After completing over 1,000 roof installations across Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane, I’ve learned that homeowners’ biggest concern isn’t just cost - it’s understanding what actually happens during a roof installation. Here’s your complete guide to roof installation in Calgary, including real 2025 pricing and what to expect every step of the way.
How Much Does Roof Installation Cost in Calgary? (2025 Pricing)
Let’s start with what everyone wants to know - the real costs for Calgary roof installation:
Average Installation Costs by Home Size
Bungalow (1,000-1,500 sq ft)
- Basic asphalt shingles: $7,000 - $11,500
- Architectural shingles: $9,800 - $15,000
- Premium/Impact-resistant: $12,000 - $18,000
Two-Story (1,500-2,500 sq ft)
- Basic asphalt shingles: $9,000 - $16,000
- Architectural shingles: $14,000 - $22,000
- Premium materials: $18,000 - $30,000
Large/Complex Homes (2,500+ sq ft)
- Basic asphalt shingles: $16,000 - $25,000
- Architectural shingles: $20,000 - $32,000
- Premium materials: $28,000 - $50,000+
What’s Included in Professional Installation?
Your roof installation investment covers:
- Complete tear-off of existing roofing
- Disposal and dump fees
- Ice & water shield (required by Calgary code)
- Synthetic underlayment
- All materials and labor
- Flashing replacement
- Ventilation upgrades
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- Manufacturer material warranty
The Calgary Roof Installation Process: Day by Day
Pre-Installation (1-2 Days Before)
What We Do:
- Deliver materials to your property
- Set up safety equipment
- Place protective tarps around your home
- Position waste bins strategically
What You Do:
- Move vehicles from driveway
- Clear 15 feet around house perimeter
- Remove or secure patio furniture
- Take down wall decorations (vibrations)
- Cover items in attic
Day 1: Tear-Off and Preparation
7:00 AM - Start Time Our crew arrives early to maximize daylight. Here’s the morning process:
7:00-9:00 AM - Tear-Off Phase
- Remove old shingles systematically
- Inspect decking for damage
- Document any issues with photos
- Clean debris continuously
9:00 AM-12:00 PM - Deck Preparation
- Replace damaged plywood/OSB ($65-85 per sheet)
- Install ice & water shield at:
- Eaves (minimum 3 feet in Calgary)
- Valleys
- Around all penetrations
- Apply synthetic underlayment
Why Calgary Code Requires Extra Ice Protection: Our freeze-thaw cycles demand minimum 900mm (36-inch) ice shield application at eaves per Alberta Building Code, to prevent ice dam damage.
Day 2: Installation and Completion
7:00 AM-12:00 PM - Shingle Installation
- Start from bottom, work up
- Install starter strips
- Apply shingles with 6-nail pattern (Calgary wind resistance)
- Install ridge vents for proper ventilation
12:00-3:00 PM - Detail Work
- Flash all penetrations
- Install new vent boots
- Replace step flashing
- Install ridge caps
3:00-5:00 PM - Cleanup and Inspection
- Magnetic sweep for nails (3 passes minimum)
- Final inspection
- Cleanup verification
- Walkthrough with homeowner
Material Options for Calgary’s Climate
1. Asphalt Shingles (Most Popular)
Basic 3-Tab Shingles
- Cost: $3.50-$5.50/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Wind rating: 110 km/h
- Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners
Architectural Shingles (Recommended)
- Cost: $5.00-$7.00/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Wind rating: 180 km/h
- Best for: Most Calgary homes
Impact-Resistant/Premium Shingles
- Cost: $8.00-$13.00/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Class 4 hail rating
- Insurance discounts available
2. Metal Roofing
Standing Seam
- Cost: $9-$15/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Ideal for snow shedding
Metal Shingles
- Cost: $6.50-$12/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 40+ years
- Looks like traditional roofing
3. Cedar Shakes
Natural Cedar
- Cost: $12-$18/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 25-35 years
- Requires regular maintenance
Synthetic Cedar
- Cost: $9-$13/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 40+ years
- No maintenance required
Calgary-Specific Installation Considerations
Weather Windows for Installation
Ideal Months:
- May-June: After spring storms, before summer heat
- July-August: Warm, dry conditions
- September-October: Before winter weather
Possible but Challenging:
- March-April: Weather dependent
- November: Race against winter
We Don’t Install:
- December-February: Unless emergency
Building Code Requirements
Calgary has specific requirements:
- Ice & Water Shield: Minimum 900mm (36 inches) up from roof edge, extending 300mm (12 inches) inside the exterior wall
- Ventilation: 1 sq ft per 300 sq ft attic space
- Wind Resistance: Minimum 180 km/h rating
- Permit Requirements: Required for full replacement
Dealing with Calgary’s Weather During Installation
Rain Protocol:
- We monitor weather hourly
- Tarps ready for quick deployment
- Never compromise water protection
- May pause work for safety
Wind Concerns:
- Stop work at 60 km/h winds
- Secure all materials nightly
- Use extra fasteners in high-wind areas
Hail Season (June-August):
- Daily weather monitoring
- Quick-cover procedures
- Impact-resistant options recommended
What Homeowners Should Expect
During Installation
Normal Experiences:
- Loud noise (8+ hours daily)
- Vibrations throughout house
- Dust in attic spaces
- Workers on property all day
- Some landscaping compression
Our Commitments:
- Start/end at consistent times
- Daily progress updates
- Protect your property
- Complete cleanup each day
- Address concerns immediately
Living in Your Home During Installation
Yes, you can stay home, but expect:
- Early morning starts (7 AM)
- Constant noise
- Limited driveway access
- Pets may be stressed
- Some rooms very loud
Tips for Comfort:
- Plan outings during peak noise
- Secure nervous pets
- Cover attic storage
- Park vehicles elsewhere
- Have patience - it’s temporary!
Ventilation: Critical for Calgary Homes
Proper ventilation prevents:
- Ice damming
- Moisture damage
- Premature shingle failure
- Higher energy costs
Calgary Standard Installation Includes:
- Ridge vents (exhaust)
- Soffit vents (intake)
- Bathroom/kitchen vent upgrades
- Attic ventilation assessment
Warranty Protection
Workmanship Warranty (Right To The Peak)
- 10 years comprehensive coverage
- Covers installation defects
- Includes emergency response
- Transferable to new owners
Manufacturer Warranties
- 25-50 years on materials
- Prorated coverage
- Requires proper installation
- Registration important
What Voids Warranties?
- Improper ventilation
- Unauthorized modifications
- Lack of maintenance
- Installation over wet decking
Financing Your Roof Installation
Payment Options Available
Cash/Check
- Often includes discount
- Paid in stages:
- 10% deposit
- 40% on start
- 50% on completion
Financing Programs
- 0% interest for 12 months
- Extended terms available
- Quick approval process
- No prepayment penalties
Insurance Claims
- We work with all insurers
- Direct billing available
- Supplement negotiations
- Documentation support
Signs You Need Roof Installation (Not Just Repairs)
Immediate Installation Needed:
- Multiple leaks
- Sagging roof deck
- 20+ year old roof
- Extensive storm damage
- Failed previous repairs
Plan Installation Within Year:
- Curling shingles
- Granule loss
- Multiple missing shingles
- Daylight through roof boards
- Age approaching 20 years
Choosing Your Calgary Roof Installer
Critical Questions to Ask
-
Are you licensed and insured?
- Alberta business license
- WCB coverage
- Liability insurance
- Get proof in writing
-
What’s your installation process?
- Detailed written scope
- Timeline guarantees
- Weather protocols
- Cleanup procedures
-
What warranties do you offer?
- Workmanship terms
- What’s covered/excluded
- Emergency response time
- Transferability
Red Flags to Avoid
- Door-to-door sales pressure
- Huge upfront deposits (over 25%)
- No fixed business address
- Reluctance to provide references
- Prices “too good to be true”
The Right To The Peak Difference
Why Calgary Homeowners Choose Us
Local Expertise
- 10+ years in Calgary market
- Understand local weather challenges
- Know building code requirements
- Established local reputation
Quality Commitments
- Certified installers only
- Premium materials
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- 24/7 emergency support
Process Transparency
- Detailed quotes
- Photo documentation
- Daily progress updates
- No surprise charges
Preparing for Your Installation
Two Weeks Before
- Schedule installation date
- Arrange alternate parking
- Plan for pets
- Notify neighbors
One Week Before
- Clear attic access
- Remove wall decorations
- Trim overhanging branches
- Confirm material delivery
Day Before
- Final weather check
- Secure outdoor items
- Cover landscaping
- Prepare family/pets
After Installation: Maintenance for Longevity
Year 1
- Visual inspection after storms
- Check attic for leaks
- Clear gutters regularly
- Document any concerns
Annual Maintenance
- Professional inspection
- Gutter cleaning
- Trim overhanging trees
- Check flashings
Maximize Lifespan
- Address issues promptly
- Maintain ventilation
- Keep roof clear
- Document maintenance
Get Your Free Installation Quote
Ready to protect your Calgary home with a professional roof installation? Right To The Peak Roofing provides:
- Free detailed estimates
- Financing options
- Insurance claim assistance
- 10-year workmanship warranty
Call (587) 224-6494 for your free consultation and estimate.
Remember: Your roof is your home’s first defense against Calgary’s extreme weather. Professional installation ensures decades of reliable protection.
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About Joe Petrash
Owner of Right To The Peak Roofing with over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. Committed to educating homeowners about proper roof maintenance and protection.
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