Everything You Should Know When Selecting Roofing Material in Ontario

I’ve been helping homeowners across Milton, Halton Hills, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, and Guelph choose the right roofing materials for over 20 years.

One thing I’ve learned? Picking the right roof isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance, durability, and protecting your investment.

If you’re planning a roof replacement or a new build, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, with real advice from someone who’s installed just about every material under the Ontario sun.

Why Your Roofing Material Matters (More Than You Think)

A roof isn’t just shingles and nails — it’s your home’s first line of defense against Ontario’s wild weather.

From the lake-effect snowstorms we get in Burlington and Oakville to the strong winds whipping through Milton and Halton Hills, your roof has to stand up to some serious punishment.

Choosing the wrong material could mean higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and a shorter roof life.

When I replaced a 15-year-old asphalt roof in Brampton last year (it should have lasted 25 years!), it was clear the original material wasn’t suited for our freeze-thaw cycles. The right choice could have saved that homeowner thousands.

1. Understanding Your Options

Let’s start with the basics: Here are the most common roofing materials I see homeowners in our area choose:

Asphalt Shingles

Most popular choice by far.
Affordable, easy to install, good color variety.
Lifespan: 15–30 years, depending on quality.
Great for homes in Mississauga, Brampton, and Guelph.

Personal Note: We recently installed high-end architectural shingles in Oakville for a family who wanted a wood look without the maintenance — they’re thrilled!

Metal Roofing

Extremely durable.
Reflects sunlight, helping with energy efficiency.
Lifespan: 40–70 years.
Excellent for rural properties in Halton Hills and newer homes in Milton.

Real Example: A client in rural Halton Hills went with a standing seam metal roof two years ago — no more worrying about heavy snow buildup or ice dams!

Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Beautiful, natural look.
Natural insulation properties.
Lifespan: 20–40 years, depending on upkeep.
Popular for high-end homes in Burlington and Oakville.

Important: Cedar requires regular maintenance and isn’t ideal if you want a low-maintenance solution.

Slate Roofing

Gorgeous, extremely durable.
Heavy — your home must be structurally ready for it.
Lifespan: 75–100+ years.
Often chosen for historic homes in downtown Guelph and Burlington.

Reality Check: Slate is expensive to install and repair, but if you want a “forever roof,” it’s tough to beat.

Synthetic Roofing (Rubber, Composite)

Mimics natural products like slate and cedar.
Lighter, easier to install, lower maintenance.
Lifespan: 30–50 years.
Increasingly popular in new Mississauga and Brampton builds.

Tip: Some synthetic shingles come with hail warranties — something to consider given the rough storms we’ve had recently.

2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Material

Picking a roof isn’t just about what looks good from the street.
Here’s what you really need to weigh:

Climate Resistance

Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, and heavy snowfall put roofs to the test.
For example, after a massive ice storm in Brampton in 2022, I saw the advantages of metal roofing firsthand — while asphalt roofs cracked and lost shingles, metal roofs barely had a scratch.

Cost and Value

It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option, but think long-term.
An inexpensive asphalt shingle might save you upfront, but a metal roof could pay for itself by lasting twice as long (or longer).

Energy Efficiency

Certain materials reflect heat better than others.
We upgraded a Mississauga homeowner’s roof with cool roof-rated asphalt shingles, and their summer AC bill dropped by nearly 20%!

Aesthetic Appeal

Think about your home’s style and neighborhood.
In upscale areas of Burlington and Oakville, cedar or synthetic shakes might add to your property value.

In Milton or Halton Hills, durable asphalt shingles blend beautifully with brick and stone homes.

Maintenance Needs

Cedar roofs need regular treatment.
Asphalt requires periodic inspection and minor repairs.
Metal and synthetic options are close to maintenance-free.

Ask yourself: How much upkeep do you want to take on?

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve seen homeowners make a few costly mistakes when choosing roofing materials:

Ignoring local building codes
(Especially an issue in Mississauga and Guelph where there are strict rules about certain roofing types.)
Choosing based only on price, not quality.
Hiring out-of-town contractors who don’t understand Southern Ontario’s unique climate.
Not thinking about resale value — potential buyers notice an old, worn-out roof right away.

4. Personal Stories: How Material Choice Pays Off

I’ll never forget a client in Guelph who went with a metal roof even though it cost more upfront.

Last winter’s freeze-thaw cycle hit hard, but while her neighbors were patching leaks and calling for repairs, she didn’t have a single issue — and her insurance company even gave her a small discount for reduced risk of claims.

That’s the kind of peace of mind a smart roofing decision can give you.

5. Final Tips: Making the Right Choice

Talk to a local expert (not just a sales rep).
Ask for samples and look at them in natural daylight.
Compare warranties — both manufacturer and installer warranties matter.
Think about your home’s future — will you move in 5 years or stay for 20?

When you work with someone who truly cares about your home and not just making a sale, you’ll end up with a roof that’s not only beautiful but built to last.

Ready to discuss your options?

We proudly serve Milton, Halton Hills, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, and Guelph — and we’ll give you honest, experienced advice, every step of the way.

Dillon Dubois