Roofing and siding materials compared
Common roofing and cladding options in Canada compared on how they are priced, where they suit, and what to watch for.
This table compares material types, not brands or contractors. Any price notes are relative; the dollar ranges used elsewhere on this site are illustrative, not quotes. Suitability depends on your roof pitch, climate zone (snow load, hail, wildfire risk, coastal wind), local bylaws and heritage rules, so treat this as a starting point for questions to ask.
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| Option | How it is usually priced | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt architectural shingles | Per square installed; the usual baseline in most Canadian quotes | Most sloped roofs from about 4/12 up; widely available crews and parts | Warranty is usually prorated; needs ice and water protection at eaves and proper attic ventilation |
| Impact-resistant (Class 4) asphalt shingles | Per square, at a premium over standard shingles | Hail-prone areas such as parts of Alberta; may affect home insurance pricing | Ask your insurer whether it gives any credit; confirm the impact rating on the product data |
| Steel or aluminium shingles and ribbed panels | Per square, several times standard asphalt in many quotes | Long service life, snow shedding, lighter than tile or slate | Needs snow guards over doors and walkways; installer experience matters for flashing and fasteners |
| Standing seam metal | Per square, usually the top of metal pricing | Low to steep slopes, hidden fasteners, wildfire-resistant cladding | Panel length and seam type affect price; oil-canning and expansion details need skilled crews |
| Cedar shakes and shingles | Per square, plus breathable underlayment details | Heritage and coastal homes where the look is required | Combustible, which matters in wildfire areas and for some insurers; needs maintenance |
| Flat roof membranes (SBS modified bitumen, TPO, EPDM) | Per square foot of membrane system, often with insulation | Flat and low-slope roofs on plexes, rowhouses and additions | Some cities, such as Montreal boroughs, set reflectance (white roof) rules; drains and parapets drive cost |
| Vinyl siding | Per square of wall, the lowest common siding baseline | Budget re-siding, low maintenance | Combustible; can need a permit in some cities; can warp near heat sources |
| Fibre cement siding | Per square, higher material and labour cost than vinyl | Durable, non-combustible cladding, wildfire-prone areas | Heavy; needs painting over time; cutting creates silica dust that crews must control |
| Engineered wood siding | Per square, between vinyl and fibre cement in many quotes | Wood look with factory finish | Clearance from roof and ground and sealed cut ends are critical for warranty |
| Stucco and stone veneer | Per square foot, with lath, scratch coats or structural support | Urban infill and Prairie homes (stucco), feature walls (stone) | Moisture management behind the cladding; stone veneer may need a permit and a footing or ledger |
Material rules are set by the building code your province adopts (based on the National Building Code of Canada, published by the National Research Council) and by municipal bylaws, including heritage districts and Montreal borough rules for roofs. Check product warranties and installation requirements with the manufacturer, ask your insurer how a material choice affects your premium, and check permit needs with your city. See roofing permits by municipality and the material cost guide.