Roof Replacement in Ottawa: Materials, Costs, and Timing

# Roof Replacement in Ottawa: Materials, Costs, and Timing

# Roof Replacement in Ottawa: Materials, Costs, and Timing

Your roof protects everything below it. In Ottawa's climate—ice, snow, UV, temperature extremes—choosing the right materials and contractor matters enormously.

## When to Replace

### Age Guidelines

| Material | Expected Lifespan |

|----------|-------------------|

| 3-tab asphalt | 15-20 years |

| Architectural asphalt | 25-30 years |

| Metal | 40-70 years |

| Cedar shake | 25-35 years |

| Slate | 75-100+ years |

### Warning Signs

**Replace soon:**

- Shingles curling, cupping, or cracking

- Significant granule loss (check gutters)

- Multiple leaks or repairs needed

- Visible daylight through roof boards

- Sagging deck

**Monitor closely:**

- Moss or algae growth

- Some missing shingles

- Minor flashing issues

- Age approaching lifespan

### After Storm Damage

- Document damage immediately

- Contact insurance

- Get professional assessment

- Don't delay repairs that could worsen

## Roofing Materials for Ottawa

### Asphalt Shingles

**Most common choice in Ottawa.**

**3-Tab Shingles:**

- Cost: $3-$5/sq ft installed

- Flat appearance

- Shorter lifespan

- Budget option

**Architectural/Dimensional:**

- Cost: $4-$7/sq ft installed

- Textured, layered look

- Better wind resistance

- Longer warranty

- **Recommended minimum for Ottawa**

**Premium/Designer:**

- Cost: $6-$10/sq ft installed

- Mimics slate or shake

- Highest performance ratings

- Best warranties

**Ottawa considerations:**

- Choose impact-resistant (hail)

- Algae-resistant in shaded areas

- Wind rating minimum 110 mph

- Cold-weather rated adhesive

### Metal Roofing

**Standing seam:**

- Cost: $10-$18/sq ft installed

- Concealed fasteners

- Longest life

- Premium appearance

**Metal shingles:**

- Cost: $8-$14/sq ft installed

- Looks like traditional shingles

- Metal durability

- Easier installation than standing seam

**Ottawa advantages:**

- Sheds snow well

- No ice dam issues

- Handles temperature extremes

- Long lifespan

**Considerations:**

- Higher upfront cost

- Noise (can be mitigated)

- Denting possible (some products)

- Finding qualified installers

### Cedar Shakes/Shingles

- Cost: $8-$14/sq ft installed

- Natural beauty

- Good insulation value

- Requires maintenance

- Fire concerns (treatment available)

**Ottawa consideration:** Works well but requires commitment to maintenance.

### Synthetic/Composite

- Cost: $7-$12/sq ft installed

- Mimics slate, shake, or tile

- Lightweight

- Durable

- Relatively new products

**Ottawa consideration:** Less track record in our climate; verify cold-weather performance.

## Understanding Roofing Costs

### Cost Factors

**Roof size:** Measured in "squares" (100 sq ft each).

**Pitch/steepness:** Steeper = more labor, more safety equipment.

**Layers:** Tear-off of old roofing adds cost.

**Complexity:** Valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys add labor.

**Access:** Difficult access increases cost.

**Material choice:** Wide range of material costs.

### Average Ottawa Costs (2026)

| Home Size | Architectural Shingles | Premium Shingles | Metal |

|-----------|----------------------|-----------------|-------|

| 1,500 sq ft roof | $8,000-$12,000 | $12,000-$18,000 | $18,000-$30,000 |

| 2,000 sq ft roof | $10,000-$15,000 | $15,000-$22,000 | $22,000-$38,000 |

| 2,500 sq ft roof | $12,000-$18,000 | $18,000-$28,000 | $28,000-$45,000 |

### What Should Be Included

**Standard job includes:**

- Tear-off of old roofing

- Inspection and repair of decking

- Ice and water shield at eaves

- Underlayment

- Drip edge

- New shingles and ridge caps

- Flashing repairs/replacement

- Cleanup and disposal

- Warranty

**May be extra:**

- Decking replacement (if damaged)

- Skylight flashing/replacement

- New roof vents

- Chimney reflashing

- Gutter replacement

## Ottawa-Specific Requirements

### Ice and Water Shield

**Required:** Along eaves (minimum 24" inside exterior wall).

**Recommended:** Valleys, around penetrations, at wall intersections.

**Extended:** Consider full deck coverage for low-slope roofs.

### Proper Ventilation

**Critical for:**

- Preventing ice dams

- Shingle longevity

- Moisture control

**Components:**

- Soffit vents (intake)

- Ridge vent or roof vents (exhaust)

- Balanced airflow

### Cold Weather Installation

**Shingles below 4°C:**

- Won't seal properly without hand-sealing

- More brittle, can crack

- Some contractors won't install

**Best Ottawa timing:** May-October

## Choosing a Roofing Contractor

### Must-Haves

- Licensed and insured

- Workers' compensation coverage

- Local references

- Written detailed estimate

- Manufacturer certification (for warranty)

- Physical business address

### Questions to Ask

- How long have you been in business?

- Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer?

- Who will be on-site supervising?

- What's your approach to decking issues?

- What warranty do you provide on labor?

- How do you handle weather delays?

- Can I see recent local work?

### Red Flags

- Door-to-door solicitation after storms

- Pressure to sign immediately

- Requests full payment upfront

- No physical address

- Can't provide insurance certificate

- Price far below others

- Won't put details in writing

## The Roofing Process

### Timeline (Typical Residential)

**Day 1:**

- Material delivery

- Setup and protection

- Tear-off begins

- Deck inspection and repairs

- Underlayment and ice shield

**Day 2:**

- Shingle installation

- Flashing work

- Ventilation components

**Day 3 (if needed):**

- Complete installation

- Ridge caps

- Cleanup

- Final inspection

**Most residential roofs:** 2-3 days weather permitting.

### What to Expect

- Noise (significant)

- Debris on property (contained, cleaned daily)

- Workers on your roof early

- Possible interior dust

- Dumpster in driveway

- Nail cleanup with magnets

## Warranties

### Manufacturer Warranty

- Covers material defects

- 25-50 years typical (prorated)

- Requires proper installation

- May need certified installer

### Workmanship Warranty

- Covers installation errors

- 1-10 years typical

- Provided by contractor

- Only good if contractor exists

### Getting Best Warranty

- Use manufacturer-certified contractor

- Register warranty after installation

- Keep documentation

- Understand what voids warranty

## After Installation

### Verify Quality

- Shingles aligned and flat

- Flashing properly integrated

- Ridge caps straight

- No exposed nails

- Clean gutters and yard

- All debris removed

- Attic inspection (no daylight, proper ventilation)

### Maintain Your Roof

**Annually:**

- Visual inspection from ground

- Clean gutters

- Trim overhanging branches

- Check attic for issues

**After major storms:**

- Visual inspection

- Check for debris

- Document any damage

Your roof is a major investment. Choose materials and contractors carefully, and it will protect your home for decades.