Roof Replacement Cost in Windsor, Ontario (2026)

A roof is the most expensive thing on your house that you never look at. Then a summer storm rolls off Lake St. Clair, a few shingles end up in the neighbour's yard, and suddenly you're on a ladder learning words like "drip edge".

Here's what a roof replacement costs in Windsor in 2026, what changes the price, and how to compare quotes without getting burned.

Roof replacement prices in Windsor at a glance

• Asphalt shingles: $5 to $9 per sq ft installed, including tear-off and underlayment. Premium designer shingles can reach $12.
• Metal (steel or aluminum): about $7 to $20 per sq ft for most homes. Specialty metals like copper cost far more.
• Flat roof (modified bitumen, EPDM, built-up): $5 to $17 per sq ft
• Decking repairs (rotten plywood): $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on how much is damaged
• Removing an extra layer of old shingles: roughly $1 to $3 per sq ft more

Typical totals for asphalt shingles

• Small bungalow (about 1,200 to 1,500 sq ft of roof): $7,000 to $13,500
• Average 1.5 or 2-storey home (about 2,000 sq ft of roof): $10,000 to $18,000
• Large or steep roof (2,500 sq ft or more): $14,000 to $24,000 or more

Remember that roof area is bigger than your home's floor area once you include the slope and overhangs. Roofers measure in "squares", where one square is 100 sq ft of roof.

These ranges come from 2026 Ontario roofing price guides. Windsor prices sit in the same range. Get written quotes for your own house.

What changes the price

• Pitch. Steeper roofs need more safety gear and take longer.
• Complexity. Dormers, valleys, chimneys and skylights all add labour and flashing work.
• Layers. Many older Windsor homes have two layers of shingles. Both need to come off, and that costs more.
• Decking. Your roofer won't know if the plywood under the shingles is rotten until they tear off. A good quote will include a price per sheet of replacement plywood, so you aren't surprised.
• Ventilation. Windsor summers are hot and humid. Poor attic ventilation cooks shingles from below and can cut years off their life. Good roofers will check it.
• Material and warranty. Architectural shingles cost a bit more than basic 3-tab shingles but last longer and look better. Most Windsor homes now use architectural shingles.

Asphalt vs metal: which is better for Windsor?

Asphalt shingles are the default for most Windsor homes. They're affordable, easy to repair, and last about 15 to 30 years depending on quality and ventilation.

Metal roofs cost two to three times as much up front, but can last 40 to 70 years, shed snow well and handle wind better. They make the most sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time.

Flat roofs are common on additions, garages and some older homes downtown and in Walkerville. They need a specialist, and a different material from the shingles on the rest of the house.

Do you need a permit in Windsor?

In Ontario, a like-for-like re-shingle usually doesn't need a building permit. You may need one if the job involves structural work, such as replacing rafters, changing the roof shape, or adding a dormer or skylight. If in doubt, call the City of Windsor Building Department at 519-255-6267 before work starts.

Will insurance pay for a new roof?

Home insurance usually covers sudden damage, such as a storm tearing off shingles or a tree falling on the roof. It usually doesn't cover a roof that's simply old and worn out. If you've had storm damage, take photos before any repair, call your insurer, and be wary of anyone who knocks on your door after a storm offering a "free roof".

When to replace your roof

Signs it's time:

• Shingles that are curling, cracked or missing
• Lots of granules (it looks like coarse sand) in your eavestroughs
• Stains on ceilings or in the attic
• Daylight through the roof boards in the attic
• A roof that's 20 years old or more

The best time to book is late spring to early fall. Shingles need warm temperatures to seal properly, and roofers can be booked weeks out in summer, so get quotes early.

How to compare roofing quotes

• Get at least three written quotes that list the same items.
• Check that each includes tear-off, disposal, underlayment, ice and water shield at the eaves and valleys, new flashing, drip edge and vents.
• Ask for the price per sheet of plywood if decking needs replacing.
• Ask about two warranties: the manufacturer's on the shingles, and the roofer's on their workmanship.
• Confirm they carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage. If a worker is injured on an uninsured job, it can become your problem.
• Never pay the full amount up front. A deposit for materials is normal.

How we got these numbers

We compared 2026 roofing price guides for Ontario in October 2026. We'll update this guide as we collect quotes from Windsor roofing companies. No company paid to be mentioned.