Saskatoon Roofing Costs: How Much Are We Talking?

Story Time: You wake up in the morning after a hell-raiser of a storm, glad to have survived another Saskatoon, Saskatchewan weather-apocalypse.

You grab a coffee, look out the window, and see a few familiar-coloured shingles lying in the yard. Crap.

Just as you’re ready to inspect the new lawn ornaments, one of your kids sleepily informs you that their ceiling looks like someone peed on it last night. Double-crap.

If you keep the angry swear words inside, I salute you, but the loudest thought will likely be, “This is going to cost me a lot.” 

Can we have an honest talk? You’re not wrong. 😕

The cost of everything is rising, and the idea of a full roof replacement can be discouraging, yet non-negotiable. Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements, so protecting your investment is critical. 

Big things usually cost big money and sometimes, adulting just sucks.

Can I Get A Ballpark Cost?

Replacing a roof in Saskatoon can range anywhere from $7,000 to over $30,000.

For a standard-sized bungalow with basic asphalt shingles, you’re likely looking at the lower end of that range, and for a larger, more complex roofline with premium materials, the cost will climb. 

There’s no sugarcoating the fact that it's a significant investment. But the key word in that sentence is investment. Investing in a high-quality, well-installed roof will protect your home for decades and protect you and your family from much costlier repairs in the future.

Where Does The Money Go?

1. Materials: This is the most significant chunk of your cost. The type of roofing material you choose will have the most impact on the price. (I’ll expand on this further down.) 

2. Labour: In a world of “I’ll just look up how to do it on YouTube,” please don’t miss this. Paying for a professional roofing crew is 100% worth it. If you’re short on time, proper equipment and expertise, hiring an experienced crew is the way to go. They will take care of everything from the tear-off to the cleanup. 

3. Underlayment and Decking: The water-resistant layer of extra protection between your roof deck and the shingles is essential to the job, and if the wood underneath all your old shingles is damaged or rotten, it needs to be costed out and replaced.

4. Flashing, Vents, and Drip Edge: This material prevents leaks around chimneys, skylights, and roof edges. Somebody must install it correctly, or a single storm can undo all your expensive and hard work.

5. Disposal Fees: All that old junky roofing needs to be hauled away and disposed of and the cost is part of a roofing job.

6. Permits: Depending on the scope and duration of the job, a permit may need to be issued by the city or town you live in.

What Costs What: The Breakdown

Let's get back to that crazy-broad price range from earlier and outline why it can vary so much.

1. The Materials You Choose: Budget-Friendly to Premium

1. Asphalt Shingles: ‘Regular’ asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable option, especially in Saskatchewan. They come in various styles and colours and have a typical life of 15-25 years.

2. Metal Roofing: This type has a significant upfront cost, but metal can last for 50 years or more, even in harsh prairie winters. Metal tends to be more industrial-looking and isn’t always a fit for a residential area.

3. Cedar Shakes or Shingles: This material has a natural look and is an extra insulator. However, it requires more maintenance, as it often grows moss and is vulnerable to natural pests. It also requires a specialized roofer to guarantee its durability.

4. Slate or Clay Tiles: Rarely seen in the prairies, tiles are a high-end, luxury material that will last a lifetime. They're found mostly in dry or desert areas without extreme cold and snow. They’re cumbersome, may require structural reinforcement, and must be installed by a specialist.

2. The Size and Complexity of Your Roof

Simple math says the bigger the roof, the more materials and labour it’ll cost. If your roof has a lot of steepness (pitch), it’s more challenging to work on, and the element of danger will add to the material and labour cost. To avoid surprises, a thorough inspection is critical to uncover hidden issues before any work begins.

3. The Condition of Your Existing Roof

The inspector will outline the exact work that will have to be done by the contractor to fix your roof. If they find that your current roof has several layers of old shingles, removing them will take a crew more time. If the wooden decking has a lot of water damage, the budget must include replacement costs. It sucks to get this information, but in this case, there’s little you can do other than move to the next step of choosing the right contractor for the job.

4. The Contractor You Choose

It’s a common-sense statement, but the lowest roofing bidder won’t always give you the best quality work. You can shell out good money only to have it undercut by crummy work. A poorly installed roof can lead to leaks, drafts, and a much shorter lifespan, costing way more in the long run. 

Your best bet is to look for a local, reputable company with great reviews, a proven track record, and a commitment to customer service and satisfaction. 

Why not consider us, Ozmun Exteriors? We’re local, adequately insured, have an excellent reputation, and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We’ll give you that peace of mind you’re looking for after all the stress with your roof. 

Do I Need a Whole New Roof?

Not always! If an inspection shows the damage is localized to a small area, then roof repair might be a better, more cost-effective option. 

Repairs can work for: 

• Missing or damaged shingles from wind or hail.

• Leaks around flashing.

• Minor ice damming issues.

That said, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or if the damaged-to-good ratio is pretty high, a full replacement is usually the best long-term (here’s that word again) investment. 

The only thing worse than spending money on a repair is finding out a little later you should’ve just torn it up and replaced the whole thing.

Why Get a Quote?

As a consumer, you can ask for a detailed, written estimate. A reputable company will have no issue offering a free roofing quote. It won’t pressure you to commit to anything until you can ask questions and understand exactly what you’re paying for.

When you get your quote, make sure it includes a few specific details:

• A detailed cost breakdown: material, labour, permits, cleanup, etc.

• The type and brand of materials to be used.

• The project timeline.

• Warranty info for both materials and the workmanship.

There’s no limit on the number of quotes you can get. A roof replacement is a considerable investment, so it's a great idea to get a feel for the type of company you want to work with, as well as prices and services.

Remember: It’s An Investment

A new roof is a majorly unsexy house expense. Still, if you can understand the elements that influence the costs, do thorough research, and find a reputable contractor, you can confidently decide to get the job started. So, the next time a storm rips through town, you can drink coffee without counting shingles on your lawn.