Roofing in Ontario

Policies generally cover sudden storm damage (wind, hail, fallen trees) but not gradual wear and age. Document damage with dated photos immediately, get an independent assessment before signing anything a door-knocking contractor puts in front of you, and check whether your policy pays replacement cost or depreciated value on older roofs.

Repair when damage is localised — a few slipped tiles, one flashing leak — and the roof is under about two-thirds of its expected life. Replace when leaks recur in different places, more than roughly 30% of the covering is failing, or repair quotes start approaching a third of replacement cost. A good roofer will show you photos from the roof to justify either answer.

Flashing is the metal detailing that seals joints — around chimneys, valleys, vents, skylights and wall junctions. These joints move and collect water flow, so flashing fails long before the main covering. If a roofer proposes reusing old flashing on a full replacement, push back.

Full replacements commonly require a building permit or regulatory compliance; small like-for-like repairs usually don't. Rules vary by country and municipality, and a legitimate contractor will know and handle the paperwork — treat 'we don't need a permit' on a full reroof as a flag to double-check.

Sometimes — an overlay saves tear-off cost but hides deck problems, adds weight, and often shortens the new roof's life and warranty. Many codes and manufacturers limit roofs to two layers. Tear-off costs more upfront and is usually the better long-term decision; get both options priced.

Typical service lives: asphalt shingles 15-30 years, concrete tile 40-60, clay tile and slate 60-100+, metal 40-70, flat membranes (felt, EPDM, TPO) 15-30. Underlayment and flashings usually fail before the covering itself, which is why old roofs leak even with intact tiles.

A typical asphalt shingle replacement runs CAD $8,000-$25,000 with most homes landing around $12,000-$15,000; metal roofs run $18,000-$50,000. Per-square-foot pricing of $5-$13 installed is typical for asphalt.

It's possible but not ideal — shingle adhesive strips need warmth to seal, and snow slows and endangers crews. Most contractors work April-November; winter work is usually limited to emergency repairs and ice-dam mitigation.