Roof Shingles Price vs Metal Roof Cost from 2016 to 2026 in Ontario

When you are considering having a new roof in Ontario, the most common question would pop up in your mind is: How much will it cost? Over the years, homeowners had the view that metal roofing was much more costly compared to asphalt shingles. But things have changed. In the past ten years, the price of metal roof has reduced significantly, and now it is almost as cheap as shingles.

In this guide, we’ll look at roof shingles price vs metal roof cost from 2016 to 2026, explain why prices changed, and help you understand what it really costs to protect your home in Toronto and across Ontario.

A Decade of Change: Shingles vs Metal

In 2016 alone, it may take 3 to 4 times more money to install a metal roof than shingles. For example, asphalt shingles would initially cost approximately 2 dollars per square foot, whereas metal may be 6-8 or even 10 dollars per square foot. Shingles became popular among many homeowners due to the cheaper initial cost.

However, the price of metal roof has been gradually decreasing over the years. In 2026, the cost of a high quality metal roof begins at 4.50 per square foot, almost equal to that of shingles in most locations. Homeowners can now afford to have long-lasting as well as low-maintenance metal roofing without breaking the bank.

Why Metal Roof Costs Dropped

The cost of metal roof dropped due to a number of reasons:

Enhanced production: The current production technologies lower waste and expenditure.
Increased demand: More buyers and constructors are opting to use metal, which makes competition tough.
Long-term value awareness: Individuals are aware of the fact that metal roofs have a life span of 50-plus years, and shingles have a life span of 20-25 years.

With such developments, metal roofing would be a good investment. You spend a little more initially but conserve on the repairs, replacements and maintenance in the long run.

Roof Shingles Price: Steady but Rising

Whereas the price of metals decreased, asphalt shingles have experienced slight increases. Factors include:

Material cost rise: The cost of asphalt and fiberglass has risen with every passing year.
Inflation: The prices of labour and transport have increased.
Climate resilience: Ontario houses need shingles that are rated for heavy snow and ice, and this can be a little costlier.

The price of average roof shingles in 2026 will be between $4 and $5 per square foot installed. That is extremely close to the current price of a metal roof, so more homeowners are even considering using metal in smaller projects.

Year-by-Year Cost Comparison

To visualize a graphical representation of the change, the following is a simple table of average installed costs of a 1,000-square-foot roof in Ontario:

Roof Shingles Price vs Metal Roof Cost from 2016 to 2026

As you would notice, the cost of metal roof has decreased steadily and the roof shingles has been slowly rising. In the modern world, the difference between the two is nearly non-existent.

Why Metal Roofing Is Worth Considering

Although there are still certain instances of shingles being cheaper, metal roofing has its benefits that shingles cannot match:

Longevity: Metal roofs are expected to last 50 or more years; shingles last 20-25 years.
Durability: Metal can withstand ice, snow as well as wind compared to asphalt.
Low maintenance: Unlike shingles, low level of maintenance is required.
Energy efficiency: Reflective in summer, which saves on cooling expenses.
Resale value: Metal roofs enhance the value of the home because they are durable and have minimal maintenance.

Compared to long-term value, the difference in small upfront costs is often offset by decades of savings and a decrease in hassle.

Check a detailed Ontario analysis here.

Factors Affecting Costs in Ontario

A number of local factors determine the price of roof shingles and the cost of a metal roof in Ontario:

Location: There can be a minor increase in labour costs in cities such as Toronto.
Roof complexity: Steep roofs or multiple levels raise the time of installation.
Material type: Premium shingles or specialty metal finishes may increase costs by $0.50 -1.50 per sq. ft.
Climate: Ontario snow loads could have an effect on the shingles and metal.

Knowledge of such factors will enable homeowners to plan their budgets effectively and avoid shocks.

Tips for Budgeting Your Roof Replacement

It might look quite challenging to plan a new roof, but with a clear budget, it will become easier. Here’s how to stay on track:

Be aware of the average prices: in 2026, the shingles in Ontario cost about 4-4.50 per sq. ft., and the cost of a metal roof is 4.50 per sq. ft.
Select materials carefully: Specialty metal finishes or premium shingles are costlier, but can be cost-efficient in the long-term.
Include labour: Labour will be dependent on the complexity of the roof, slope, and size of the roof.
Plan for unexpected repairs: It is possible that old roofs have some undetected damage or rotten plywood.

Having a good budget will save you from surprises and give you a trouble-free roofing process.

Conclusion

In the last ten years, the price difference between roof shingles and metal roof has significantly decreased. Metal cost was 3-4 times more costly than shingles in 2016. As we head to the year 2026, the two options are near equal, with the entry point being about 4.50 per square foot installed.

This is good news for Ontario homeowners, as you can now enjoy the durability, longevity, and low maintenance of a metal roof at a relatively low cost compared to shingles. In the cost comparison, keep in mind that you should focus on long-term value, energy savings, and peace of mind. Metal roofing is no longer just a luxury; it is also a viable option for most homes.