Reroofing your house is not a decision to be made lightly. This represents a significant investment of time and money, in the tens of thousands of dollars, and can have a significant impact on the value and livability of your home. Therefore, you will want to have a sense of how much money you can expect to spend on a new roof, and what your priorities should be in terms of spending your budget.

You can expect the roof on an average home in British Columbia to cost at least $15,000, at the lowest end of the estimate, depending on the size of the house and the materials chosen. Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest option and currently cost just under $3 per square foot for materials and labour. This type of roof will probably need to be replaced every 20 years or so, so you may save money now but have to pay it in the long run. 

Aluminum or steel roofing is considerably more expensive than asphalt shingles, currently running anywhere from $7 to over $20 per square foot depending on material choice, but also has a significantly longer lifespan: you may not need to replace this roof for 40-70 years! Slate tile roofing, meanwhile, can last generations – over 100 years – and that is reflected in the sky-high cost to install these roofs. It’s important to remember that the lifespan of a roof also depends on how well it is installed, how well it is maintained and what the climate is like, so make sure you contract a reputable and well-insured roofing company that is familiar with your region.

A few factors will impact the cost of a new roof. You will want to consider the following:

• Where are you in British Columbia? The climate in the Okanagan is very different than the climate at the coast, and the wear-and-tear on a roof will be different in these regions. Make sure your roofer is familiar with the weather and conditions you live in.
• What is the condition of the current roof? If the existing roof is very old or had had a lot of leaking and water damage, you may have to replace part or all of the underlying structure of the roof, not just the outer layers. This will increase your costs a fair bit, and is a reason why preventative maintenance is key.
• What is the projected lifespan of your house? If you are in a house that will be sound and pleasant to live in for another 50 years or more, it makes more sense to invest in a more expensive, long-lasting roof. However, if the area you are in is likely to be heavily redeveloped, or if your house was cheaply built, it makes more sense to install a cheaper roof to protect the home for its remaining functional years and increase its curb appeal.

Planning a roof replacement is a job for a professional, and you should feel perfectly comfortable requesting several quotes from experienced local roofing companies. Don’t forget to review their warranty, insurance and maintenance recommendations as well. If you chose a quality roofer, you are building a relationship that will hopefully last for the lifespan of that roof, so choose wisely. Building projects aren’t cheap in British Columbia these days, but a few roof is an investment in your property, and is therefore a worthwhile cost.