Need a roofer in Essex? We match Essex homeowners with insured, WSIB-covered roofing contractors who work your area every week for shingle replacement, metal roofs, flat roofs, leak repair and storm damage. Describe your roof once and get a free inspection and written quote.
Lake wind, hail and freeze-thaw wear out roofs in Essex faster than the shingle warranty suggests. The roofers we match know what holds up locally and will quote the right underlayment, ice and water shield coverage and ventilation for your home, not a generic package.
Open farmland leaves Essex roofs fully exposed to wind from every direction, and Colchester lakefront homes face Lake Erie squalls directly. Farmhouses and barns often need steel roofing, and century homes in Harrow and Essex Centre may have several old layers.
Essex Centre and Harrow have late-1800s and early-1900s main-street homes surrounded by 1950s to 1990s bungalows and newer subdivisions. Colchester and Oxley on Lake Erie are a mix of cottages and newer waterfront homes exposed to wind and bluff erosion. The rest of the Town of Essex is rural: century farmhouses, hobby farms and newer country homes on large lots, nearly all on septic systems and wells. Clay soil, open wind exposure and distance from suppliers shape most trades work here.
Roofing jobs we arrange in Essex
- ▸Asphalt shingle roof replacement
- ▸Metal roofing (standing seam and metal shingle)
- ▸Flat roof replacement (modified bitumen, TPO, EPDM) for additions and garages
- ▸Leak detection and repair
- ▸Storm, wind and hail damage repair with insurance documentation
- ▸Flashing, chimney and skylight resealing or replacement
- ▸Roof decking and plywood replacement
- ▸Attic ventilation upgrades (ridge vents, soffit vents)
- ▸Ice dam prevention and ice and water shield installation
- ▸Eavestrough, fascia and soffit replacement
- ▸Roof inspections for home purchases and insurance
- ▸Emergency tarping after storm damage
Typical costs in Essex (2026)
Ballpark ranges from recent local jobs. Your quote depends on the scope, materials and access. Get an exact number with a free quote.
| Job | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle replacement, bungalow (approx. 1,500 sq ft roof area) | $7,500 – $13,500 | Architectural shingles, tear-off of one layer, ice and water shield at eaves, new underlayment and vents. |
| Asphalt shingle replacement, two-storey (approx. 2,500 sq ft roof area) | $12,000 – $22,000 | Steep pitch, multiple layers, valleys and dormers push the top end. |
| Metal roof, standing seam (approx. 1,800 sq ft) | $28,000 – $55,000 | Metal shingle systems are typically 20 to 30 percent less than standing seam. |
| Flat roof replacement (modified bitumen or TPO, 500-800 sq ft) | $5,500 – $13,000 | Insulation upgrades and wet decking replacement are the usual extras. |
| Roof leak repair (flashing, pipe boot, small shingle section) | $400 – $1,500 | Chimney reflashing and skylight replacement are $1,200 to $4,000. |
| Plywood decking replacement (per 4x8 sheet, during a reroof) | $90 – $160 | Century homes with plank decking may need full sheeting over the planks, $2,500 to $6,000 extra. |
| Eavestrough, soffit and fascia replacement (average bungalow) | $3,000 – $7,500 | Aluminum is standard. Leaf guards add $1,000 to $2,500. |
| Emergency tarping after storm damage | $350 – $900 | Often reimbursed by your insurer as emergency mitigation. Keep the invoice. |
Ready to get quotes in Essex?
Tell us about the job in about 2 minutes. We'll match you with a vetted local pro and you'll hear back fast. Free, no obligation.
Neighbourhoods we serve in Essex
Small-town centre of the county: Essex Centre, historic Harrow, Lake Erie shoreline at Colchester and farm country in between.. Our partner pros regularly work in Essex Centre, Harrow, Colchester, McGregor, Gesto, Oxley, Paquette Corners, Talbot Street corridor.
Roofing in Essex: FAQs
How much does a roof replacement cost in Essex?
In 2026, an asphalt shingle roof on a typical Essex bungalow runs $7,500 to $13,500, and a two-storey home $12,000 to $22,000. Metal roofs run $28,000 to $55,000. Steep pitch, multiple old layers and rotten decking add to the price. Get at least two written quotes.
Can I get emergency roof repair in Essex after a storm?
Yes. Our matched roofers offer emergency tarping and repairs in Essex, usually within 24 to 48 hours of a major wind or hail event. Keep your tarping invoice, as insurers typically reimburse emergency mitigation.
How long does a roof replacement take in Essex?
Most Essex homes are reroofed in one to three days once materials are on site. Complex two-storey roofs, metal installations and decking replacement can stretch to a week. Weather delays are common in spring and late fall.
How long does a shingle roof last in Windsor-Essex?
Expect 18 to 25 years from architectural asphalt shingles, less than the 30 years on the package. Lake wind, hail, humid heat and repeated freeze-thaw cycles all shorten shingle life here. South- and west-facing slopes age fastest. Metal roofs last 40 to 60 years.
Can I put new shingles over the old ones?
The Ontario Building Code allows a second layer in some cases, but almost no reputable Windsor roofer recommends it. You cannot inspect or replace damaged decking, the roof traps heat, and the weight on an older home is a concern. Many homes in Walkerville and Sandwich Town already have two layers and need a full tear-off.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Windsor?
Not for a like-for-like reshingle. You do need a permit if you are changing the structure, adding skylights or dormers, or changing the roof covering in a way that changes the load (for example, adding a heavy tile roof). Your contractor should know and handle this.
Will my insurance cover storm damage?
Sudden wind and hail damage is usually covered under a standard Ontario homeowner policy, subject to your deductible. Gradual wear, neglected maintenance and old age are not. Take photos as soon as it is safe, get the roof tarped to prevent further damage, and ask the roofer for a written damage report before you call your insurer. Be wary of anyone offering to waive your deductible, which is a common storm-chaser tactic.