Roof replacement costs in 2024
- Published on January 2, 2021
- Revised on September 12, 2024
- 7 min read
Jason Pagliuca
Verification Coordinator | RenoAssistance
Let’s get straight to the point: the cost of a shingle roof on a typical bungalow is usually around $7 000, and that of an average cottage around $9 000. A flat roof costs at least $11 000 for an area of 1 000 square feet. Although this represents a significant investment, a damaged roof can cause even more damage and have financial consequences much greater than the cost of its replacement. Damages that are usually not covered by insurers. It is therefore more economical to carry out these renovations as soon as they are due rather than wait for problems to arise.
Your quote for your roof renovation can vary greatly depending on different elements such as the slope of the roof, type of materials used, area, temperature and finally structure of the roof. We present the average costs here based on the type of roof and material as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Typical bungalow | Double Storey (pitched roof) | Luxury Home (multiple slopes) | |
Asphalt Shingle | $7,000 | $9,000 | $11,250 |
Metal Roofing | $20,000-$36,000 | $23,000-$42,000 | $29,000-$77,700 |
Cedar Shingle | $14,500-$30,000 | $18,000-$43,500 | $23,000-$55,000 |
Slate Roofing | $26,000-$42,000 | $34,000-$52,500 | $42,000-$66,000 |
Rubber Roofing | $9,000-$11,500 | $12,000-$14,500 | $16,000-$29,000 |
Duplex (1,000 sq. ft.) | Triplex (1,600 sq. ft.) | 6-plex (5,000 sq. ft.) | |
EPDM/TPO | $11,000-$14,500 | $14,500-$19,000 | $48,000-$60,000 |
Elastomeric Membrane | $19,000-$23,000 | $31,000-$37,000 | $96,000-$114,000 |
Asphalt & Gravel | $11,000-$14,500 | $18,000-$23,200 | $54,000-$72,000 |
Green roof | $25,000-$49,000 | $40,000-$78,000 | $120,000-$240,000 |
Roof type | Average cost | Lifespan |
Asphalt Shingles | $7/sq. ft. | 15 to 25 years |
TPO/EPDM | $11 – $14.5/sq. ft. | 25 to 30 years |
Elastomeric Membrane | $19 – $23/sq. ft. | 20 to 30 years |
Bitumen | $11 – $14.5/sq. ft. | 15 to 30 years |
Metal | $20 – $36/sq. ft. | 50+ years |
Slate | $30 – $42/sq. ft. | 75 to 150 years |
* Please note that prices do not include demolition, crane rental, scaffolding, parking permit and street reservation. In addition, prices are indicative. Several factors can influence the total cost of renovations, such as the type of work to be done, necessary labour, materials used, safety measures, demolition or displacement costs of structural elements, and unforeseen circumstances.
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Factors likely to vary the price of a sloped roof are:
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common and are often chosen for a roof renovation because of their low cost, much lower than that of other types of roofing. The variety of colours, finishes and styles also makes it very popular and allows you to change the appearance of your home. The lifespan often varies depending on the weight of the asphalt shingles but it’s common to be offered a 20-year warranty and more… or even a lifetime warranty. New generation asphalt shingles should be more resistant to the effects of time and sun.
Proper ventilation in the attic is key for asphalt shingles to withstand our winters and sunny summers. The sun is an enemy for this type of roof because the intense heat dries out oils in the asphalt and weakens the material. Adequate ventilation reduces the heat of shingles in summer and the accumulation of moisture and ice formation in winter.
Finally, asphalt shingle roofs are the least expensive. You have to count a minimum of $7/sq ft, which represents a base price of $7,000 for a typical bungalow to hope for a job well done.
Metal is an extremely resistant material: its lifespan exceeds 50 years! Just like asphalt shingles, a wide variety of colours and styles are available. It’s also possible to repaint metal. This material is often recommended because it’s easy to maintain, recyclable, and its price is relatively low. Two downsides: noise generated by rain or hail can be annoying and installation can be costly. The price can vary from $20 to $36/sq ft, which represents a total of $40,000 to $72,000 for a roof with an area of 2,000 square feet.
This type of roof is made of natural stone. It is very popular with architects for the touch of elegance and nobility it gives to buildings. In addition to its aesthetics, the slate roof has a long lifespan (from 75 to 150 years) and doesn’t require any particular maintenance, making it an interesting investment.
It is also fireproof, waterproof and is available in various styles. Its durability comes with a fairly high cost – from $30 to $42/sq ft. Slate is also very heavy and fragile. It can break under the weight of an adult and burst if exposed to high temperatures.
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TPO or EPDM roofs are covered with a synthetic rubber that is highly resistant to sunlight and winter cold. They last more than 30 years. TPO is considered the least polluting and most durable of petroleum-based roofing materials. It comes in white, which helps reduce heat absorption. However, being single-layered can make it more fragile and the joints may weaken over time. As its installation requires particular expertise, the cost is higher – between $11 and $14.50 per square foot. Its lifespan is 25 to 35 years.
Elastomeric roofing is often a preferred choice in Canada, as installation is possible almost all year round. Moreover, as it is a two-layer system, it’s more resistant. The lifespan is 25 to 35 years and it requires little maintenance. This type of roof is often described as a good investment.
However, the installation requires specialists and carries a risk of fire. This bitumen material is not very ecological and is not recycled in Quebec. Its cost is quite high, between $19 and $23 per square foot.
The multilayer gravel and asphalt roof, very popular in the past, seems to be increasingly giving way to elastomeric, TPO or EPDM. This type of roof requires more regular maintenance, such as checking the caulking, gravel and metal flashing, annual drain cleaning, etc. The gravel acts as a barrier that slows the contraction of asphalt during sudden temperature changes. A multilayer roof is a relatively economical choice, it costs between $11 and $14.50 per square foot.
The green roof (or living roof) is becoming increasingly popular thanks to all its ecological advantages. It’s also popular because people are building more and more patios on roofs.
There are two types of green roof: extensive (without cultivation) and intensive (with a garden or a garden terrace). The latter obviously requires more maintenance, but it allows you to grow your own fruits and vegetables. In addition to being useful and aesthetic, it is very resistant to humidity, wind, and winter conditions. Finally, it is a very interesting investment that greatly increases the value of your home. Its lifespan is still about 30 years.
This type of roof also has disadvantages: cost and weight. Indeed, a green roof is very heavy – it‘s therefore important to have the structure of the house checked before starting work. Costs can obviously be related to a modification of the structure and the load transfer that’ll have to be done to support the weight difference. Even if the structure of your house can accommodate this type of roof, you have to take into account many elements in the costs, such as the material, access to the roof and maintenance. It’s estimated that an extensive roof costs between $18 and $30 per square foot. For an intensive roof, you have to count from $30 to $48 per square foot. Keep in mind that the installation of this type of roof includes laying different membranes, a drainage and moisture retention system, plus soil and purchase of plants.
Some unscrupulous roofers lure people in with very low prices, only to tack on extras once the roof has been removed. Customers are then left with no choice but to pay. The solutions proposed by some roofers are not always adequate or appropriate. If the offer made to you seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Your roof protects your most important asset, so it’s crucial to get it done right.
You can, of course, ask for references from your network and see whether the work done by roofers was satisfactory. However, make sure it’s for the same type of roofing as not all roofers have the same specialties. Even if you get recommendations, do the necessary checks yourself before signing a contract. We can also refer you to up to three competent roofers in your area based on your project and specific needs. Trust RenoAssistance for your roofing project!
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