If your roof is showing signs of wear — curling shingles, granule loss, persistent leaks, or age beyond 20 years — a full replacement is likely on your horizon. For Scarborough homeowners, understanding what a new roof actually costs in 2026 means looking at local labour rates, material choices, Toronto-area permit requirements, and the specific characteristics of homes in this part of the GTA. This guide gives you the honest numbers and the right questions to ask before signing any contract.
Typical Roof Replacement Costs in Scarborough (2026)
Most Scarborough homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between $7,000 and $20,000 for a complete roof replacement, including materials, labour, disposal of old materials, and HST at 13%. That wide range exists because homes in Scarborough vary considerably — from compact post-war bungalows in Cliffside and Wexford to larger two-storey detached homes in Agincourt or West Hill.
Here is a practical breakdown by home size and a standard three-tab or architectural asphalt shingle installation:
- Small home (up to 1,200 sq ft footprint): approximately $7,000 – $10,000
- Mid-size home (1,200 – 1,800 sq ft footprint): approximately $10,000 – $14,000
- Larger home (1,800 sq ft footprint and above): approximately $14,000 – $20,000+
These figures assume one layer of existing shingles, a moderately pitched roof, and standard accessories such as new underlayment, drip edge, and ridge venting. Premium materials or complex roof geometry will push costs higher.
How Roofing Is Priced
Roofing contractors in the GTA typically price by the square — a roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface area, not floor area. Your roof surface is always larger than your home's footprint because of pitch and overhangs. Labour and materials together generally run between $350 and $650 per square for standard asphalt shingles in the Scarborough market in 2026, though this fluctuates with material supply costs and seasonal demand.
Most quotes you receive will be a flat project price covering tear-off of the old roof, disposal, new underlayment, shingles, flashing, ventilation components, and clean-up. Always confirm what is and is not included before comparing quotes.
What Affects the Price of Your New Roof
Roof Size and Pitch
Steeper roofs require additional safety equipment and take longer to work on safely. A low-slope roof (3:12 pitch or less) may require modified bitumen or a different membrane rather than standard shingles, which changes material costs significantly.
Material Choice
Architectural (laminate) asphalt shingles are the most popular choice in Scarborough because they balance cost, durability, and appearance. Luxury asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and cedar shakes all cost more — sometimes two to three times the price of a standard asphalt job. Metal roofing, for example, can run $15,000 to $35,000 on a typical Scarborough home but often carries a 40–50 year lifespan.
Number of Existing Layers
Ontario building codes generally allow no more than two layers of shingles on a residential roof. If you already have two layers, both must be removed before new shingles are installed. That additional tear-off and disposal work adds cost — typically $500 to $1,500 depending on roof size.
Flashing, Chimneys, and Skylights
Any penetrations through your roof — chimneys, skylights, plumbing stacks, dormers — require careful flashing work. Replacing or re-flashing a chimney can add $300 to $800 to the project. Scarborough homes with older brick chimneys often need flashing attention that a basic quote may not include upfront.
Deck Repairs
Once old shingles are removed, damaged or rotted decking (the plywood or OSB substrate) must be replaced. Contractors typically charge per sheet for any deck repairs discovered during tear-off. Budget a contingency of $500 to $1,500 for this possibility, particularly in older homes.
Seasonal Timing
Roofing demand peaks in spring and early fall in the GTA. Booking in late winter or mid-summer — when contractors have more availability — may give you slightly better pricing or at least faster scheduling.
Permit Requirements in Scarborough
Scarborough falls under the City of Toronto's jurisdiction. A building permit is generally not required for a like-for-like residential roof replacement using the same material type. However, if you are changing the roof structure, adding dormers, or altering the roofline, a permit is required through the City of Toronto Building Division.
Even without a permit, your contractor must comply with the Ontario Building Code and manufacturer installation requirements for the warranty to be valid. Always ask your contractor to confirm their understanding of permit obligations for your specific project.
How to Hire a Reliable Roofing Contractor in Scarborough
Roofing attracts a higher-than-average number of unlicensed operators, particularly after storms. Protect yourself with these practical steps:
- Verify WSIB coverage: Any contractor working on your home must carry Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage. Ask for a clearance certificate — you can verify it directly on the WSIB website.
- Confirm liability insurance: A minimum of $2 million in general liability insurance is a reasonable standard. Request the certificate and check the expiry date.
- Get at least three written quotes: Quotes should itemise materials, labour, disposal, and any known extras. Beware of unusually low bids — they often signal cut corners on materials or unregistered workers.
- Ask about manufacturer certification: Many shingle manufacturers offer extended warranties only when installed by a certified contractor. This can add 10 to 15 years to your warranty coverage.
- Check references and past work: Ask for references from recent jobs in Scarborough or the broader GTA. A reputable contractor will not hesitate to provide them.
- Never pay the full amount upfront: A reasonable deposit of 10–25% is standard. Final payment should follow your inspection and satisfaction with the completed work.
A Note on HST
All roofing work in Ontario is subject to HST at 13%. Make sure every quote you receive clearly states whether HST is included or added on top of the quoted price. A quote that omits HST will look lower than it actually is at final invoice.
Is a New Roof Worth It?
Beyond stopping leaks, a new roof protects your insulation, prevents mould, and preserves your home's structural integrity. In the Scarborough real estate market, a recently replaced roof is a meaningful selling point and often factors into home inspection outcomes. For most homeowners, maintaining a sound roof is one of the highest-return maintenance investments you can make in your property.