Roofing that holds up to Ontario weather.
A GTA roof takes freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, summer heat and windstorms. Most asphalt shingle roofs here last 15–25 years — and the failure usually shows up as a ceiling stain long after the actual problem started.
Tell IzDon what you're seeing and we connect you with local roofers for inspection, repair or full replacement.
DIY or pro? Clearing gutters from a ladder is reasonable if you're comfortable. Getting on a sloped roof is where most serious homeowner injuries happen — leave it to crews with fall-arrest equipment.
What this covers
Pick the closest match and we'll start your request with it filled in.
What usually goes wrong
The roofing & exterior issues GTA homeowners ask about most — and what they typically mean.
Water stain on a top-floor ceiling
Could be the roof, flashing, or condensation from poor attic ventilation. The stain is rarely directly below the entry point.
Missing or curling shingles after a windstorm
Often insurable. Photograph it and call before the next rain — exposed underlayment fails quickly.
Ice dams and icicles along the eaves
A symptom of heat escaping into the attic. The real fix is insulation and ventilation, not just heat cable.
Granules collecting in the gutters
Shingles shedding their protective layer — a late-life indicator.
Flashing failures at chimneys and valleys
The most common leak point on an otherwise healthy roof.
Sagging roof deck
Structural. Stop and get it assessed rather than shingling over it.
A knock at the door offering a free roof inspection
The most common home-improvement scam in Ontario. Never sign anything at the door.
What roofing & exterior costs in the GTA
Typical Greater Toronto Area roofing price bands in 2026 for a standard two-storey home. Roof area, pitch and layers being removed drive everything.
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof inspection | $150 – $400 | Often waived if you proceed with work |
| Minor leak / shingle repair | $300 – $1,200 | Access dependent |
| Asphalt shingle replacement | $6,000 – $15,000 | Typical GTA detached home |
| Per square foot (asphalt) | $5.50 – $9.00 / sq ft | Steeper pitch costs more |
| Metal roof | $18,000 – $40,000 | 40–70 year lifespan |
| Flat roof (EPDM / modified bitumen) | $9 – $18 / sq ft | Common on Toronto row houses |
| Additional layer tear-off | $1,000 – $3,000 | Per extra layer removed |
| Plywood decking replacement | $70 – $150 / sheet | Only found once the roof is open |
| Eavestrough replacement | $1,500 – $4,000 | Often bundled with the roof |
| Attic insulation top-up | $1,800 – $4,500 | Rebates may apply |
Estimate ranges for the Greater Toronto Area, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on your home, access and scope — always get it in writing.
What moves the price
- Roof area and pitch — steep roofs need extra safety setup and slow the crew down.
- Number of existing layers to tear off and dispose of.
- Rotten decking discovered after tear-off — always ask the per-sheet price up front.
- Complexity — valleys, dormers, skylights and chimneys each add flashing labour.
- Season — late fall and winter installs carry weather premiums; shingles also need warmth to seal.
Want a real number for your roofing & exterior job? Tell us what you need and local pros will quote it.
Get It DonePermits, licences & Ontario rules
Straight re-shingling usually doesn't need a permit in Ontario; structural work does. Roofing is also the category with the most aggressive door-to-door sales activity.
Permit generally not required
Replacing shingles like-for-like without altering the roof structure typically does not require a building permit in GTA municipalities.
Permit required
Changing the roof structure or slope, adding a dormer or skylight opening, replacing sheathing over a large area, or converting the roof type. Confirm with your municipality.
Working at heights training is mandatory
Ontario requires working-at-heights certification for construction workers. Crews without harnesses and anchors on your roof are a liability signal.
Door-to-door roofing sales
Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives a 10-day cooling-off period on direct agreements signed at your home. Do not pay a large deposit to an unsolicited caller.
Before you hire: a quick checklist
- Ask for the business name, address and a phone number that isn't just a cell.
- Confirm general liability insurance and a valid WSIB clearance certificate before work starts.
- Get the scope, materials, timeline and total price in writing — not a number over the phone.
- Be cautious with large upfront deposits. In Ontario a deposit of roughly 10–30% is normal; full payment up front is not.
- Ask who is actually doing the work — the person quoting, an employee, or a subcontractor.
- Hold back final payment until the work passes any required inspection and you've seen it finished.
- Ask for the manufacturer shingle warranty and the contractor's separate workmanship warranty in writing.
- Confirm the per-sheet price for replacing rotten decking before the tear-off begins.
- Never hire a roofer who knocked on your door without an invitation.
This is the same bar we use when we look at who to send your request to — read The IzDon Standard.
Roofing & Exterior near you
Common problems — and who to call
Roofing & Exterior guides & how-tos
Want to try it yourself first? Start here — and hand it over when the job gets bigger.
Roofing & Exterior FAQs
How much does a new roof cost in the GTA?
Most detached GTA homes fall between $6,000 and $15,000 for an asphalt shingle replacement in 2026, or roughly $5.50–$9.00 per square foot. Metal and flat roofs cost considerably more.
How long does a roof last in Ontario?
Architectural asphalt shingles typically last 20–25 years here, three-tab closer to 15–20, and metal 40 years or more. Freeze-thaw cycles and poor attic ventilation shorten all of those.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Ontario?
Not usually for a like-for-like shingle replacement. You do need a building permit if the roof structure, slope or a large area of sheathing changes, or if you're adding a dormer or skylight.
Will insurance cover my roof?
Sudden damage from wind, hail or a fallen tree is often covered; wear-and-tear and age-related failure is not. Document the damage with photos before any repair and call your insurer early.
Can a new roof go over the old shingles?
The Building Code allows a limited number of layers, but going over old shingles hides rotten decking, shortens shingle life and complicates future work. Most reputable GTA roofers recommend a full tear-off.
What time of year is best for roofing?
Late spring through early fall. Shingles need warmth to seal properly, and crews are less likely to be racing weather — though shoulder-season bookings can be cheaper.
One Request. IzDon.
Submit once instead of calling contractor after contractor. We aim to connect you with up to 3–5 relevant local service providers.
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