Raising the roof: Prices, materials, labour shortages

We all need a roof over our head, as the saying goes. And if that’s not the shingle reason to look into whether your roof needs to be redone, some other numbers might be reason enough to truss your instincts and plan ahead.

According to the 2021 Census of Population, there were nearly 37 million Canadians living in nearly 15 million private dwellings in Canada occupied by usual residents.

Every year, many dwellings need to have their roofs replaced, given that a typical shingled roof lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Some tile, concrete and metal options last longer, but all of them must face harsh Canadian weather conditions!

So, how many roofs are there? Data from the Canadian Housing Statistics Program indicate that, in 2020, there were over 1.4 million residential properties (of all types) in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia built from 1991 to 2005. A considerable proportion of those properties might just need a new roof this year.

More companies, but not enough labour

In December 2022, there were 8,506 roofing contractors across Canada, up from 8,392 in June 2022 and from 8,272 in December 2021. Contractors in this industry also treat roofs (i.e., spraying, painting or coating), install skylights and do repairs.

Despite the increase in the number of businesses, contractors are always looking for help. There were 2,715 job vacancies for roofers and shinglers in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2022, with an average offered hourly wage of $30.30.

There were 4,935 unfilled positions for roofers and shinglers in the second quarter (April to June) of 2022, an all-time high and more than double the 1,970 vacant positions in the same quarter of 2015. Job vacancies are typically highest in the second and third quarters, a reflection of the seasonality of the industry.

Made-in-Canada materials

In March 2022, Canadian manufacturers produced a record monthly high of nearly 4.4 million metric bundles of asphalt shingles. More recently, in March 2023, nearly 3.5 million metric bundles were produced and over 2.2 million were shipped. In a typical month, more product is produced than shipped.

A total of nearly 39.4 million metric bundles were manufactured in 2022, up slightly from nearly 39.1 million in 2021.

Other asphalt roofing products produced in Canada include modified mineral surface roofing, organic felt roll, modified base sheet roll roofing and ice and water protective rolls.

Slate roofing products are one of several products produced by the broader non-metallic mineral product manufacturing industry, as well as paving blocks and a variety of stone products. Metal roofing products are produced by the fabricated metal product manufacturing subsector.

Imports

In 2022, Canada imported nearly 362.7 million kilograms of asphalt shingles and 382,063 kilograms of aluminum roofing, both down from 2021.

The 22,942 square metres of slate (for roofing and products such as billiard tables) imported into Canada in 2022 were up from 2021.

Costs are through the roof

Prices for prepared asphalts (including roofing and saturated felts) manufactured in Canada were up by 26.4% in July 2022 on a year-over-year basis.

As of April 2023, prices for these materials were 41.7% higher than in January 2020 and 9.1% higher on a year-over-year basis. 

In April 2023, Canadian homeowners paid 8.4% more year-over-year for maintenance and repairs, a category that includes roofing services. In July 2022, the yearly increase was 7.4%.