Cost of Roof Repair: How Much to Budget in 2026?

Wondering how much roof repairs or a full replacement will cost? Should you repair that small leak or invest in a new roof altogether? What materials offer the best value for your budget? These are just some of the questions homeowners ask when planning a roofing project.

Whether you're fixing damage, replacing shingles, or installing a new roof, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. This guide covers real examples of project pricing, pros and cons of popular materials like asphalt shingles and metal roofing, and factors that influence costs, such as roof size, slope, and weather conditions. Get the details to help you make an informed decision.

How much will it cost to fix or install a new roof (price per square foot)?

To learn more about the average cost of different home renovation projects, check out our Home Renovation Price Guide.

Roofing Shingles: Prices Estimated by Professional Roofers

Roof renovation project #1

3,000 sq. ft. Asphalt shingle roofing: Average cost is between $18,000 and $36,000.

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor.

Roof renovation project #2

2,000 sq. ft. Asphalt shingle roofing: Average cost is between $12,000 and $24, 000.

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor.

Pros of asphalt shingles

The main advantage of asphalt shingle roofing is that it's rather inexpensive. Since 2012, all new roofs made with this material have to be inorganic. The main factor that will affect the durability of the asphalt shingle roof is its weight: the heavier it is, the longer its service life will be. Another prominent feature of this material is that it comes in a wide variety of colours, finishes and styles. Your roofer can enlighten you on the roofing material options available.

Cons of asphalt shingles

As is often the case when something is inexpensive, it's reflected poorly on the quality of the material. The service life of asphalt shingle roofing is somewhere between 15 and 30 years. Asphalt shingles also require a lot of maintenance and if upkeep isn’t done on a regular basis, the roof may have to be replaced after ten years. 

And, as a side note, while you or an industry professional undergoes roof maintenance work, take time to check the gutters, it'll pay off in the long run. 

Also, from time to time, you may have to replace individual shingles. Moreover, the colour of individual shingle tiles may fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Sun rays are the main source of problems for asphalt roofing. To protect their surface from UV rays, make sure that the gravel laid by the roofer is well installed on the membrane. Too much direct exposure to sunlight can cause the asphalt’s oils to dry, resulting in the material becoming more fragile, and ends up cracking.

Average cost per square foot: You will have to pay between $6 and $12/sq.ft. for an asphalt shingle roof.

Sheet Metal Roof

Roof renovation project #3

2,000 sq. ft. sheet metal roof: between $26,000 and $60,000.

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor

Pros of sheet metal roofing

Sheet metal is extremely resistant. This type of roofing lasts at least 50 years, if not more. Much like asphalt shingles, sheet metal is available in a wide variety of colours (and can be painted using PVC-based paint, polyester or polyurethane) and styles (corrugated, folded, etc.).

This material is recyclable, easy to maintain and has a decent price/quality ratio. Also, sheet metal doesn’t retain snow as much as asphalt does.

Cons of sheet metal roofing

The main drawbacks of sheet metal roofing are the costly installation process and the fact that it is vulnerable to corrosion (due to saline air) and electrolysis. Also, for the home's occupants, the noise generated by rainwater is more audible than with other materials.

Average price per square foot: For a sheet metal roof, you will have to establish a budget that may vary between $13 and $30/sq. ft.

To learn more about steel roofing, see our article Steel Roofing: Prices, Renovation and Features

Flat Roof

Roof renovation project #4

4,000 sq. ft. flat roof: between $36,000 and $80,000.

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor

Roof renovation project #5

2,300 sq. ft. flat roof: between $20,700 and $46,000

Source: RenoQuotes.com contractor

Pros of flat roofs

Flat roofs are common in urban environments. The main advantage of a flat roof is that the surface can be used to create an extra floor, to build a rooftop terrace for example. This means that you will have all this extra space that you will be able to set up and design according to your needs. Flat roofs can be built using different materials such as wood, metal or concrete.

Cons of flat roofs

The main problem with this type of roof is waterproofing. Even when the surface isn’t exactly flat (with a slight 5% slope), if the roof is not sealed properly, you may notice water infiltrations. There are three materials available for flat roofs: multilayer membranes (made of tar and gravel); single-ply membranes (TPO and EPDM); and two-layer or elastomeric membranes.

Average cost per square foot: On average, for a 1,000 sq. ft. flat roof, it costs between $9 and $20/sq. ft. (for an elastomeric membrane with a service life of 30 to 50 years). For a tar and gravel roof, the average cost is between $9 and $10/sq. ft. (10- to 25-year service life).

Click here for tips about Flat Roof Maintenance.

Roof Repair or Replacement: Factors Affecting Average Cost

Many factors relating to your roofing renovation project will cause costs to vary, from roofing materials to labour costs. Qualified roofers will quote homeowners based on several factors, including the type of roofing (slate, wood, clay, shingles, etc.), whether it's minor repairs or extensive problems, such as a leak, or if it's an emergency roof repair. Also, debris removal (old roofing material) will have to be factored in. As such, re-roofing or repair costs will weigh heavily on the following:

• roof’s slope;

• type of materials;

• level of complexity;

• size of the roof;

• roof’s frame;

• weather.

How much damage does a roof need to be replaced?

The extent of damage needed to warrant a new roof will depend on several key factors including the age of the roof, the type of damage, the severity, and the material it's made of. In general, if the damage is spread across a sizeable area and is extensive enough, having the whole thing replaced will be more cost-effective than attempting repairs.

Nevertheless, here are a few signs your roof may need to be repaired or replaced:

• Rot or mould growth on your roof;

• Light coming through the roof boards;

• Excessive granule loss on asphalt shingles;

• Higher energy bills;

• The roof is sagging;

• Water stains on the ceiling below the roof;

• Visible damage like curled or missing shingles.

FAQ

Is it worth it to fix a leak, or should I replace the roof?

The answer depends on the extent of the roof damage. If the issue is confined to a small area, repairing the damage or leak is likely the most economical and practical option. However, if the damage is extensive, repair costs may approach or exceed the cost of a full roof replacement. In such cases, replacing the roof might be the more sensible choice.

What is the cheapest option for a new roof?

Asphalt shingles, commonly seen on most houses in Canada, are typically the cheapest option. It's important to note that, while very affordable, they don’t compromise on quality.