Choosing the Right Roofing Supplies Suitable for Northern Ontario's Unique Climate
Ever notice how some roofs in the neighbourhood look worn out after just a few years of being installed, while others seem to shrug off decades of brutal weather? That's no accident. Up here, where winter doesn't just visit but practically moves in for half the year, your roof takes a beating like nowhere else.
The search for dependable northern Ontario roofing supplies often starts after that first alarming leak or suspicious water stain. By then, you're already playing catch-up against the elements. Smart homeowners know better—they plan before water starts finding its way indoors at the worst possible moment.
What Makes Northern Ontario So Tough on Roofs?
Anyone who's lived through a few seasons up here knows our roofs face challenges that southern building materials just weren't designed to handle:
Those wild temperature swings where it might be -35°C in February and then cooking at +30°C by July
Snow that doesn't just fall but accumulates, creating a crushing weight that can exceed 2-3 feet in depth
Those nasty freeze-thaw cycles in spring that work tiny cracks into major problems
Summer storms that can hurl branches and debris with surprising force
Sunshine that might seem welcome but slowly cooks asphalt shingles for months on end
Cheaper materials might look identical to premium products on day one, but give them 18 months of Northern Ontario weather and the truth becomes painfully obvious—usually right when the warranty paperwork has gone missing.
Which Materials Hold Up?
Asphalt Shingles: Not All Created Equal
Plenty of local homes use asphalt shingles, and they can work well enough if you choose carefully:
Skip the entry-level products entirely—they're a false economy in our climate.
Look for "architectural" or "dimensional" shingles rated above 130 km/h wind resistance.
Ask specifically about cold-weather installation ratings (many standard shingles become brittle below certain temperatures)
Check for impact resistance (Class 3 or 4) if you're in an area with hail concerns.
That bargain pallet at the big box store down south might seem tempting, but those shingles often crack during their first -20°C cold snap, leaving you with a patchy roof and contractor bills that dwarf your initial "savings."
Metal Roofing: The Northern Favourite for a Reason
Drive around any established Northern Ontario community and you'll spot more metal roofs every year. There's a good reason for that trend:
They shed snow instead of holding it (which prevents those alarming ice dams that cause most winter leaks)
Most will still be protecting homes when today's newborns have grandkids
Available in styles that won't make your home look like a warehouse or barn
Won't fuel a wildfire—a genuine concern for homes near wooded areas
Some can go right over existing shingles, saving teardown costs and landfill fees
Yes, metal costs more upfront—roughly double what basic asphalt runs. But amortize that over its 50+ year lifespan versus replacing asphalt every 15-20 years (optimistically), and the math suddenly favours metal. Not to mention avoiding the hassle of more frequent replacements.
Cedar Shakes: Pretty but Demanding
Those gorgeous cedar shake roofs turn heads, but they're high-maintenance partners in our climate:
Need professional-grade treatments against moisture, beetles and rot
Require regular cleaning to prevent moss that traps dampness
Can't be installed during wet or freezing conditions
Need specialized knowledge that not every local roofer possesses
Beautiful? Absolutely. Practical for most Northern Ontario homeowners? That's debatable unless you're committed to their upkeep.
Beyond the Surface: The Hidden Heroes
Ask any contractor who fixes leak-damaged homes what went wrong, and they'll rarely blame just the shingles. It's the supporting cast that often fails first:
Ice and Water Shield: Your Winter Insurance Policy
This rubberized membrane might be invisible once the roof is finished, but it's what stands between you and thousands in water damage when ice dams form:
It belongs anywhere water might back up—at minimum 6 feet up from all eaves
Should line every valley where runoff concentrates
Must wrap generously around chimneys, vents and skylights
Skipping this or using the minimum code requirement is penny-wise but pound-foolish in our freeze-thaw cycles.
Ventilation: The Overlooked Essential
A surprising number of roof failures start from the inside out when trapped moisture and heat destroy decking:
Ridge vents let hot, humid air escape at the peak
Soffit vents draw fresh air in from the eaves
Together they create airflow that prevents summer heat buildup and winter condensation
A properly ventilated attic space can extend shingle life by years and prevent hidden rot that can turn a simple re-roofing job into a structural rebuild.
Underlayment & Fasteners: The Quiet Performers
Modern synthetic underlayments make the traditional felt paper look like tissue paper:
They don't tear when workers walk on them or when winds pick up during installation
Can handle exposure to rain or snow if your installation gets delayed
Resist wrinkling that creates pathways for water
Similarly, the right fasteners—ring-shank nails or specialized screws—stay put during our extreme temperature changes while standard varieties gradually back out of their holes.
Making Your Final Selection
When you're finally standing in front of all those roofing options, consider:
Your specific location (lake-effect snow areas need different considerations than sheltered valleys)
How your home sits on its lot (north-facing slopes see radically different conditions than south-facing ones)
Your long-term plans (investing in premium materials makes more sense for forever homes)
The real budget consideration: is lifetime cost, not purchase price
Quality roofing materials installed correctly aren't just about keeping the rain out—they're about sleeping soundly during howling January blizzards and avoiding emergency repairs when contractors are booked solid.
Remember: in Northern Ontario, your roof isn't just another component of your home—it's your first and most important defence against some genuinely challenging weather. Choose accordingly, and those elements will stay where they belong: outside your home.
