Canada is home to four beautiful seasons and unpredictable weather. Going from extreme heat to below freezing temperatures means your roof needs materials that can stand up to all kinds of weather. Winter is particularly harsh on our roofs and a significant amount of damage can be caused by ice, hail and snow. To ensure your home and roof holds are prepared the harsh weather, here are the best roofing materials for Canadian winters.
Shape
The shape of your roof has a lot to do with how the elements will impact it. For example, flat roofs are a poor choice for Canadian homes as snow build-up can become a real issue. With no slope, the snow has nowhere to go and instead will continue to pile up on your roof until the damage is done. A simple gable is your best choice as snow will easily slide off the sides. Remember that the more complicated your roof design is, the easier it will be for snow, ice and hail to build up in nooks. Keep your roof shape simple to avoid any snow piling issues.
Tip: The more openings in the roof, the more potential for damage. If you’re planning on adding a skylight, chimney or gable, make sure you hire a verified roofing company who knows what they’re doing so there’s less chance for issues down the road.
Shingles
When it comes to shingle materials, you have a few choices that are best suited to Canadian winters. These materials are known to be able to handle the harsh and unpredictable weather we see all winter long.
Metal
Metal roofs are starting to become a more popular choice in cold climates. This is because metal can withstand anything winter can throw at it — rapid temperature changes, heavy snow or hail fall, and even hot sun that melts asphalt. With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last for roughly 50 years. This is about 3-7 times longer than a standard asphalt roof. While the upfront investment will be more, you will end up saving in the long run due to how long your roof will last. If you’re planning on replacing your roof, consider a new metal roof for your home.
Concrete
Concrete roof tiles are a good choice due to their durability. They are extremely strong and can withstand the most brutal weather conditions. This is due to their makeup being a mix of cement, sand and pigments. This makes concrete roofs much stronger than other types but it also makes them much heavier. In fact, a concrete roof is as heavy as the equivalent of three layers of asphalt shingles. Installing concrete shingles requires that your roofing system can handle the extra weight. Be sure to consult with a roofer before you go ahead and decide on a concrete roof.
Slate
Another durable option that can withstand the harshest of winter weather is slate. Slate is a natural material that, when installed properly, is watertight and can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. These tiles are quite heavy and can actually help to insulate and regulate the temperature inside your home. On the downside, their weight requires a roof that can handle their weight. Make sure to have an inspector check your roof before deciding to go with slate.
Below are the average costs of Roofing services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $2,995 | $100 | $27,200 |
| Calgary | $1,872 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $2,124 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Hamilton | $3,259 | $100 | $34,000 |
| Oshawa | $2,116 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Ottawa | $2,046 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $2,968 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $2,742 | $100 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 12850 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Roofs are meant to protect our homes from whatever weather comes our way. With harsh unpredictable winters, followed by scorching hot summers, our roofs go through a lot in a year. To protect your investment, it’s always smart to use the best materials suited to your environment. If you need to repair or replace your roof, you can quickly get quotes from verified companies in your area by clicking on the banner below. Make sure your roof makes it through many winters to come.
Article updated June 2022.
