement in Ontario costs $5.50–$9.50 per square foot installed in 2026, or roughly $8,500–$16,500 for an average detached home (1,500–1,800 sq ft of roof area). That range covers the full job: tear-off, disposal, ice-and-water shield, synthetic underlayment, drip edge, new shingles, vents, and labour. AUK Roofers gives line-item quotes — no all-in lump sum — so you can compare materials and scope directly. Free drone-measured quote across the GTA within 24 hours.
Last reviewed: · By AUK Roofers editorial team
What's actually included in the per-square-foot price
A quote you can trust itemizes the full scope — not just shingle material. Here's what every honest Ontario shingle replacement should include:
Complete tear-off of existing shingles down to deck
Deck inspection and rotted-sheathing replacement (per sheet, if needed)
Ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations (24" inside warm wall minimum)
Synthetic underlayment across remaining field
Drip edge at eaves and rakes
New shingles (manufacturer-specified nailing pattern)
New plumbing-vent boots, ridge cap, and ridge ventilation as needed
Disposal and dump fees
Permit fees (Ontario Building Code compliance)
Manufacturer warranty registration
Shingle grade — what you actually get for the price difference
Three tiers cover 95% of Ontario residential installs. The price gaps are real but smaller than most homeowners assume:
3-tab asphalt ($5.50–$6.20/sq ft installed): 15–20 year lifespan in Ontario. We rarely install these — the material savings vs architectural don't pencil out once you factor lifespan.
Architectural / laminated ($6.20–$7.50/sq ft installed): 22–30 year lifespan. Standard recommendation for 90% of Ontario homes.
Designer / luxury ($7.50–$9.50/sq ft installed): 30–50 year lifespan, impact-resistant ratings, slate or shake appearance. Worth it if you'll be in the home 15+ years.
Tear-off vs overlay — why we recommend tear-off in Ontario
Some Ontario contractors offer overlay (installing new shingles directly over the old layer) at $1.20–$1.80 per square foot less. Cheaper upfront, but problematic in Ontario's freeze-thaw climate:
Hides any deck rot or underlayment failure underneath
Adds 25–35 lbs per square (100 sq ft) of dead weight — meaningful on older Ontario roofs
Voids many manufacturer warranties on the new shingles
Often illegal under Ontario Building Code if there's already a second layer
Reduces lifespan of the new shingles by 3–5 years due to heat retention
Tear-off is the right call for almost every Ontario residential replacement
What drives Ontario pricing up from the base range
If your quote is at the higher end of the range, here's usually why:
Steep slope (8/12 pitch or higher): adds $0.80–$1.50 per sq ft for safety equipment and labour
Multiple stories or restricted ladder access: adds $400–$1,200
Multiple valleys, dormers, or skylights: each penetration adds $150–$400
Deck replacement (rotted sheathing): $85–$140 per 4×8 sheet plus labour
Skylight replacement or curb upgrades: $750–$2,800 per skylight
Chimney flashing rework: $850–$2,200
Eavestrough replacement (often paired): $11–$16 per linear foot
Greener Homes rebates and federal incentive math
The Canada Greener Homes Grant doesn't directly fund shingle replacement, but it does fund attic insulation upgrades that pair naturally with reroofing — and those are usually $1,800–$5,000 of rebate-eligible work. If you're already opening up the attic for ventilation upgrades during reroof, the rebate math is worth checking before you sign:
Attic insulation upgrade (R-30 → R-60): $1,800–$3,500, often 40–60% rebate-eligible
Air sealing prior to insulation: $400–$900, rebate-eligible
Ridge and soffit ventilation upgrades: included in most reroof quotes — book the pre-retrofit EnerGuide before reroof if you want them claimable
Federal interest-free Greener Homes Loan up to $40,000 covers eligible insulation/sealing work
What a good Ontario quote looks like
If you're comparing two or three quotes, look for these things to know you're getting a real comparison:
Specific shingle product named (manufacturer + line + colour)
Total roof area in squares or sq ft (1 square = 100 sq ft)
Tear-off explicitly included (or stated otherwise)
Permit handling explicitly stated (who pulls, who pays)
Written manufacturer warranty included with quote
Insurance certificate (liability + WSIB) provided on request
Walk away from quotes that are single-line lump sums with no breakdown
Common questions.
Direct answers, no filler.
How long does shingle replacement actually take in Ontario?
Most single-family Ontario homes (1,500–1,800 sq ft of roof) are torn off and reshingled in 1–2 days for an experienced crew. Larger homes or complex roofs with valleys and dormers can run 2–3 days. We don't leave roofs uncovered overnight — tear-off and dry-in happen the same day.
Do I need a permit to replace my shingles in Ontario?
Most Ontario municipalities require a permit for full reroof, especially if there's any deck work, ventilation changes, or structural impact. Permit fees: $180–$420 typical. We pull the permit and handle the inspection. Replacement that's only the shingle layer is sometimes exempt — check your municipality.
What time of year is best for shingle replacement in Ontario?
May through October is ideal — temperatures above 7°C allow proper shingle sealing. November–April installs are possible with manufacturer-approved cold-weather techniques but require hand-sealing every shingle, which adds cost. We don't install below 0°C.
Why is my neighbour's quote so much cheaper than mine?
Three usual reasons: their quote is an overlay (not tear-off), they're using 3-tab shingles instead of architectural, or they're missing ice-and-water shield. Always compare line-items — total numbers can look very different for the same actual job.
How long should architectural shingles last in Ontario?
22–30 years in practice. Marketing warranties claim 30–50 years but Ontario's freeze-thaw cycle and UV exposure compress real-world life. Attic ventilation matters more than shingle brand — properly ventilated roofs hit the high end of the range, poorly ventilated roofs fail 5–8 years early.
Should I do a full tear-off if my shingles are only 15 years old?
Depends on why you're replacing. If it's pure cosmetic (the colour or curb appeal), and the existing layer is original and sound, partial slope replacements may be possible. If there's any leak, granule loss, or storm damage, tear-off is the right call.
Can I claim shingle replacement on my taxes in Ontario?
Not as a personal home expense in most cases. Possible exceptions: rental property owners (capital cost), home-office portion (small percentage), and senior accessibility-related work (HATC). Talk to your accountant — we'll provide a paid-invoice trail with HST itemized.
Do you offer financing for shingle replacement in Ontario?
Yes — we partner with a Canadian financing provider offering 0% interest for 6–12 months and longer-term plans at competitive rates. The federal Greener Homes Loan (interest-free up to $40,000) covers eligible insulation and air sealing if you're pairing those with reroof.
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Across all 14 GTA service areas. $2M insured. WSIB. 25-year workmanship guarantee.
