Roofing Guides
Straight answers to your roofing questions
Practical advice from 20+ years of roofing in Toronto, from choosing a material to dealing with a leak.
Choosing a roof
How long does a roof last in Toronto?Typical lifespans for asphalt shingle, cedar, slate, copper, zinc and flat roofs in Toronto, and what shortens or extends them.Read the guide →3-tab, architectural or designer shingles: which should you choose?The differences between 3-tab, architectural and designer asphalt shingles, including thickness, wind and ice resistance, look and warranty.Read the guide →Copper or zinc: which metal roof is right for your home?How copper and zinc roofs compare on lifespan, appearance, finishes and uses, from full roofs to bay windows, awnings and eavestroughs.Read the guide →TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen: choosing a flat roofThe three main flat roofing membranes used in Toronto, how they differ, and what to think about if you want to use your flat roof as a deck or garden.Read the guide →
Repairs & maintenance
What causes ice dams, and how do you prevent them?Why ice dams form on Toronto roofs, the damage they cause, and the steps that prevent them, from insulation and ventilation to clean eavestroughs.Read the guide →Your roof is leaking. What should you do first?Step-by-step advice for the first hours after a roof leak: protecting your home, staying safe, documenting damage and getting a proper repair.Read the guide →How often should you inspect your roof and clean your eavestroughs?A simple seasonal roof maintenance schedule for Toronto homes, what a roof inspection looks for, and what you can safely check yourself from the ground.Read the guide →
Planning a project
Should you repair your roof or replace it?How to decide between repairing and replacing a roof, the warning signs that a roof is near the end of its life, and what we look at during an assessment.Read the guide →What happens during a roof replacement?The roof replacement process from free inspection to written warranty, how long it takes, how your property is protected and how payment works.Read the guide →How do you restore a heritage roof without losing its character?How heritage roof restoration works for older Toronto homes, churches and institutions, using matching slate, cedar and copper to preserve the original look.Read the guide →
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Do you work on Saturdays?
Yes, our crews work most Saturdays, weather permitting. Our office is open Monday to Friday. On a Saturday you can send a request through this website or leave a voicemail and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. For urgent matters, use the emergency option on our phone line and a member of our team will help you promptly.
What areas do you serve?
Toronto, Etobicoke and the Greater Toronto Area, including Forest Hill, Rosedale, The Kingsway, Mississauga, Oakville, Woodbridge and more. See our service areas.
What types of roofing do you specialize in?
Asphalt shingles, cedar, slate, copper, zinc, flat roofing systems and custom luxury roofing. We also do repairs, replacements and maintenance.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes, estimates are free for every project. We inspect your roof, explain your options and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.
Are you insured and certified?
Yes. Royal York Roofing is fully licensed and insured, covered by WSIB, and our roofers are trained professionals with years of residential and commercial experience.
How quickly can you start?
It depends on the weather, material availability and the size of the project. For urgent repairs we aim to respond promptly, often within 24 hours.
Do you handle emergency roof repairs?
Yes. We provide emergency roof repair across Toronto and the GTA for leaks, storm damage and other urgent problems.
Do you repair chimneys?
Yes. We do chimney repairs, tuckpointing, chimney cap replacement and waterproofing.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements in Toronto and Etobicoke take 2 to 10 days, depending on the size of the home, the roofing material and the weather.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Every project comes with our written workmanship warranty, of up to 15 years depending on the material, plus the manufacturer's material warranty. See our warranty.
How does financing work?
Pay 10% when you sign, 30% when the job is complete, and the remaining 60% in six equal monthly payments. See financing.
Book your free estimate
We inspect your roof, explain your options and give you a written, no-obligation quote.