The roofing material itself is consistently the most expensive component of a roof replacement, typically representing 40–50% of the total project cost. On a 2,000 sq ft Ontario home, materials alone can run $3,500–$8,000 depending on what you choose.
After materials, labour is the second-largest cost, followed by decking repairs if your roof boards have rotted or warped. Tear-off and disposal of old shingles adds another $500–$1,500 to most Ontario projects — one reason some homeowners ask whether it’s cheaper to put new shingles over old ones, though the practice comes with significant drawbacks. If your contractor discovers damaged plywood sheeting underneath — common on roofs over 20 years old — expect decking repairs to add $1–$3 per sq ft on top of the original quote.
The cheapest way to replace a roof is to choose 3-tab asphalt shingles and schedule in late fall when demand drops. At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive roof style — mansard or complex multi-hip designs — can add 30–50% over a standard gable purely due to geometry and labour. For most Ontario homeowners, the best roof for the money sits in the middle: architectural asphalt shingles balancing cost, longevity, and warranty coverage. Timing your replacement also affects total cost — late spring and early fall are peak demand periods, while late fall scheduling can bring more competitive quotes.
For a full breakdown of what a replacement costs at the project level, see how much it costs to replace a 2,000 sq ft roof in Ontario.