Roofing is one of the larger home repair investments most Renfrew County homeowners will face. Costs vary significantly based on material choice, roof complexity, and what's discovered during the project. The ranges below are based on typical 1,200–1,500 sq ft residential roofs in the Renfrew County area. All figures are before HST.
Roofing Cost by Material Type
| Material | Typical Cost Range | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles — 3-tab | $8,000 – $12,000 | 18–22 years |
| Asphalt shingles — architectural (laminate) | $10,000 – $16,000 | 22–30 years |
| Metal roofing (steel or aluminum panels) | $15,000 – $28,000 | 40–60 years |
| Cedar shake | $18,000 – $35,000 | 25–40 years (with maintenance) |
Architectural (laminate) asphalt shingles are the most common choice for Renfrew County homes due to their balance of cost and performance. Metal roofing is growing in popularity — see our roofing overview for more on the metal vs. asphalt comparison in the Ottawa Valley context.
Key Factors That Affect Your Final Cost
The ranges above assume a straightforward single-story residential roof. Several factors can push costs higher:
- Roof pitch and complexity: Steep roofs, multiple gables, dormers, valleys, and skylights all require more labour and safety measures. A steeply pitched roof can add 20–30% to labour costs over a low-slope equivalent.
- Number of tear-off layers: The OBC allows a maximum of two shingle layers. If your home already has two layers, the entire roof must be stripped to the deck before new shingles can be installed — adding $1,000–$3,000 in disposal and labour costs.
- Ice and water shield extent: The OBC requires ice and water shield at eaves. Many Renfrew County contractors extend it further given local climate conditions. Full-coverage ice and water shield on valleys, peaks, and around all penetrations adds cost but reduces long-term risk.
- Roof deck condition: Decking damage from moisture intrusion, ice dams, or age isn't visible until tear-off. Deck replacement typically runs $2–$4 per sq ft for OSB or plywood sheeting.
- Ventilation upgrades: If the existing ventilation doesn't meet OBC requirements (minimum 1:300 ratio with vapour barrier or 1:150 without), contractors may need to add ridge vents, soffit vents, or baffles — adding $500–$1,500 depending on scope.
Additional Costs to Budget For
A full roofing project often reveals or prompts adjacent work:
- Fascia and soffit repair: $20–$40 per linear foot. Damaged fascia is common alongside a worn-out roof, and replacing it at the same time avoids a second mobilization cost later.
- Eavestrough (gutter) replacement: $15–$30 per linear foot installed. If the eavestroughs are being removed for roof access, replacing deteriorating ones at the same time makes sense.
- Emergency repair prior to full replacement: If your roof has active leaks, emergency patching or tarpaulling typically costs $500–$2,500 depending on the extent of damage and urgency.
- Building permit: Required for full roof replacement in most Renfrew County municipalities. Permit fees range from approximately $150–$600 depending on the municipality and project value.
HST and the Substantial Renovation Rebate
All roofing costs in Ontario are subject to HST (13%). For major renovation projects that qualify as a "substantial renovation" under CRA guidelines — generally, renovations where 90% or more of the interior of an existing residential complex is removed or replaced — the GST/HST New Residential Renovation Rebate may be available, returning a portion of the HST paid. Most roofing-only projects do not meet the 90% threshold on their own, but if your roof replacement is part of a broader home renovation, it's worth reviewing eligibility.
See our guide to HST rebates for renovations for more detail on eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Getting Accurate Quotes for Renfrew County
Roofing quotes vary considerably depending on the contractor's overhead, crew size, and material sourcing. The most accurate way to budget your project is to get a minimum of three written quotes from local contractors who have viewed the roof in person. Online estimators can provide a rough ballpark but cannot account for roof complexity, deck condition, ventilation deficiencies, or access challenges — all of which are common variables in rural Renfrew County properties. Ensure each quote specifies the material brand and grade, the warranty offered, and whether permit costs are included.