Calgary Roof Replacement Costs by Material
These prices include materials, labor, permits, and disposal for a typical 1,500 to 2,000 square foot roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Basic 3-tab shingles run $6,000 to $9,000 installed. They're the budget option, but honestly? I don't recommend them for Calgary anymore. They just don't hold up to our hailstorms and temperature swings. Most only last 15-18 years here versus the 20-25 you'd get in a milder climate.
Architectural shingles cost $8,000 to $15,000 and are what we install on about 80% of our projects. They look better, perform better, and typically last 20-25 years in Calgary. Brands like GAF Timberline and IKO Cambridge have proven themselves on local roofs.
Premium and designer shingles push into the $12,000 to $18,000 range with thicker profiles, enhanced warranties, and better impact resistance.
Impact-Resistant Shingles (The Smart Choice for Calgary)
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost $12,000 to $20,000 installed. That's about 30-40% more than standard architectural. Before you write them off as too expensive, hear me out.
Calgary sits in what insurers call "Hailstorm Alley." We get hammered by 40+ hailstorms every summer. The August 2024 storm alone caused nearly $3 billion in insured damage, making it the second-costliest natural disaster in Canadian history. Most of that was roof damage.
Class 4 shingles are tested to withstand 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet. They won't crack or split from hail the way standard shingles do. And here's the kicker: most insurance companies offer 10-30% premium discounts for Class 4 roofs. On a typical Calgary policy, that's $150 to $400 saved every year. Over a 25-year roof life, you're looking at $4,000 to $10,000 in savings. Often more than the extra upfront cost.
Metal Roofing
Metal has been gaining serious traction here. Steel panel roofs start around $15,000 to $22,000, while standing seam systems run $22,000 to $35,000 or more.
Yes, it's a bigger investment. But metal roofs last 40-70 years, handle hail better than asphalt (though they can dent cosmetically), and shed snow beautifully. We're seeing about 35% more requests for metal quotes compared to two years ago.
Other Options
Cedar shakes have fallen out of favor—they're vulnerable to hail and require constant maintenance. If you love the look, budget $18,000 to $35,000 and expect to baby them.
Flat roofs (common on modern Calgary homes) typically use EPDM rubber or TPO, running $8,000 to $20,000. Both handle our temperature extremes well.
Euroshield synthetic shakes are worth mentioning. They're manufactured right here in Calgary from recycled rubber, built specifically to handle our harsh weather. Excellent hail resistance, 50+ year lifespan, and they look like real cedar or slate. We install Euroshield here at Peakline, and they're one of our top recommendations for homeowners who want durability without the maintenance. Budget $15,000 to $25,000.
Why Calgary Roofs Cost More
You might have seen lower numbers when Googling national averages. Those don't account for what makes Calgary... Calgary.
Our Weather is Brutal
Calgary experiences roughly 127% more freeze-thaw cycles than typical Canadian cities. Water gets into tiny cracks, freezes, expands by about 9%, and slowly tears your shingles apart from the inside. This happens over and over, all winter long.
Then there are the chinooks. Those rapid temperature swings—sometimes 25-30 degrees in a few hours—cause materials to expand and contract constantly. Flashing loosens. Sealants crack. Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at the eaves.
And of course, the hail. Every summer, we watch the sky and hope this year won't be the year we get a direct hit. But eventually, everyone's number comes up.
All of this means Calgary roofs need better materials installed to higher standards. That costs more.
The 2024 Alberta Building Code
The updated code that took effect May 1, 2024 includes stricter requirements affecting every roof replacement:
Ice and water shield is now mandatory on all heated structures. It must extend at least 24 inches past the inside face of your exterior wall—further on steeper roofs. This adds $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot to every job.
Ventilation requirements are stricter. Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup (ever heard of "attic rain"? It's a Calgary thing) and extends roof life. Upgrading ventilation during a reroof typically adds $500 to $1,000.
These aren't optional extras—they're code. Any quote that seems suspiciously low might be from someone planning to skip them.
Hidden Costs That Catch Homeowners Off Guard
Your quote is based on what the contractor can see during inspection. Some problems only reveal themselves once the old shingles come off.
Deck Repairs
About 15-20% of Calgary roofs need plywood replacement. Water damage, rot from poor ventilation, or just age can compromise your deck.
A sheet of plywood runs $50-75 installed. If you need 5-10 sheets replaced, that's $250-750 added to your project. Severe cases requiring large sections can hit $2,000-5,000.
Good contractors give you a per-sheet price upfront. If they find damage, they'll show you before proceeding.
Fascia and Soffit
The boards along your roofline (fascia) and underneath your eaves (soffit) often deteriorate alongside an aging roof. Ice damming is a major culprit—water backs up, soaks into the wood, and rot sets in.
Replacement runs $6-22 per linear foot. A typical home might need $1,000-4,000 if it's extensive.
Ventilation Upgrades
If your attic ventilation doesn't meet current code, you'll need to address it. Adding or upgrading vents typically costs $500-1,200.
Gutters and Flashing
Old gutters often get damaged during replacement, or they're already in rough shape. New gutters run $12-25 per linear foot. Chimney and skylight reflashing costs $300-600 each.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Bad Contractor
After every major hailstorm, Calgary sees an influx of "storm chasers"—out-of-town contractors who show up, do questionable work, and disappear before problems surface. Here's how to protect yourself:
- No physical address. Legitimate companies have a local office or shop—not a P.O. box.
- No WCB coverage. Alberta roofing contractors must carry Workers' Compensation Board coverage. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have it, you could be liable. Always ask for a clearance letter.
- Cash-only or huge deposits. Professional contractors accept multiple payment forms and typically don't require more than 10-30% upfront.
- Pressure tactics. "This price is only good today" or "I have extra materials from another job" are classic scam lines.
- Door-to-door solicitation after storms. This is the calling card of storm chasers. Legitimate local contractors don't need to knock on doors—they have referrals and repeat customers.
- Quotes way below market. If everyone else is quoting $12,000-15,000 and someone offers $7,000, they're cutting corners somewhere—skipping ice and water shield, using substandard materials, not pulling permits, or not carrying insurance. That cheap quote will cost you more when the roof fails in five years.
Insurance Claims: What Calgary Homeowners Need to Know
Given our hail frequency, many roof replacements here are insurance claims. Here's how to navigate the process:
Document damage immediately. After a hailstorm, take photos and videos of any visible damage—dented vents, cracked shingles, damaged siding. Do this before any repairs.
File promptly. Most policies have time limits. Even if damage seems minor, report it—some damage isn't visible from the ground but warrants replacement.
Understand your coverage type. "Full replacement value" covers the full cost regardless of age. "Actual cash value" accounts for depreciation—if your roof is over 15 years old, your payout might be significantly less. Some newer policies include cosmetic damage exclusions. Know what you have before you need it.
Consider Class 4 shingles. If insurance is covering your roof anyway, upgrading to impact-resistant shingles might only require paying the price difference out of pocket. Given the premium discounts, it's often a no-brainer.
Watch out for "free roof" scams. Contractors offering to "cover your deductible" are committing insurance fraud. Your contractor should work with your insurer transparently, not around them. As an experienced Calgary roofing company, we handle insurance claims from start to finish. Scroll down to get a free, no-obligation estimate.
About Peakline Roofing & Exteriors
This guide was written by our team at Peakline Roofing & Exteriors. We're a family-run Calgary roofing company, started by Joe and his father back in 2014. Since then, we've replaced over 500 roofs across Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, and the surrounding area.
We're BBB A+ rated, fully WCB insured, and back every installation with an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty. If your roof needs replacing, we'd be happy to come take a look and give you an honest assessment. We typically respond within 2 hours.
Last updated: January 2026. Prices reflect current Calgary market conditions including 2024 Alberta Building Code requirements, material costs, and local labor rates. Always get multiple quotes from licensed, insured Calgary roofing contractors.
About Joe Petrash
Owner of Peakline Roofing & Exteriors with over 20 years of experience in the Calgary roofing industry. Joe and his team have helped hundreds of homeowners across Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, and surrounding communities.
Learn more about Peakline Roofing