•Ottawa has 20 listed roofing professionals with an exceptional average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, indicating a mature, competitive local market with high service standards.
•Central City Roofing Inc leads all Ottawa providers with a perfect 5.0-star rating across 131 Google reviews — the largest review volume among the top-rated firms in the city.
•Roofing costs in Ottawa typically range from CAD $8,000 to $30,000+, with significant variation based on roof size, material choice, and whether ice-related damage remediation is required.
•Ottawa's harsh continental winters and heavy ice accumulation make spring post-winter inspections essential — ice damming is the leading cause of premature roof failure in the region.
•The Ottawa installation season runs roughly May through October. Scheduling early in spring or in late summer gives you the best access to top contractors before the seasonal rush peaks.
Roofing in Ottawa: What You Need to Know
Ottawa sits at the crossroads of the Ottawa River valley and the Canadian Shield, giving it one of the most demanding roofing climates in Eastern Canada. As a humid continental city with a population exceeding one million, Ottawa experiences bitter winters that routinely push temperatures below −20°C, followed by rapid spring thaw cycles that stress roofing systems unlike almost anywhere else in the country. The freeze-thaw cycle — where daytime melting and overnight refreezing occur repeatedly from November through March — is the single greatest enemy of residential and commercial roofs in this city. Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts snow at the ridge, only for that meltwater to refreeze at the cold eaves, forcing water under shingles and into the structure. Any roofing contractor operating in Ottawa must understand this dynamic intimately, and the best ones design their installations with enhanced ice and water shield membranes, proper attic insulation strategies, and ventilation systems that minimize heat loss at the deck level.
The Ottawa roofing market reflects the city's size and status as Canada's national capital. With 20 listed roofing professionals maintaining an average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the local industry is both well-developed and highly accountable. That average is not a marketing claim — it reflects hundreds of real homeowner and property manager reviews across the city's top firms. The top five companies by rating have each achieved a perfect 5.0 stars, with review counts ranging from 50 to 131, which adds statistical weight to those scores. This level of consistent performance is a signal that Ottawa homeowners are getting real value from the professionals they hire — but it also means that the bar for acceptable work is high, and you should expect nothing less than meticulous installation, clear communication, and fully credentialed crews when you engage a contractor here.
Ottawa's built environment adds another layer of complexity. The city contains a wide mix of housing stock, from Victorian-era homes in Centretown and the Glebe with steep, complex roof geometries, to post-war bungalows in Alta Vista with simple gable roofs, to newer suburban builds in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans with modern truss systems and architectural shingles. Each of these demands different expertise. Commercial roofing along the Queensway industrial corridors and in Gloucester typically involves low-slope or flat membrane systems that behave very differently from residential steep-slope asphalt shingles. When you contact a roofing professional in Ottawa, the first question should always be whether their experience matches your specific roof type, not just their general reputation.
Ottawa Tip: The National Capital Commission and City of Ottawa's heritage districts (including parts of Sandy Hill, Lowertown, and the Glebe) may have specific bylaws governing roofing material colours and styles on designated heritage properties. Before signing any contract, check with the City of Ottawa's Heritage Planning division if your property is in a heritage overlay zone — your contractor should be aware of these restrictions, but not all are.
How Much Does Roofing Cost in Ottawa?
Roofing costs in Ottawa span a wide range — from CAD $8,000 for a straightforward asphalt shingle replacement on a modest bungalow to well over $30,000 for a large, complex residential roof or a commercial flat-roof system requiring high-performance membrane materials. Several local factors push Ottawa costs above national averages. First, labour costs in the National Capital Region are elevated relative to smaller Ontario cities. Second, the climate requirements here are non-negotiable: contractors must install a minimum of two rows of ice and water shield membrane at the eaves and in all valleys to meet best-practice standards (and in some cases to satisfy manufacturer warranty terms), which adds material and labour cost. Third, disposal fees for old roofing materials at Ottawa-area landfills and transfer stations have increased meaningfully over the past several years, and reputable contractors include this in their quotes rather than cutting corners on disposal.
When collecting quotes, understand that the lowest bid in Ottawa is almost never the right choice. A $2,000 gap between two bids often reflects the difference between a contractor using code-minimum ice and water shield (one row) and one using two full rows plus a synthetic underlayment — a material difference that will matter enormously after Ottawa's first severe winter. Always ask for a line-itemized quote that separates labour, materials, disposal, and any supplementary work like fascia or soffit repairs, so you can compare contractors on equal terms. Every one of the 20 listed roofing businesses in Ottawa offers direct phone contact, so there is no reason not to call multiple firms and ask detailed questions before committing.
Service
Low Estimate
High Estimate
Notes
Asphalt Shingle Replacement (Residential)
LowCAD $8,000
HighCAD $16,000
Most common Ottawa project. Price varies by roof size, pitch, and number of layers to tear off. Include two rows of ice-and-water shield in your spec.
Metal Roofing (Standing Seam or Steel Shingle)
LowCAD $14,000
HighCAD $30,000+
Excellent long-term value in Ottawa's climate. Metal sheds ice and snow more effectively than asphalt. Higher upfront cost offset by 40–50 year lifespan.
Common on Ottawa commercial properties and urban row houses. TPO and EPDM membranes must be properly detailed at drains and parapet walls to handle spring melt volume.
Roof Repair (Ice Dam Damage, Leak Remediation)
LowCAD $800
HighCAD $5,000
Highly variable. Minor flashing repair on the low end; major sheathing and structural repair after prolonged ice dam water infiltration on the high end. Spring is peak demand — book early.
Money-Saving Tip for Ottawa Homeowners: Schedule your roof replacement for May or early June — before the summer rush hits and contractor availability tightens. Booking in late winter or early spring, once you've had a post-winter inspection done, gives you the best chance of locking in a preferred contractor at their standard rate rather than competing with dozens of other homeowners all reacting to the same spring damage. Additionally, ask your contractor whether your project qualifies for any current Canada Greener Homes or Ontario energy efficiency incentive programs — certain insulation upgrades performed during a roofing project may be eligible.
How to Choose the Right Roofing
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Ottawa
Are you licensed and insured to work in Ontario, and can you provide your WSIB clearance certificate and Certificate of Insurance before work begins? The right answer is an immediate yes, with documents provided without hesitation. Any delay or deflection here is a serious concern. In Ontario, roofing contractors working on residential properties must carry liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard practice) and must be in good standing with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Ask for the documents, not just assurances.
Do you have specific experience with Ottawa's climate requirements — including ice and water shield installation, attic ventilation design, and cold-weather material handling? The right answer demonstrates knowledge: they should explain that in Ottawa, ice and water shield must extend at least 900mm (36 inches) past the interior wall line at eaves, that synthetic underlayment outperforms felt in wet spring conditions, and that asphalt shingles should not be installed when temperatures are below 5°C without proper cold-weather procedures. Generic answers about 'quality workmanship' are not sufficient.
What materials do you use, and what manufacturer warranties are available — and will those warranties be registered in my name? The right answer names specific shingle manufacturers (IKO, Owens Corning, GAF, and BP are all common in the Ottawa market), explains the difference between standard and enhanced warranty tiers (which require factory-credentialed installers), and confirms that the warranty documentation will be registered to the homeowner, not held by the contractor. A 25-year shingle warranty that isn't registered is worth very little.
Can you provide references from roofing projects completed in Ottawa — specifically from clients with similar roof types to mine — within the past two years? The right answer is yes, with references offered proactively, not reluctantly. For a steep-slope heritage home in the Glebe or a flat-roof row house in Lowertown, you want to speak with someone who had that specific project type completed by this contractor. Ask references specifically about how the crew handled the job site at the end of each day and whether there were any surprises on the final invoice.
What does your written contract include, and what is your process if additional damage is discovered once the old roofing is removed? The right answer is a detailed written contract that specifies materials by product name and colour, scope of work, payment schedule, start and estimated completion dates, and a clear process for change orders. In Ottawa, discovering rotted sheathing or deteriorated fascia under old shingles is not uncommon — a reputable contractor will document the additional damage with photos, provide a written change order for your approval, and not proceed until you've agreed to the additional scope and cost.
Red Flags When Hiring Roofing in Ottawa
Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring an Ottawa Roofing Contractor:
Door-to-door solicitation after a major snowstorm or ice event: Storm-chasing contractors descend on Ottawa neighbourhoods after significant weather events. They typically offer rapid quotes, pressure you to sign quickly, and may disappear after collecting a deposit. No established Ottawa roofing firm needs to knock on your door uninvited.
Requests for large upfront deposits (more than 10–15%): A credentialed Ottawa contractor with an established supplier relationship does not need you to fund their materials purchase. A deposit over 15–20% before work begins is outside normal industry practice and increases your financial exposure significantly.
No local Ottawa address or verifiable physical presence: A contractor who lists only a cell number and a Gmail address, with no verifiable local office or address, is a major risk. Check that the business has a real local footprint — Google Maps listing with a physical address, a website with a local address, and membership in local business associations like the Ottawa Construction Association.
Pressure to skip the permit process: In Ottawa, roofing permits are not always required for a straight replacement (same material, same slope), but when structural changes, dormer work, or certain flat-roof applications are involved, permits may be required under the Ontario Building Code. A contractor who suggests skipping permits 'to save money' is shifting code-compliance risk entirely onto you as the homeowner.
Vague or verbal-only quotes: Any contractor unwilling to provide a written, itemized quote before you sign a contract should not be hired. In Ottawa's competitive market, every reputable firm provides written quotes as a matter of standard practice. A verbal agreement provides you with no protection if disputes arise about materials, scope, or pricing.
Top-Rated Roofing in Ottawa
Among the 20 listed roofing professionals in Ottawa, five companies have achieved a perfect 5.0-star Google rating — an unusually strong concentration of top-tier performers in a single market. What distinguishes these firms is not just the rating itself, but the review volume behind it, which indicates consistent performance across many projects rather than a handful of favourable responses.
Central City Roofing Inc stands at the top of the Ottawa market by any objective measure: a 5.0-star rating backed by 131 Google reviews makes it both the highest-rated and the most-reviewed of the top-tier firms. That combination — perfect score at high volume — is exceptionally rare and reflects sustained operational quality across a large number of completed projects. For Ottawa homeowners seeking the lowest-risk choice based on documented public feedback, Central City Roofing Inc represents the benchmark.
David Tulloch Roofing is the second most-reviewed company in the top five, with 115 reviews at a perfect 5.0 stars. The volume of reviews here suggests a firm that has been operating in Ottawa long enough to build a substantial customer base while maintaining flawless satisfaction scores — a combination that typically reflects deep local experience, repeat clients, and strong referral networks.
Ryan's Roofing enters the top tier with 62 reviews at 5.0 stars, while Toitures Husky Roofing — notably, the only bilingual (French-English) firm in the top five, reflecting Ottawa's significant francophone community — brings 52 reviews at a perfect score. Red Seal Roofing Ottawa Ltd. rounds out the group with 50 reviews at 5.0 stars; the 'Red Seal' designation in the company name suggests an emphasis on credentialed trade professionalism, as Red Seal certification is the national standard for skilled trades in Canada.
For Ottawa homeowners, the practical takeaway is that any of these five firms represent a well-documented, high-quality starting point for your contractor search. Collect quotes from two or three, ask the detailed questions outlined in this guide, and make your final decision based on written proposals, not ratings alone.
Company
Rating
Reviews
Best For
Central City Roofing Inc
5.0★
131
Homeowners who want the highest review-volume, top-rated firm in Ottawa — the benchmark provider in the local market for documented consistent quality
David Tulloch Roofing
5.0★
115
Clients seeking a deeply experienced Ottawa roofer with a long track record and large, loyal customer base indicated by high review volume
Ryan's Roofing
5.0★
62
Residential roofing clients looking for a top-rated Ottawa firm with strong community feedback and a perfect satisfaction record
Toitures Husky Roofing
5.0★
52
Ottawa's francophone homeowners and bilingual clients who want service in French — a rare combination of language accessibility and perfect ratings
Red Seal Roofing Ottawa Ltd.
5.0★
50
Property owners who prioritize credentialed tradespeople — the Red Seal designation signals nationally standardized skills and professional trade certification
Seasonal Guide for Ottawa Roofing
Ottawa's climate imposes a natural rhythm on the roofing industry that every homeowner in the city should understand before planning any roofing project. Unlike cities in Southern Ontario or British Columbia where roofing is essentially a year-round trade, Ottawa's effective installation season runs from approximately May through October — roughly six months. Outside that window, extreme cold temperatures affect the sealing strips on asphalt shingles (which require a minimum ambient temperature to activate and create a weathertight bond), make working conditions dangerous on icy slopes, and increase the risk of shingle cracking during installation. Metal roofing can technically be installed in colder conditions, but most Ottawa contractors will not schedule new roof installations after November or before mid-April without specific contractual provisions for cold-weather procedures.
Spring (April–May) is the most critical inspection window for Ottawa homeowners. After each winter, roofs should be inspected for ice dam damage, which typically manifests as lifted or cracked shingles at the eaves, water staining on interior ceilings below the eave line, damaged soffit and fascia, and deteriorated flashing around chimneys and skylights. The freeze-thaw cycles of Ottawa's late winter and early spring — where temperatures can swing 15°C or more within 24 hours — are particularly brutal on flashing seals and on any roof system that already has minor vulnerabilities. A spring inspection costs relatively little and can identify problems before they become structural issues that drive costs into the upper end of the CAD $8,000–$30,000+ replacement range.
Summer (June–August) is peak demand season for Ottawa roofing contractors. The combination of post-winter repairs, scheduled replacements, and new construction activity means that the best firms book up quickly. Lead times for top-rated contractors can stretch to four to six weeks during peak season. If you wait until July to start calling after discovering spring damage, you may find yourself waiting through the best part of the summer or settling for a less experienced firm with more immediate availability. The better strategy is to have your inspection done in April or May and begin the contractor selection process immediately if work is needed.
Fall (September–October) offers a secondary window that experienced Ottawa homeowners use strategically. Contractor availability often improves in September as the summer backlog clears, and the weather remains suitable for installation. Completing a roof replacement before the first significant snowfall of the season (which in Ottawa can arrive as early as late October) protects the property through the upcoming winter and eliminates the risk of going into freeze season with a compromised roof. Fall is also a smart time to have your attic insulation and ventilation assessed alongside any roofing work — proper thermal performance of the roof assembly is what prevents ice dams from forming in the first place, and this is most efficiently addressed during an active roofing project.
Winter (November–March) is not the time to plan or initiate roofing work in Ottawa, but it is the right time to document damage as it occurs. If you notice ice dam formation, interior water staining, or visible shingle loss during a winter storm, photograph everything and contact a roofing contractor to get on their spring schedule as early as possible. Emergency tarping and temporary repairs can be performed in winter conditions by experienced firms, but these are stopgap measures only. Some Ottawa roofing firms offer emergency response services year-round for exactly this reason — all 20 listed Ottawa professionals have direct phone contact, so reaching someone quickly when you have an active leak or storm damage is realistic even in the off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof replacement take in Ottawa, and will I need to leave my home?
A standard residential asphalt shingle replacement in Ottawa typically takes one to three days for a straightforward gable or hip roof on an average-sized home. Larger, more complex roofs with multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, or chimneys can take three to five days. You do not need to leave your home during a roof replacement — the work is entirely exterior — but expect significant noise throughout the working day, and make sure the contractor has clear access to your driveway for the waste disposal bin (most Ottawa contractors bring a residential-sized bin that stays on-site during the project). Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline before work begins and confirm what their plan is if weather interrupts the schedule, since Ottawa summer weather can be unpredictable.
What is an ice dam, and how do I know if my Ottawa roof is vulnerable to them?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof when heat escaping through an inadequately insulated or ventilated attic melts snow on the upper portion of the roof. That meltwater runs down and refreezes at the cold eaves and in the gutters, creating a dam that forces subsequent meltwater back under the shingles and into the building envelope. In Ottawa, virtually every home is vulnerable to ice damming if the attic insulation and ventilation system is not performing correctly. Signs of ice dam damage include icicles much larger than normal forming at the eaves, water staining on ceiling drywall near exterior walls, and peeling paint on interior walls below the roofline. The most effective long-term solution is improving attic insulation to current code levels (minimum RSI-10.6 / R-60 in Ottawa's climate zone) and ensuring balanced attic ventilation — not just installing extra ice and water shield membrane, which mitigates but does not eliminate the problem.
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How do I compare roofing quotes in Ottawa when the prices vary so significantly?
Never compare Ottawa roofing quotes on total price alone — compare them on itemized scope and materials. Request a breakdown that lists the shingle product name and grade, the number of rows of ice and water shield membrane, the type of underlayment (felt vs. synthetic), the ventilation products being installed or retained, the number of layers being torn off, disposal costs, and warranty terms including registration. When two quotes are significantly different in price, the gap almost always reflects material quality or installation scope differences, not contractor efficiency. In Ottawa's climate, shortcuts on ice and water shield, ventilation, or flashing are the most common sources of premature roof failure, and the savings evaporate quickly when you're dealing with a leak three winters later.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Ottawa?
For a straight like-for-like shingle replacement on a residential property in Ottawa — same slope, same material type, no structural changes — a building permit is generally not required under the Ontario Building Code. However, permits are typically required when the project involves changes to the roof structure (adding dormers, changing the pitch), when flat or low-slope roofing is being replaced with a different system that changes the drainage pattern, or when the project is on a commercial or multi-unit residential property. If your project involves any structural element or is in a heritage designation zone, consult the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services before proceeding. A reputable contractor will advise you honestly on permit requirements for your specific project — any suggestion to skip permits that are legitimately required should be treated as a serious red flag.
What roofing material is best suited to Ottawa's climate?
Architectural (laminate) asphalt shingles rated for a minimum 130 km/h wind resistance and carrying an algae-resistance rating are the most widely installed residential roofing material in Ottawa, and they represent good value for most homeowners when properly installed with full ice and water shield and adequate attic ventilation. For homeowners with longer time horizons and higher budgets, standing seam steel or stone-coated metal roofing is the superior choice for Ottawa's climate: metal sheds snow and ice naturally, eliminating the ice dam formation mechanism at the roof surface, and carries a lifespan of 40 to 50 years versus 20 to 30 for premium asphalt. Flat-roof sections common on Ottawa row houses and commercial buildings are best served by TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membrane systems, which maintain flexibility in cold temperatures better than EPDM and are fully heat-welded at seams for superior water resistance. Avoid rolled asphalt (modified bitumen applied without torching in cold weather) on flat roofs in Ottawa — it is the least durable option in a freeze-thaw climate.
